How to get online
There are three steps to get started:
Register a domain name
Registering can be done through a registrar. The usual subscription term is two years.
Selecting an appropriate name enables you to effectively promote your business online. It can also determine how easily visitors can locate your site.
NB: Watch out for 'exit transfer fees' some companies charge when you wish to leave that registrar or host.
Registering can be done through a registrar. The usual subscription term is two years.
Selecting an appropriate name enables you to effectively promote your business online. It can also determine how easily visitors can locate your site.
NB: Watch out for 'exit transfer fees' some companies charge when you wish to leave that registrar or host.
Build your website
There are three main ways to do this:
There are three main ways to do this:
- Use a template site-building tool available from a hosting company that does not require you to know HTML coding. Or use off-the-shelf website design programs.
- Script the site yourself by learning to code.
- Employ a professional web designer, but make sure you can maintain the site yourself.
Choose a web host
A web hosting company is required to make your site available on the web. They will maintain the hardware and network that your website is stored on. Three key web hosting options are:
A web hosting company is required to make your site available on the web. They will maintain the hardware and network that your website is stored on. Three key web hosting options are:
- Entry level hosting - if you want your site to be safe, consistently running and have your technical questions answered, but also wish to keep costs low, you should consider investing in an 'entry level' plan.
- Shared hosting - modern shared hosting solutions offer a good compromise between cost, flexibility and support for popular technologies. A basic package will offer e-mail services, the ability to upload and maintain your content online, as well as a comprehensive set of administration tools and options that are accessed via a control panel.
- Dedicated hosting - if the reliability of your website is vital to your business. Additional benefits are increased speed and performance.
A hosting company should be able to talk you through the best option for your business.
Alternatively, Bristol businesses can get involved in the Bristol e-business project led by Bristol City Council. This project can help Bristol businesses take the first steps towards online trading.
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