Have you ever wondered what it takes to set up your website online? Well, I’m here to break down the process of setting up a website from start to finish and do so in the simplest way possible.
The steps to set up a website are;
Registering a Domain
The internet just like the world is a very big place. It can be very difficult to find what you are looking for if you don’t know where it is. You need something like an address that tells you exactly where what you are looking for is located. This is what is called a domain. This is what you type in your browser to go to a particular website e.g. www.yourcompany. (com,.org, co.ke, etc.). For a user to find your website, you need a domain that points them to your website. To avoid two websites having the same domain, all domains are registered in a unified global registry. A domain registrar is responsible for giving you a unique domain for your website. Registrars usually charge an annual fee to register and secure a domain for you. This is the first step to getting your website online.
Getting Hosting
Now that you have a unique location for your website i.e. a domain, you need space to store your website files i.e., pictures, video, text e.tc. The same way you need land to build your house is the same reason you need hosting for your website. Hosting is space in a computer that is connected to the internet 24/7 and does not shut down called a server. To get hosting, you need to buy it from a hosting company. These companies provide hosting in a variety of sizes called packages. The bigger the hosting package, the higher the cost. Purchase a hosting package that is suitable for your needs at that moment. Don’t worry, you can always upgrade your hosting package if you run out of space.
Golden Tip: Most companies that provide hosting also do domain registration and will give you an option to purchase both the domain and hosting at the same time.
C-panel Details
Once you successfully purchase your domain and hosting, the hosting company will send you an email to your registered email address with some details. These details will include a login link, username and password to your hosting control panel shortened as c-panel. KEEP THEM! You will need them when setting up your website later.
Web Development
You now have your domain and hosting and you still don’t have your website yet. Now what? This is where you make a decision. Do you set up your website alone (DIY) or do you hire someone to help you do it? The choice is entirely yours. This process is what is referred to as web design and development.
In summary
To get your website online, you need to first purchase your domain. This is the address that helps users locate your website online. Next, you need to purchase your hosting. This is where you will store your website files. And finally set-up your website by yourself or hire a professional web designer or company to do it for you.
