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Where to Start When Creating a Website: A Clear, No-Jargon Guide

f you’re ready to create a website for your business but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs get stuck before they even begin, not because they can’t build a website, but because no one explains the foundational pieces in a clear, straightforward way.

That’s exactly what we’re going to do here—give you the core information you need to make informed decisions without unnecessary complexity. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of what a website is, how it works, and the first steps to getting yours online.

A website isn’t just a single thing—it’s a combination of three key elements:

✔️ Domain Name – This is your website’s address (like ).
✔️ Hosting – This is where your website’s files are stored and made accessible online.
✔️ Website – This is the design, content, and structure people see when they visit.

Each of these works together to create your online presence, so let’s break them down.

Understanding Domain Names: Your Website’s Address

A domain name is one of the most important decisions you will make when creating your website. This is your website’s address—the thing people type into their browsers to visit your site. Think of it like your home address, but instead of guiding visitors to a physical location, it directs them to your website. If someone wants to find you online, this is the first thing they will type.

Choosing the right domain name is essential. It should be clear, easy to remember, and aligned with your brand. Here are the most important things to keep in mind when choosing your domain:

✔️ Keep it simple and easy to remember. The shorter and more direct, the better.
✔️ Avoid numbers, hyphens, or anything that makes it hard to type. These can confuse people and make your domain harder to remember.
✔️ Choose a .com if possible. While there are other options like .net or .co, .com is still the most recognized and widely used.
✔️ If your business name is taken, try small variations. Adding a keyword relevant to your business can help, such as “design” or “consulting.”
✔️ Register your domain as soon as possible. Domains sell fast, and once someone else buys it, you won’t be able to get it unless they’re willing to sell it to you—often at a much higher price.

Once you have a domain name in mind, you’ll need to register it. You can do this through companies like Namecheap, Google Domains, or even directly through your hosting provider.

Your domain is one of the first things people see about your business, so choose wisely. A strong domain name gives your business credibility and makes it easier for customers to find you.

Understanding Hosting: Where Your Website Lives

A domain name is just the address—your actual website files need a place to live. That’s where website hosting comes in. Hosting is a service that stores your website’s content and makes it accessible to visitors. Without hosting, your website wouldn’t be visible to the public.

When choosing a hosting provider, here are the key things to look for:

✔️ Reliability – Your site should always be available, with minimal downtime. If a host is unreliable, your website may go offline unexpectedly, which can hurt your business.
✔️ Speed – Faster websites provide a better experience for visitors. Slow-loading sites lead to frustration, which means potential customers might leave before they even see what you offer.
✔️ Security – Protection from hackers and automatic backups for peace of mind. Cybersecurity is a real concern, and a good host will have strong protections in place.
✔️ Customer Support – A good hosting provider will have helpful support in case you need assistance. If something goes wrong, you want to be able to reach a real person who can help you fix it.

There are different types of hosting plans available, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting. If you’re just starting, a shared hosting plan is often the most affordable and manageable option. As your website grows, you can upgrade to a more advanced plan for better speed and performance.

Understanding Your Website: The Visible Part of Your Online Presence

Once you have your domain and hosting set up, it’s time to create the actual website. Your website is what people see when they visit your domain, and it includes all of your pages, images, and content.

You have two main options for building your website:

1️⃣ Website Builders (Squarespace, Wix, Shopify) – These platforms provide an all-in-one solution, making it easy to build a site with drag-and-drop tools. They’re great for beginners but have limitations in customization and control.
2️⃣ Self-Hosted WordPress – This option gives you more flexibility and ownership. It does require a little more setup, but it’s highly customizable and cost-effective. Most hosting providers offer a one-click install for WordPress, making it simple to get started.

If you plan to sell digital products, offer courses, or expand your website’s capabilities in the future, WordPress is a great long-term choice.

Where to Start: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re ready to take action, here’s your starting point:

✔️ Purchase a domain name – Choose something that represents your business and is easy to remember.
✔️ Choose a hosting provider – Look for speed, security, and good customer support.
✔️ Set up WordPress (or a website builder) – Most hosting providers offer an easy setup process.
✔️ Select a theme or template – This determines the look and feel of your site.
✔️ Start adding content – Include your homepage, an “About” page, and details about your services or products.

Key Takeaways: Your Website in a Nutshell

✔️ A domain name is your website’s address. Keep it simple and easy to remember.
✔️ Hosting is where your website files are stored. Choose a provider that is fast, reliable, and secure.
✔️ Your website is what people see when they visit your domain. You can use a website builder for simplicity or WordPress for more flexibility.
✔️ Start by registering your domain, choosing hosting, and setting up your site—these are the three fundamental steps.
✔️ The right choices at the beginning will make your website easier to manage and scale as your business grows.

Creating a website doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the foundational pieces—domain, hosting, and website—you’ll feel confident in taking the first steps toward building an online presence that supports your business. Start with these basics, and you’ll be well on your way to having a website that works for you.

Do you have questions? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to help!

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