Step 1 - Register a Domain

Before you start a website you will need a domain name and a place to host it.

How to Choose a domain name

Once you have an idea for the name of the site you will need to see if the name is available. Pretty much all of the hosting sites offer domain registration. You will be offered a range of domain extensions .com, .co.uk, .net .org etc. Having a play on their systems to find the right name and suffix is a great way to firm up your ideas.
N.b.

  • The name shouldn't be too long.
  • The Name should be memorable.
  • Try to avoid miss-spelt names.
  • Once you have a name, act fast to register it.
  • Don't put hyphens in the name
  • If you can get .com this is the most credible.
  • Don't get suckered in by a cheap domain name. Check the renewal costs as well.

What Does Hosting a Website Mean?

Hosting a site means a remote computer somewhere in the world that stores and shares your website. If you think of the internet as a giant room full of millions of filing cabinets with millions of drawers and in those drawers millions of files - your website will be one of those files.
N.b.

  • DO NOT be persuaded by a free email account promise for year 1 that then becomes a subscription service later.
  • SSL encryption is a must - check annual renewal costs!

Select a Host

There are countless site hosts all with their own plans and charges. All of whom will offer pretty much the same thing. The object of this exercise is to find value for money along with simplicity of use. I have listed a few hosting providers that offer good starter packages. The first on the list is NameSilo. They are the domain Registrar and host that I have used for this site. The pricing seemed to be very competitive and I was up and running very quickly.

List of Recommended Domain Hosts.
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