The first thing you must do is
to select a website provider. There are several FREE website providers
listed on this disk, all of which can be accessed through the
Master Index. You can choose one, or several, however I strongly
suggest you START with just one. These providers are not going
anywhere - you'll still be able to get more sites tomorrow, next
month, or next year. When I started this, I registered 3 sites
in ONE WEEKEND and the result was that I could not do a good job
on any of them. You MUST put some time and effort into making
your website presentable or any potential customers will soon
go somewhere else - there are far too many websites out there
who are your competitors - and they are after the same customers
you are!
When you choose your provider you
will be asked to pick a name for your site, so try to choose a
name that relates to the business you will be doing on the web.
If, for example, you are selling computers, you do not want to
name your website "Easter Eggs". Also, try to stay away
from names that could be considered controversial, or that have
a double meaning. If the name you choose is controversial, you
run the risk of having your website blocked by the "filtering
software" designed to give parents control of what their
kids see on the web. Of course, if your website relates DIRECTLY
to such things, then name it appropriately - you will get more
customers that way.
As for double meanings, they will
attract people to your website that will not be interested in
your product, and others who would be interested might stay away.
An example would be a party planning and supplies company that
names their site "Gay Parties!". While you (the webmaster)
might mean this to say "happy and fun" parties, you
will probably attract a lot of visitors who are gay or lesbian.
You can see the confusion this could create.
The next issue is disk space. Some
websites offer more of it than others. Try to get the most space
you can - it can only help you in the future. Also, check what
their policies are on advertising. Virtually all of the free websites
out there require you to place their ads on your site. Some of
them will simply put banner ads on your pages - however some of
them use "pop-up" ads which can be annoying. Choose
a provider that will not force you to use the "POP-UPS"!
Lastly, make sure you understand
their terms of service and abide by their rules. Most of them
are simple and straightforward - No adult material, no spamming,
etc. The last thing you want is to set up your site, spend hours
and hours promoting it, and then have it shut down!
