Unfortunately, starting a website is not free. You can use web sites such as Google sites for a basic website. The problem with using services such as Google sites is the domain name. If you want your site to be domainname.com you will have to register that site. If you use Google sites your domain name may be domainname.googlesites.com
Step 1: Register a domain
Several options exist for registering your domain. You can either register a domain with one company and host with another company or you can do a hosting deal. I currently use Dynadot to register my domain. Dynadot sells domains anywhere from $3 to $30 (depending on the domain extension) and also offers hosting for $1 a month.
Please use referral code 7n9F7S9R7U8FHm if you register with Dynadot. Expect to pay around $9 for a domain.
List of other hosting companies
A few of the commonly used domain extensions.
.com
.net
.org
.info
.us
Step 2: Find a hosting company
You could run a website off your computer, but then both your internet connection and visitor's speed will be slow. I can actually run a website off my iPhone :) The most realistic method to have a website is to find a hosting company. I use Webhostingpad which provides a cheap and easy way to host your website.
Step 3: Design your website
Your best bet will be to learn web design. HTML is the most basic method to create a website. To begin with, you may want to create a basic HTML page and constantly improve it until you are familiar with the language. Then you can move on to JavaScript and CSS. In my opinion, the best web design language is PHP. Only certain hosting companies will allow PHP. (Dynadot does not allow it, Webhostingpad does). Once you are familiar with HTML, JavaScript and CSS you should move on to PHP. One of the best methods to learn a Web Design language is to look at the source of existing web features and figure out how it works. You could create a folder called "my website" or something similar to organize your website. Once you create a website you are ready to upload it. Free and very useful learning resource
Step 4: Uploading your website
Find out the ftp (file transfer protocol) information from your hosting company. After you have this information you need to use an ftp program. I would suggest FileZilla, an easy to use tool that allows you to quickly access and configure your site.
Quick Tip: Never use popups. Many websites unnecessarily use popups to gather information or present advertisements.
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