Which comes first, the website or the web host?
I’m starting a clothing retail website, but I’m new to this and don’t quite understand it all yet. I’m planning on using FrontPage to build the website, but should I sign onto a web host first? If so, how do I know the amount of space I need? Any kind of help would be wonderful!
Tagged with: retail website • web host
Filed under: How to Web Host
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I’d sign up w/the webhost first. They’ll have tools to help w/web design. You may even have to use their preformatted designs. By working with them, they should be able to help you understand the size needs. This will depend on the number of items you’ll be selling, anticipated number of orders and so forth.
If you’re a computer person, then you can certainly host this yourself. The webserver software can be found at:
http://httpd.apache.org
Apache is free.
osCommerce is a widely used storefront with many modifications available, and alot of support thru their forums. You can also hire help if needed in design and so forth.
http://www.oscommerce.com
Web addresses can be picked up at various places. I’ve used:
http://www.dyndns.com
for years. They can also provide dns services and email services.
Good luck on your venture!
You can build/design your pages first and save them locally, then look into hosting and, when you find someone you want to host your pages, then you can look into having them hosted.
First I would NOT use Frontpage… it inserts unnecessary code that will bloat your website.
You can design a site and view it locally without having a host.
The steps I would take are:
1. Come up with a web site layout plan and specific goals as to what your site will have on it and what features it needs.
2. Determine domain name and if it is available.
3. Purchase a hosting package that will accommodate your needs.
4. Purchase domain name and assign the appropriate name servers from your web host.
5. Complete your site design and upload to your host.
If you are planning on selling items you will need an ecommerce site or you can set it up with an external shopping cart like paypal or yahoo to name a couple.
As a designer myself you will not need to get a hosting plan first. Most hosting companies these days give youmore then enough for a cheap price. For example the hosting company I use is ipowerweb.com they offer great hosting for under 100 a year plus they will pay for ur domain name free and renew it for free every year when you renew ur hosting.
So in short design first then worry about hosting after. Email me if u have anyother questions.
You’ll want to get these things rolling before starting design
1. Register Domain Name (Perferably with the web host you choose)
2. Find a host
When choosing a host there are a few questions you’ll need to ask yourself
1. "Will I need database functionality?"
2. If yes, "What kind of database, SQL, MySQL, MS Access, etc…?"
3. "How much traffic do I expect?" (Traffic being the number of people you expect to visit your site, it will determine the bandwidth you’ll need.)
4. "Will my site be graphic intensive?" (You’ll need more storage for more pictures.)
5. "Will I be processing payments myself?" (If yes, you’ll need an SSL certificate to make your site secure.)
There’s more to ask and honestly as a professional, I would suggest biting the bullet and hiring someone to design your site for you. People are more likely to purchase from your site if it looks "professional". That and you can easily get in WAY over your head without knowing it at the start.
Webhosting and Domain registration comes first so that none takes ur domain and den webdesigning….
IM me or talk to sales representative of kohli hosting..
I am with Kohli Hosting http://www.kohlihosting.com/ don’t face any problem!!!
Its $20 per year!!!!!
The webhost must come first.
http://www.getawebpage.net
That site lists some of the top web hosting companies. I really like Startlogic & Bluehost
I will recommend you to draft your overall plan for your website and see what types of requirement you need for a hosting package.
- Storage?
- Budget?
- Daily and Monthly traffic?
- Database requirement?
If you are looking for small hosting package, I would recommend Exabytes which I am using now. Currently I am using the EBIZ1 package which provide 10GB storage and start with as low as $3.65 only which you need to subscribe it for 2 years.
Hope the above information will help you ?