Angie Meeker designs.

So often when I talk with clients about to get a new website, they are confused about what it takes to start. Just this week, a client said to me, “I had a friend tell me I needed to find a server and get a domain, but I don’t know what any of that is or how to do that.” Here is a simple illustration of the four basic components of every website.

1. Like a house, your website needs land to sit on. This “land” is called hosting. A host gives you the space on the internet to store the files that will be your website. Your space and files are stored on that company’s server (a heavy duty computer). Most often, a host will also sell you a domain, too. We recommend GoDaddy hosting.
2. Your domain (www.yourwebsite.com) is like your street address. It tells people where to find your house.
3. Your website IS your house. It’s where you invite your friends to come visit. A good website is just like a house. It will encourage your guests to stay a while and talk with you.
4. And of course, your mailbox. Email is like your mailbox. Your email should match your domain, just like your mailing address matches your street address. You@yourwebsite.com is better than using You@someothersite.com.

If you do not already have hosting, we can set up your hosting account with our recommended provider, GoDaddy.com. A basic hosting package is $75 a year, and includes your domain, hosting, matching email accounts, and more. If you plan to accept payments directly on your site (rather than through a simple PayPal link), you will also need a SSL Certificate (approx. $35 a year). This ensures that all payment information transmitted is kept secure.