Setting Up Your Own Web Site

If you have read the section on differentiation, you realize that it is absolutely crucial to have your own domain and web site.  But many people feel they don't have the time or ability to create their own site.  Well, the good news is that you don't have to!   There are numerous templates and web development tools available that ANYONE can use successfully.

The First Step Is A Domain & Hosting Account

The price of hosting and domain names has PLUNGED in recent years, so there will be absolutely no sticker shock involved here.  The hosting service I use has been providing all my servers and hosting since I started FileStreams in late 2004.  The uptime and reliability has been flawless.....  I'm extremely impressed.   The best part is their hosting accounts start as low as $2.99 /mo. so you get alot of bang for the buck!  Plus, a domain name of your choice is included for free!

Watch this video to learn more about setting up hosting and using their web page creation tool.

Want To Edit Pages On Your Computer?

First of all, you will need an html editor such as Microsoft Front Page.  The beauty of Front Page and other wysiwyg editors is that they are as easy to use as Microsoft Word.  If you don't have an html editor you can download Nvu which is a free Open Source program that works very similar to Front Page.  After Downloading, Click Here for a demonstration of how to use it!

Why I Don't Build My Web Sites Anymore!

There are two reasons why I will never waste my time building a web site again.  First, I discovered a site called Perfectory (there are dozens of others too) where you can simply buy a pre-built web site template.  I simply chose the one that most closely represents what I am looking for and then purchase it for $50-65.  What an absolute bargain!  

The only downside is that everything is done in css, so they aren't the most user friendly for working with if you aren't used to them.  But there are plenty of tutorials online, even Front Page has css functions built right in.  If nothing else, Perfectory is at least a good place to go for ideas on how you want your site to look.  If you search around you will find the OnlineMarketingCenter template in there!

The following is how I put together this site:

After I purchase a template package, I use the homepage and discard most of the rest.  For all interior pages I just load the header images into XSite Pro and then make the left menu a complimentary color and make the footer match the header.  Then I throw in a back ground color that goes with all of it and I am finished in under 15-20 minutes.  From that point on, all I have to do is write my articles using the XSite Pro software and it automatically builds the pages for me along with full site maps.  These include a special Google Site Map that I can simply upload to Google and they will index all my pages almost instantly.

It's a little expensive to get started, but it will pay for itself the first time you use it to build a web site.  The time saved it just unbelievable, especially if you want to make a change that effects all your pages.  With this software you just pull up the template, make your change and then publish it and all your pages will be updated automatically.  I can't tell you how much I wish I would've had this software earlier in my career.