Getting Started with Your Website

1. Create Your Domain Name

Your domain name is the address of your website—like www.yourbusinessname.com.

If you're a business, your domain should match your business name. If it's a personal site, you could use your own name. Try to keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell.

Choosing the Right Domain Extension

The domain extension is the part after the dot (e.g. .com, .co.uk). Here’s a quick guide:

.com – The most popular choice for commercial businesses. Great for reaching international audiences. Usually the most expensive.

.co.uk – Best for UK-based businesses, especially local services and trades. Often more affordable.

.net – Originally for internet and networking services, best used for tech-related businesses.

.org – Ideal for non-profits, charities, and community organisations.

You’ll find many more extensions available at lower prices, but be sure the one you choose fits the purpose of your website. Avoid choosing a domain just because it's cheap—it can affect your brand’s credibility.

According to Google, over 367 million domain names were registered by 2021. So aim for something short, unique, and brandable. 

2. Register Your Domain Name

Once you've chosen your domain, you’ll need to register it through a domain registrar (a service that manages domain ownership). This usually costs between 99p and £20 per year, depending on the domain name and extension.

To see if your domain is available, you can use a domain checker like name.com. If your ideal name is already taken, the tool will suggest alternatives.

If you’re curious about who owns a domain name that’s already taken, you can look it up at who.is to see ownership details and expiry dates. 

3. Find a Website Host

Next, you’ll need a web host—this is where your website will live online. Hosting services store your site’s content securely and make it accessible to the public.

Many providers offer domain registration, hosting, and website templates all in one package—ideal if you don’t have much web experience.

What to Look For in a Host:

• UK-based support (to avoid time zone issues)

• Good customer reviews and recommendations

• Fast loading speeds and reliable uptime

• Mobile-responsive templates

• SSL certificate included (shows your site is secure with HTTPS)

Take your time to compare options, as some hosts offer low introductory prices but higher renewal fees later. Consider your long-term needs—will your site have room to grow?

4. Add Pages and Content

Once your hosting is set up, it’s time to create your content. Most hosts provide a Content Management System (CMS) or drag-and-drop website builder with templates you can customise.

Before diving in, sketch out a rough layout of your website on paper. Plan how many pages you need (e.g. Home, About, Services, Contact) and what content goes where. This will save you time and help you stay organised.

Use high-quality images and clear, concise copy. Make sure your site reflects your brand and speaks to your ideal audience.

5. Publish Your Website

Before going live, test your site thoroughly:

• Check spelling and grammar

• Make sure all links work

• Confirm that your site looks good on desktop, tablet, and mobile screens

Once everything’s in place—hit publish!
Congratulations on launching your website.

Tip: Don’t forget to keep it updated regularly—fresh content helps keep your site relevant and improves visibility in search engines.