When you first get started it can all seem very confusing.  This is especially true if you don’t consider yourself very tech-oriented.  Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to get started hosting websites these days.  You’ll feel like an old pro in no time.

The first thing you need to do is chose a web host.  There are many of them out there; all serving different purposes at different prices points.  Generally, most people will want to get hosting on what is called a shared server.  That is just a fancy name that means many other people also have their hosting on the same “block” you do.  It makes things less expensive for you when you first get started.

Some popular options are:

• HostGator
• Bluehost
• 1and1
• Dreamhost

When you go to these different web hosts you’ll find that they list several different packages that you can choose from.  These are all different prices that increase with the amount of space you need, the number of domain names you have, and so on.  Most people can choose the smallest plan to start out with.

Actually, the cost for hosting at even the highest package levels are usually less than people expect them to be.  New technology really has put website hosting into the hands of many.  That’s why you should definitely get started with your own as soon as you can.  There is really nothing to lose with prices as low as $6 per month.

Another great thing about hosting these days is that many of them contain what is called cPanel.  Your cPanel is your control center that your host sets up for you to access everything related to your hosting.  You can add on new domains that you buy, upload and download files to and from your web sites, and even do one click installs of free open source software.

If you want to start a blog you definitely want to make sure your host has Fantastico.  This is a little blue smiley face you’ll see once you’re inside of your cPanel.  You can install WordPress and other blogging software with ease.  There is definitely no need to feel like you need a degree in computer science, since really anyone can get started.

As soon as you buy your hosting package the company will work on putting it together for you.  Many hosts will also start out by offering you a free domain name and setting it up for you.  This is a great way to make sure you don’t have any issues pointing the DNS of your domain to the right host; you can ease yourself into that as you become more familiar with creating websites.

It’s a good thing that web hosts allow you to have many domain names these days because creating sites can get very addicting.  It’s never been so easy to get started with your own websites as it is today.  It’s also so inexpensive that it’s a no-brainer to want to get started.

There are domain names everywhere.  Do you have any favorite sites?  The chances are that you type in their domain name in order to get to the right page.

Some popular examples of domain names include:

• www.Google.com
• www.Amazon.com
• www.CNN.com

When you know you want to head to any of those websites, you type their domain name into your web browser.

You can get your own domain name too!  It’s actually a lot easier than you think.  There are many different services to choose from.  The good news is that you can buy your very own domain name for under $10.

First things first, you need to know how to go about choosing your domain name.  Your name is something that should stick with people so they remember how to get to your site.  It’s also helpful to think about how your domain name will show up in a search engine like Google.  The better your domain name, the more traffic (or, site visitors) you will get.

Here are the steps to choosing a domain name:

1. Why do you want the name in the first place?  Is it for a hobby, business, personal blog, celebrity or TV show fan site?  The name you choose should reflect its purpose.

2. Do you want the search engines to “understand” what your site is about?  When you do a search in Google you type in what is called a keyword.  Google then pulls up WebPages that are related to the keyword you’ve typed.  Sometimes, registering a domain name that is similar to the keyword can help you show up higher in the search engines (which is a very good thing!).  So, if you are creating a site about doll clothes you might purchase the domain, www.awesomedollclothes.com

3. Do you mind if your domain name has a .com, .net, .org or other extension?  These are called “Top Level Domains” and can make a difference.  If you can register a .com it is usually better since that is what people remember the most.  The others are just fine, and you might have to get one of the others if someone else has already bought the one you really wanted.

After you’ve chosen your perfect domain name, it’s time to register it. There are many different places where you can register your domain.  Many of these have very good service, so your choice might come down to where you can get the best deal.

Here are some options:

• GoDaddy
• Namecheap
• Dynadot
• Yahoo Domains

After you register your domain name it will show up in your domain account.  After that you will need to have the domain name point to your web host so your website can show up.  This is called changing the DNS settings, and your domain registrar will have detailed instructions on how to do that.

Buying your first domain name is a very exciting process.  You’ll finally have your own place on the web!  It’s also easier and cheaper than you think, so get started today.