Free Website Creation Tutorial For Beginners

Click to download book (zip file) or click to view PDF.

You have just stumbled upon a beginner-friendly, comprehensive site that will teach you the basics so you can create your first website.

And what's even better is there is no web design or technical experience needed unless you really want to learn the basics of HTML, CSS, PHP etc.

Begin here for a quick overview of how to start your site.

Start your site today!

Reserve Your Domain Name (AnySite.com)

Your domain name is like the home of your website. Take your time with this step because the name you choose becomes part of your brand.

Also, try to choose a name that is short enough so you can get matching usernames for Twitter, YouTube and other Social Media accounts. Branding is everything -- don't rush this step!

Check out these domain registration tips and discover how to get a free guide to help you start your website. Also learn how to get a domain name for only $1.99.

Select Your Web Hosting Company

The web host is the company that houses your site and provides you with space to create web pages, any scripts you can install (forums, shopping carts, blogging, etc.), email addresses, security and so much more.

Hosting companies can overwhelm you with their features, but the majority of them offer the same services. Always start with the cheapest monthly plan because upgrading later is very easy.

Click here to learn more about web hosting.

Start Building!

How you create your site will depend on the kind you want to make. For example, if you want to create a blog, you can take advantage of the built-in templates that come with the blogging (WordPress) platform.

No coding experience is necessary. All you do is search for the theme you want to use, activate it, make your customizations and your website is ready to go.

Not sure about the difference between blogs and regular websites? Click here to learn more.

What Kind of Site Do You Want?

There are so many different types of websites you can create. From ecommerce, membership to content sites, etc. Find out the best way to approach your future site. Click here for details on different kinds of websites you can create.

Consider Creating a Niche Website

Niche websites focus on a narrow market. So instead of making a website about something generic like skin care, you may choose to narrow it down to getting rid of acne, or managing eczema.

The more defined your target market is, the easier it will be to engage your audience and sell products to them.

You start by taking time to find a "profitable niche" and build a very useful content-rich website that caters to the audience you've defined.

Once your site is up and running you can monetize it by selling ad space or your own products, joining affiliate programs, and more.

This is the way I've been earning a living since 2006. Learn more about building niche websites here.

Static HTML vs. Dynamic Websites

There are basically two kinds of websites you can create.

1) Static HTML (Content is uploaded and displayed "as is")

2) Dynamic (WordPress, Joomla, etc.) Dynamic means information is pulled from a database so you can display your website content by date, category, etc. Think blogs.

Static HTML sites are not that popular these days. In order to create them, you have to learn HTML, use templates or buy some kind of software like Dreamweaver, Artisteer, etc.

In 2004, WordPress revolutionized the way we build websites because there is no software to buy. You simply install the WordPress script from your web host, launch the admin panel, choose a theme design and begin writing your content.

Because WordPress is dynamic, you can add functionality very easily using plugins. These are scripts (many of them are free) that you install to help you do so many things (collect visitor feedback, build surveys, add social media icons, and more.)

No longer do you have to spend time uploading complicated scripts just to add shopping carts, comments, and all other kinds of functionality to your website.

Read more about the difference between static and blog sites here.

Using WordPress to Build Your Site

At first, WordPress was best for blog-like websites where content is arranged by date and category.

Now it's just as easy to use WordPress for traditional websites because you can easily change your main menu to point to appropriate content/pages.

What's cool about this platform is you will have access to a variety of templates you can choose from, so building your website is a breeze.

And when you're ready to change designs, just choose another theme and your site will update instantly!

Here's a quick overview of how to get started with WordPress.

You can get the full tutorial here.

How Long Will Website Success Take?

This is one of the most common questions I receive about the creation and success of a website and it's also the most difficult to answer.

The time it takes will depend completely on YOU and how long it takes you to learn how to market your site. It will vary from person to person for a variety of different reasons.

If you were running an offline store, you would never expect to know how long before you sell 100 donuts right? The same applies to the online world. There is no way to predict how quickly you will get the traffic you need to succeed with your site.

Read this article for more details.

A CLASSIC Website Mistake

Don't fall into the trap of being so focused on the money that your site fails to connect with real people.

1) Will your site solve problems better than the competition?

2) What kind of person will it cater to?

3) Why would someone come to your site instead of an already-established site on the same topic? In other words, what is your unique angle or spin?

For example, if it's a content site, this is the impression you want to leave...

In other words, you want to create a unique experience that helps people connect with your content in ways the competition doesn't.

If you want to create a successful site, you have to understand the importance of connecting with human beings instead of just building a site with words on a page.

There are enough wikipedia-like websites on the Net today. Aim to be different, fresh and over deliver your content.

Click here to prevent a common website mistake.

The Free Website Warning

I am often asked about creating free websites. Sorry, but you won't find recommendations here.

Not only does the web address look unprofessional (freesite.yoursite.com), but you will be very limited to what you can do with your site.

Free sites are also very risky because you don't own your content. So if the company decides to shut down, guess what happens to your content?

Yep. Right down the drain.

Many people make the mistake of starting off free with the intention of moving to a paid host later. The problem is, the process of moving to another host can be a royal pain, so you might as well do it right the first time.

Not convinced yet? Read why I believe free websites are bad.

Also, check out my article that discusses more common mistakes people make with building websites today.

Want to Earn Money From Your Site?

My podcast is for those looking to take their websites to the next level and earn some cash.

Since you are creating a website, you might as well make money from it right?

In my podcast, you'll get the latest and greatest tips on website management and strategies for generating an income from your website.

The best part is, it's completely FREE and a great way to get my tips while you're on the go.

Listen and subscribe here!

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