Create a Website

Want to Create a Website?

You know how to surf the web, how to use email and you are pretty good with Text Editors.

 

So what comes next? You would like to create a website. Nothing complicated, just a few page website with some text and photos. I know. You searched google and all you found was websites with »geek« words like html, php, ajax and others that put you in a bad mood. Please don't misunderstood: some technical expressions are important and necessary to understand, but we will explain them so anyone will understand.

 

We are here to teach you how to create a website the easy way. With plain words and interesting examples.

How does a website work?

Well I am sure you are using a Web Browser for reading this page. Browser takes you to any place on Internet you want by typing a URL in the address bar on the top of the screen. joomlafavicon.png

There are many browsers like Internet Explorer, Opera and Firefox. I use all of them, but most of the time I use Firefox. When you type in a web address, browser connects with web server (place where websites live) and server responds by sending desired files to the browser.

What is HTML, PHP, ASP?

Because I don't want you to be scared by these words I will tell you what you need to know. All three are computer languages. Since we will be creating a beginner website, we don't need to learn any of them. But if anyone asks you what they mean, you can tell them programmers use them for coding websites.

What is URL?

Uh! Another scary expression. URL stands for "uniform resource locator" and is nothing more and nothing less than a ordinary domain name that you type in your Web Browser. See, nothing to be afraid of.

What do I need to create a website?

You need 4 things:

Website Editor: website editor is your working space for creating a website. If you wanted to create a website from scratch, you would need a HTML editor like Adobe Dreamweaver CS3. But we will use an online editor, since we won`t do any coding. Online Editor is a piece of software that you don't need to install on your computer. You use it in your web browser. It is extremely easy to use, all you need is click and point.

Web Space: you need some space to store your web page. There are lots of hosting providers, but a beginner website doesn't really need all those extras. 50 Mb of space is enough for 90% of websites. When you buy web space, you also get your own email account.

Domain Name: domain name is a unique address of your new website. Some beginners want to save money not buying a domain name, but this is a mistake. It is very easy to obtain one and also very cheap.

Text and Photos: you will need some text for your website. You can prepare it in your Text Editor or write it directly in Online Editor. Adding Graphics to your website will make your pages more pleasant for your visitors.

How do I get started?

First you need to reserve a domain name. Registering a domain name is a simple task and only takes you 5 minutes. Once you know the name you want to register, check if its available. Don`t register it yet, because we will register it together with hosting and get a discount.

 

Need more information about choosing the right name?

 

Why buying in bundle is better for beginners?

If you buy domain name, web space and Online Builder with the same provider, there is no additional work required. Everything is prepared to start creating your website. Plus providers often give you a discount.

Get yourself a Website Tonight package

This is the best option to create a website for beginners. For a small fee you get Online Builder, Web Space, Email account and Domain name.

How to order Website Tonight with a Discount?

guide_notice.gif Note: follow these rules and you will get your domain name for only $1.99

 

  1. Go to Hosting Residence.
  2. Click on offer "Domain Names for $1.99".
    create_a_website1_domain_name_for_1_99
  3. Enter chosen domain name.
    create_a_website2_enter_domain_name
  4. If domain name is available click continue.
  5. Enter your personal information (don't worry - they have a secure page).
    create_a_website3_enter_details
  6. At Registration and Checkout options select "Customize my order" and click continue.
    create_a_website4_checkout_options
  7. At Customization screen add Website Tonight.
    create_a_website5_website_tonight
  8. Proceed to your order page.
  9. At checkout you will see your domain name is discounted to $1.99
    create_a_website6_discounted_price

Once you place your order you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions.

 

guide_notice.gif Note: You could also get yourself another solution, but we will demonstrate how to create a website with Website Tonight, because our experience tells it is the best choice for beginners.

Now the fun part begins: Create a website you will be proud of!

Introduction to Website Tonight

Website Tonight is like a solid, turnkey house. All you have to do is put furniture in it. You have lots of options and elements ready to insert: text, photos, forms, flash intros and more. It is all up to you. But no matter what you want to do, everything is very easy to do and well documented. In case you need support, there is a team waiting for your questions 24/7.

Setting up your Website Tonight account

Before you can add text to your site, you need to complete the setup wizard. This wizard walks you through selecting template, page layout and color scheme. There are hundreds variations of Web Templates you can use. Check them out (flash presentation)

Screenshot from Website Tonight: Selecting Template

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Screenshot from Website Tonight: Choosing Page Layout

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Adding and Editing Text

Each Page has several blocks. When you click on a block the border colors blue (see image below). Now paste your text or write directly in this box. You can change fonts, text size or completely delete text in this block. When you finish, click ok and your changes are saved. Isn't this a really easy way to create a website?

3text

Adding and Editing Images

Add some images and photos to enhance your website. You can upload your own images, or use the ones that are built in the Website Tonight. Last time i checked, there was about 8000 images. I really love these guys, because images are so beautiful and sorted in categories. When you need a photo you just select it and boom! It is inserted. No need to search for photos on internet or buy them and then download to computer, resize, upload to server and so on. Working with images is really, really simple. 4images

Adding Tables and other Elements

Working with tables is one of the most time consuming things about website design. But not with Website Tonight. You only tell computer what kind of table you want and it creates it for you. No coding required. And there are plenty of other elements too. You will save lots of time by using these tools.

Publishing your beginner website

There is no need to upload anything, since all materials are already online. Once you finish editing your pages, click on Publish button within your Website Tonight account. Your site instantly becomes available to your visitors.
6publish

Now check out how a completed website made with Website Tonight looks like:

http://www.delellisdevelopment.com/

 

Thats it! If you have read this page carefully, you are now capable to create a website on your own! Many Easy Site Guide visitors have created their first websites with this guide and they love it.

Learn more about Website Tonight