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Volume 8:

How to Set up Your First Website Many people want to have their own website but for those who are not tech savvy, this can be a daunting task. There is a lot of information on the internet, but sometimes people are just after a few tips to set them on the right path. 1) Work Out The Objectives Of The Site Do not just build a site for the sake of it. You have to make sure that there is reason behind it. Ask yourself “why do I want a website? What do I hope to achieve from having a website? Is the website for selling goods or services or advertising yourself?” Write a list of what you want the website to achieve in 6 months and a year’s time. Then you can make sure the website meets these objectives and was not just built on a whim. 2) Choose A Domain Name Once you have worked out your objectives, it is easier to choose a domain name. Choose the domain name that is in line with the objectives of your website. Also try and be creative, think of a name that you know people will remember. If you are going to operate in several languages, ensure that the name translates well. An innocent name in one language may mean something far more sinister or rude in another.

3) Choose a Hosting Package There are many different hosting packages in the market place. It is important to choose a company that you trust. If you are not aware of any, ask your friends and colleagues. 4) Decide on a CMS system One of the most popular Content Management Systems (CMS) is Wordpress. Some hosting companies will also set it up when you buy the domain name and hosting package. Wordpress has many different themes allowing you to personalize your own website. Other CMS’s include Drupal, Joomla and Magento (for ecommerce sites). If you are unsure which one to use, do some research beforehand. 5) Install Analytics Tracking Once you have your website, you need to make sure there is a way to track visitors to the site. Some people may not think it is necessary, but tracking your visits is one of the most important elements of any website. If you are selling products, you will want to know where your visitors are coming from and on what key terms. With this information, you can also help to optimise your site to attract even more visitors. Google Analytics if one of the most comprehensive tracking solutions in the market and it’s totally free.