My Own Website -Common Questions Answered

Do I need my own Website? This is question I get frequently asked by both home users and small business owners.

Many of us are connected to the Internet and use it almost daily for email or research either at work or at home. Most children need to use it frequently when doing homework. So its not surprising that some people are worried about being left behind or feel they are missing something by not having their own website..

 Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions along with my answers if you have any other questions on this theme or related themes then please feel free to ask.

Should I have my own Website?

- For individual users then this really depends on what you want to do with it -see next question.

 For any business regardless of how small the definitely the answer is yes. It is only a matter of time before most contact with a business regardless of size will be Web based rather than by telephone.

 If your business couldn't operate without a telephone today then it will not be able to operate without an Internet Presence tomorrow.

What would I put on my Website?

 For a small business you need a brief description of you business and what you offer and contact details. For small businesses a small 1 to 5 page Website is probably all that is required- See Business websites for more details.

Are You a Service professional or Consultant ? Then you need to take a look at the building Websites For Service Professionals and Consultants mini course and newsletter.

For an individual or family you can create a family biography, Your CV, Hobbies ,Interests, clubs. Anything that you would like to share. For families with relatives or friends abroad it is an excellent way of staying in touch.

 Wedding websites have been probably the most popular family type website but with the massive increase in blogging more people are going online to talk about their hobbies, pastimes, beliefs, travels etc.

How much would it Cost?

 Its possible to make a Website for free  but even if you don't quite manage that it should cost less than $200 per year. Has a guide this Website costs me approximately £80 ($120) per year.

Does my Website need it's own Domain Name?

For a business a definite yes, for an individual, usually no, but it's is a very nice touch, and not that expensive -roughly $8 per year. see domain names

What do I need to make a Website?

Very little is needed just access to a PC, an Editor, and a Website plus time, patience and commitment. See the Starting a website.

Can I make money with my Website?

Yes if you want. If that is your main aim then see the making money websites section, but concentrate at first on making your own Website before you try to monetarize it.

Should I make my own Website or get it professionally made?

 For a business this is an option for an individual it would probably prove to expensive. If you decide that you want someone else to do it for you you should be aware of what to expect. This is covered in websites for business owners.

Do I need to submit my Website to the Search Engines and Directories?

 If you want to be found then -Yes. Directories are still very important as they provide your site with incoming links, without which Google doesn't list you even though you have submitted you site.

 So submit first to a few directories and then the major search engines. There is a list of the most popular search engines and directories on the Search Engine and directory page.

Can I keep my Website Private?

If the Website is meant just for private use then there is no need to submit the site to any of the search engines. There is however no guarantee that they wont find you! You can protect your Web pages and Website using an appropriately configured  robots.txt file or meta tags within the page itself.

 Even that is not completely guaranteed. If privacy is very important to you then you need to password protect your web pages/Website. Not all hosting providers provide this feature and when they do it is usually only for paid packages- i.e. not free.

I have my own Website. Can I have my own email address?

All Website providers provide some form of email access (even free providers). If you have purchased your own domain name for your Website then you should be able to also receive email on this domain name as well (see Websites and Email).

 If you are using an ISP of Free host domain name then you will need to create an email account using the domain name of your ISP or hosting provider.

If you have any other questions regarding your own Website then please contact me and I will hopefully provide an answer. I will in addition include it here as well as a reference for others.

Other articles and resources:

Business Websites-Who Needs One?