Now that you have an idea of what your web site is going to be about, it's time to register a suitable domain name and find a web host.

Register your domain name

The first thing you need to do is to register a domain name . What's a domain name? See the www.blackandtanstudio.co.uk in your browser's address box above? That's our domain name. A domain name, in the online world, is pretty much like a business name in the traditional business world.

These days, you can get a domain name for very little outlay per year . Getting your own domain name is one of the most important investment you'll ever make for your web site. Let's just put it this way. If you're not thinking of getting one, you shouldn't be thinking about starting an online business.

If you already have a name in mind, great! All you have to do is check to see if your desired domain name is still available. Your domain name should reflect what your web site is all about. It should be connected to your product and services and be something your customers can easily remember and, therefore, find.

If you have an idea of what you want for your domain name then contact us to see if it is available - if it isn't we can still come up with some alternatives that may be just as good!

Find a Web Host

Now that you have a domain name, you need to find a good web host . What's a web host? A web host is a company that will give you space on the internet to host your web site. This space is similar to a physical business venue, where you associate your business name (domain name) to and where you set up your store (web site).

Here are just some things to consider when looking for a web host:

- First class support system .

I can't even begin to emphasize how important this is. You need a web host that offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week . When you're doing business online, you don't really take days off. You need to know that any downtime will be the absolute minimum and that your hosting provider looks after you and your site.

- Fast connection speed.

You don't want your site to take forever to download. Test web sites that are already using that particular web host.

- Storage space.

Make sure that the web host account you choose has enough space allocated to it to store your whole web site. Choose an account that offers more space than you actually need.

- Data transfer limit.

Everytime someone visits your site, data is being transferred. When someone downloads your digital products, data is being transferred. Make sure you do your calculations before choosing your web host.

- E-mail.

It would be ideal to have a catchall e-mail address . This means that you can have an unlimited number of e-mail addresses at your domain. Ex: tech@you.com , support@you.com , subscribe@you.com , anything@you.com .

- FTP access.

You should have unlimited FTP access so that you can changes to your web site any amount of time.

- CGI and PHP support.

If you plan to use scripts make sure your host supports CGI and PHP. And that you can access the CGI bin. You also should find out if you can use custom CGI scripts or only the ones that are supplied by your web host. Most web hosts now come pre-installed with scripts. You may want to check out the list of scripts they have.

- Database access

A lot of scripts nowadays use databases to keep your data. Having access to one is definitely a plus. The most common database is MySQL. You only need one database to begin with.

If you're in a hurry, you can get a hosting account for as little as £3.99/mth with us.

Link your Domain Name to Your Web Host

The next thing you have to do is to point your domain name to your web host's server. You do this by changing your current DNS (domain name server) to that of your web host.

When you signed up for your domain name (Step 1), you should have received instructions on how to access your account area. In this area, there should be a place where you can set or change your DNS .

If you can't find feature, have a quick look at your registrar's FAQs. Or write them a quick e-mail.

Use this feature to set the DNS to your web host's server . You should have received this DNS when you signed up for your web host account (Step 2). The DNS will look something like this: NS1.MYHOSTING.COM

It normally takes between 24-48 hours before this is processed. While waiting, you can start building your web site. By the time you're done with your web site, your domain name should be pointing to your web host.

We can, of course, handle this for you if you take out hosting with ourselves.

If you're new to hosting, or are unhappy with your current hosting company, then be sure to contact us for details of solutions we can provide.