New website, domain name etc

[foxforcefive 10]

Hi,

 

I need a website, but I have done nothing about it yet, where do I start?

 

What do I do first, buy a domain name then get a host, then a designer?

 

What kind of host do I want, any recommendations?

 

Do I need a host/designer?

 

Any help in layman language would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

[SpeedwayDan 10]

Register the domain name now. That way nobody else will get there first.

 

123reg are good for this.

 

Then look around for a reputable designer. Don't just go for the cheapest option.

 

Then the hosting can be sorted when the website is ready to go live.

[ccit 10]

I would say get a web designer first because they can register a domain name for you and make suggestions for one that will perform well in search engine optimization. Also they will be able to suggest a good hosting package.

[Your Worship 10]

Try someone like go daddy

[L00b 441]

Register the domain name now. That way nobody else will get there first.

Check the UK register of trade marks first, to see whether anyone already owns the (prospective-) domain name (or a part thereof) as a registered trade mark. Free online access.

 

Then check company names at Companies House (webcheck), to see whether anyone has already registered a company by the name of the (prospective-) domain name. Free online access.

 

Then register the domain name, if it's all-clear.

 

Helps you avoid later problems, with those 'nobody else' who did get there first

Edited March 4, 2013 by L00b

[Pipe Ten 10]

Just be careful if asking a web designer to register the domain for you. This can cause problems of getting control of it, if you were ever fall out with them in the future.

 

Another problem we regularly see with this is that the web designers often register the domain names in their own name rather than their clients so legally they own the domain name and not the client.

 

I'd recommend starting with just registering the domain name you want to use yourself first. It is the cheapest and easiest part of the process too.

 

^Gavin

[juniorbilko 10]

It certainly won't hurt to register your own domain name now. As mentioned above 123-reg are usually reliable. They are one of the bigger registrars and cheap. Because they are so cheap, for now pick out a domain name that reflects your company name or what you do, if you can sum it up in one or two short words. Later on an SEO specialist can advise on another domain name for you if they can think of a better one.

 

For hosting you can probably hold off until you know what spec of hosting your website will require. And that will depend on what type of website you are going to have built, traffic levels etc Also it will be benefical, when the time comes, to get hosting that is local, e.g. if the target audience is UK then get UK hosting (for speed, geo and other reasons). A web developer should be able to advise on this when ready.

 

For a web designer/developer or company getting recommendations and looking through their portfolios is going to be very helpful. It would be nice and helpful to find a local contact (googling it as always..) but it's very possible to work with an individual or company remotely too. There are a number of job boards out there where you can post your project as well. I hear people talk about good ones but I've never used one and forget what places people recommend...

 

Cheers

Martin

[foxforcefive 10]

Thanks for all your replies, I think i'll register my name first - never thought about checking companies house, will do that too.

[jyothi 10]

Iam a freelance web developer and will be happy to help you with your website. Can you please send more details about your requirement to [email protected] or give a number to call you at