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New to Web Site design? This page contains answers to common questions.
- Do I need an ISP before I create a Web Site ?
- How does my Web Page get loaded to the ISP?
- What do I need to think about for my Web Site ?
- How do I host my domain name?
- What do I do now ?
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Do I need an ISP before I create a Web Site
Not necessarily, but it would be much easier for you! Most sites
communicate using email, which requires an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Commonly used ISP's in Australia are Optusnet, BigPond, ozemail, powerup,
aoline etc.
ISP's charge varying fees depending on the amount of Internet hours you
require.
Most ISP's will also host a small personal WebSite for free. This means the ISP
will store your Web Pages on their server, provide access to your site, and
receive and deliver email.
For example, if you already had an account called my_name
at OptusNet then your Website would be accessed by entering into your
browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape) the URL:
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~my_name
Your Web Site consists of your "home" page plus other pages. Your
home page may be called index.html or default.html.
The pages are created on a PC using Web software, or any html editor. When
completed, and checked (of course!) the pages are uploaded to the ISP using
FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
The transfer process requires correct username and password, plus a
knowledge of "where to go"!
Think simple! Too little information is usually better than too much!
The first page must load quickly, and provide an overview of who/what you
want to present.
Most visitors will decide to stay or leave your site in the first 15
seconds, and if it is still loading then they are gone!
Images can be slow, there should not be too many on any page, and they must
be compressed to enable fast loading.
Think of your site as a filing cabinet ... don't overcrowd the drawers, and
make sure the drawers are well labelled ..
eg Home
Products
FAQ
Contact
Text on each page should be concise, a picture tells a thousand words, but
make sure it is not too big and slow loading!
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How do I host my domain name?
Domain names provide a readily identified (and remembered) name tag for
your business. Domains are independent of the ISP, so sites can be moved
around without changing the domain name. Domain names are especially
valuable when displayed on advertising, business cards etc.
Domain names must be registered (fee $60 to $150 for 2 years). Non profit organisations may register a .org.au name. Businesses may register a .com.au
(or .biz.au) domain name similar to their registered business
name. Some hosting companies will provide free domain registration.
Most ISP's will NOT redirect domain traffic to a personal (free) Web Site.
If you would like your site to use a domain, you may require a Web Hosting
service, which will provide hosting services for your site (fee
from $10 per month).
Web Hosting companies usually allow much more flexibility - larger
sites, database access, shopping carts,
etc.
Please contact us to arrange a consultation, or
to talk about your options!
Look forward to hearing from you!
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