Whether you are trying to become an affiliate marketer, wish to start a website for your existing small business, for fun, or for any other reason, these days anyone can start a website with absolutely no computer code or technical skills required. From simple drag and drop website builders to free and open source development platforms, starting your own website has never been as easy as it is today.
Below are the top 5 ways ANYONE can start a website for just about any purpose.
1. Use A Service Like Wealthy Affiliate To Start A Website
The way I personally learned how to start a website (and make money from them) is through a service called Wealthy Affiliate. This is a lesser known service and not many like it exist. While there are plenty of website builders to choose from, Wealthy Affiliate goes a bit beyond that. This service is especially useful for businesses or people who are trying to make money online. Here’s why…
Developing an awesome looking website that functions well on every screen size and device in our modern society is actually the EASY part! If you can click a mouse, drag things around, and write a coherent sentence, you can be broadcasting to the World in less than an hour (literally!).
But, is there really any point in doing so if hardly anyone can find your site? Sure, your business might have a nice “online brochure” but if nobody finds it, particularly by using free search engines, your website isn’t really working for you and you are losing on out a TON of potential.
So, places like Wealthy Affiliate exist to help you not just develop an awesome looking website, but get it found. From video training programs to over 80 different tools you can use such as built in email marketing, research tools, and social media features, this service ensures you will actually see a return on your time investment. It does cost $29 per month to use their service, but for small businesses and those wishing to make money online, it’s probably the best option that exists.
2. Setting Up A WordPress Website
WordPress.org has been the pioneer in creating an open source (that means FREE!) website builder that just about anyone can learn. There is a bit of a learning curve and if you want your business to be taken seriously, you will need to invest some money into a few tools to be able to adequately run your WordPress website. This includes registering a domain name and setting up web hosting.
“But Mike, I have no idea how to register a domain name… and what the heck is web hosting!?”
It’s not very difficult, I promise, but you do need to learn about these things. Fortunately for you, I’ve created a this incredible training program that will not only show you how to register a domain name, set up web hosting, and create a WordPress website, but I will also show you how to properly plan out your site so you can be sure it will succeed. You can sign up for free right here!
3. Setting Up A Free Weebly.com Account
For those who want to start a website for fun, I think Weebly.com is an awesome resource. You can start a website for free using their incredibly simple drag and drop interface. In order to use some of their more advanced features, they will require additional fees and those fees can really add up. However, a lot of people just want to create a fun website for free. Maybe you want to make a fun site to share with your family after a great family vacation. Or perhaps you are getting married and want a small website giving information about your wedding with a place to post pictures after. Weebly.com can be an excellent place to do just that.
4. Use The GoDaddy.com Website Builder
Most of you have probably heard of GoDaddy.com or seen their (somewhat controversial) TV commercials, but you might not be aware of what they actually do. They are the World’s leading domain name registrar. In addition, they offer their own website builder. So, all you have to do is register a domain name with them and let them know when you register your domain that you want to use their own proprietary website builder. They typically charge less than $10 per month to use their builder.
5. Pay Someone Else To Start A Website For You
Having someone else start a website for you really is the best option for many, but you have to be careful with this. There are so a many website development companies out there it can be overwhelming trying to decide who to give your precious money to. In general, what you pay is what you get. Meaning, if you pay some random guy a couple hundred bucks to develop a site for you, don’t expect it to be a cutting edge design. On the other hand, if you go with someone charging thousands of dollars with hundreds of excellent references and a portfolio they are happy to share with you, than you can probably expect not just a cutting edge design, but something highly customized for your specific needs using their years of experience and expertise.
I also suggest if you go this route, you use someone from your local area or at the very least, within a 1 or 2 hour drive from where you live. Being able to sit down face-to-face with a developer has many advantages. Plus, since the developer knows you can come pounding on their door, they are much more likely to produce higher quality work for you and make darn sure you’re satisfied. It’s also nice to “give back” to the local economy and be able to hold the company accountable through word-of-mouth.
No matter which option you choose, anyone can start a website these days. If your business isn’t online yet, you are missing out on one of the most effective marketing strategies the small business owner has ever had the ability to leverage. Without a website, you are undoubtedly missing out on additional business.