Richard asks…
How do i go about creating my own website?
I would like to create a website for my local riding stables where i work, but i dont know how to go about it.
NydiaMccartney answers:
First you have to decide how much time and money you want to spend on it.
If the answer to that is ‘as little as possible’, you need to find a reputable free web host. There are plenty listed above, so I won’t go over old ground. For these you will get enough space for hundreds of basic HTML pages, which is probably all you need.
Next you need freeware web design software. I don’t recommend jumping right into html without a basic grasp of design. Trust me, it’s much easier to learn HTML once you know what it *does*. I’m a professional web developer, so I haven’t used freeware for a long time. I did like Netscape Composer, but I don’t suppose that’s still around (I know, I’m so old), I’ve heard good things about NVU, although I’ve never used it myself.
Http://www.nvu.com/index.php
When you sign up for free space you’ll be given details on how to upload your pages. A lot of free site only allow you to upload though their own file manager upload interface. However, if they allow ftp uploads I suggest you download SmartFTP. It’s pretty much idiot proof.
Http://www.smartftp.com/
If you’re prepared to spend a little money, buying a domain name doesn’t cost much, and will often come free with your web hosting plan. Web hosting is getting cheaper all the time, and there are a lot of very nice deals around. Again, the links already posted are more than adequate.
As for better web design software, CoffeeCup is very highly thought of. Again, I have no direct experience of this software, but it’s known to be a good reasonably-priced option.
Http://www.coffeecup.com/
Pushing the boat out… Probably not what you’re looking for, but I’m adding it just in case it’s helpful at a later date. If you want a web host with all the bells and whistles go with Servage. It’s got anything you possibly want.
Http://www.servage.net/?coupon=CUST11367
That’s the host I use, and I run several domains with features like automated archives, bulletin boards, etc.
The best web design software is Macromedia Dreamweaver. It’s not easy software to use, but it is incredibly versatile and allows you to code and design using a nifty split screen that taught me more about html than any number of books.
Http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/
Good luck with your project!
Donald asks…
What’s the best website to use to create your own business website that’s worth the money?
I need a business website created for a low monthly cost so does anyone have any ideas to which sites are good to use and the ones that are not b/c i do not want to waste my money or time on bad websites.
NydiaMccartney answers:
I recommend one of these: http://www.webhostingtable.com/
Powweb has the best offer right now. It’s on a 50% sale – $3.88/month ($46.56/year), and you get a free domain (like www.yourwebsite.com) from them.
Their hosting plan includes web builder, so you can create your site just by drag and drop (without any programming), or you could install WordPress (easy, one click install from their control panel), choose a theme that you like, and start adding content.
The only downside to Powweb is that they don’t have monthly payments, so you have to pay $46.56 for the full year.
But companies that offer monthly payments are a lot more expensive so you can get just 3-4 months of hosting for the same price (about $40-$50).
Ruth asks…
I have heard that their are private benefactors that will help you with financial problems. Is this true?
I am repaying a debt of $12,636 and am unable to make the payments because I am having a hard time finding work. I have tried online work, affiliate programs and creating my own website. The problem is, as with all things it requires money. If I’m not making any money, I can’t invest in the businesses to keep them running. In the meantime, I am still trying to find a way to repay the debt (courtordered). Is there help available?
NydiaMccartney answers:
Debt is a tough thing. Well, I have an online business that I do, that wouldn’t cost you anything.
But the fastest way for you to make money would be to find some sort of sales job. Phone sales, door to door. Those typically pay faster than most.
Contact me if you want more info. I wish you the best. Remember, this too will pass.
Robert asks…
how to make money from writing a blog?
HI everyone,
I really want to start a blog.
But I want to make a few bucks while doing it.
Where can I get started?
Do I have to create my own website or sign up to an already existing site?
Please let me know.
Thank you.
NydiaMccartney answers:
There are 2 ways you can go
1. Free blog. If you want this I recommend blogger.com . They are owned by Google and you can put Adsense ads on there. Which can earn you some money.
2. Paid blog. They cost about $5 a month. The benefits of a paid blog is that you own it, so it has a resale value as a business. A popular blog can be worth more than 10 thousand. Also you have more freedom in terms of what you can do with it.
Below I put 3 articles that can help you. The first one is about setting up a blog, the second one is about getting traffic to your blog and the third one is about how to make money, from that traffic.
Chris asks…
How much would it cost to start a Webcomic?
If I were to create my own Webcomic, with its own domain name and lets say a forum for the readers to discuss it. How much do you think it would cost me to host it, assuming it would have moderate success, and thus I think somewhat require better bandwidth than say a regular website?
Also, are there any specialize webhosting service that offer some kind of special plan for webcomics?
NydiaMccartney answers:
I think the best way to start of your own web based comic is to use DeviantART to do it. There is a ton of people doing it on there due to the fact its free to host your images, Alot are quite popular with having there own comics published and some even work now for animators and so on.
You can see if your comic will be a success without having to use any money and will let you know if its worth while making your own site for it, Plus its a great way to get some critique on your images to.
It also doesn’t take long to do as you just upload and your done, Your own site has alot of work to be done, with also having some knowledge in HTML to make it any decent.
If you don’t want to use that, Id suggest just using a free host website till your comic picks up some popularity then maybe thing about hosting your own site.
Thomas asks…
How do I start my own Website like rate my professor where the community gets to participate?
And also, if i create from a web host websites, will there be advertisement on my page? Which web host is the best for me?
NydiaMccartney answers:
“How do I start my own Website like rate my professor where the community gets to participate?”
Learn:
HTML
CSS
PHP
SQL
“if i create from a web host websites, will there be advertisement on my page?”
Not if you pay for hosting. But if you get free hosting, of course there will be ads or some other catch, because it costs them money to host.
“Which web host is the best for me?”
Out of the millions of possible hosting companies? How could I possibly know that given the limited information you’ve given?
Linda asks…
What’s the best website, where I can create my own website?
I know someone that’s been messing around with a website that let’s him host a website, and upgrade for a monthly price to like enable him to do more things. I think it‘s cool, but I’m asking is there a website that you know of, where it‘s a really good one to do that?
Can I earn any money from the websites I host, in any way.
NydiaMccartney answers:
Hi, you can find a couple of good website builders here: http://www.websitetooltester.com/en/website-builder-reviews/
They all can be used for free. To have them without any ads and use your own domain name you can upgrade to a paid plan. I’ll cost around $5 per month.
And yes, of course you can earn money with your website through affiliate programs, selling products (eCommerce) or put up some ads (my advice is not to put up ads right from the start).
Lisa asks…
What is the best (and cheap) way to decorate a backyard??
I know it costs money to fix up yards. But what is a cheap alternative to fixing the landscape for your own yard?
I would like something that is child friendly for a 4 yr old child.
Books/websites references would be extremely helpful.
Thank you!
NydiaMccartney answers:
Well, I am an aspiring landscape architect, so maybe I can suggest something.
Depending on the shape and size of your backyard, you could do many different things with it.
Gardening is a great activity to pursue with your children. I have attached several websites about it. It’s not only together time with you child, but also teaches them (even at such a young age) about growing things, biology, and a reverence for the earth. Plus, kids love to play in dirt.
Try to range your plants in height, with the tallest in the back (for example, sunflowers) in the shortest in the front (for example marigolds). You might even try a small vegetable patch, which looks nice and provides you with fresh veggies. Green beans are a good choice here – simple & low maintenance.
Stay away from things with thorns or woody branches. Annuals or bulbs are probably your best bet. Seeds are cheap. You can start them in an egg carton full of dirt on a sunny windowsill, until the sprouts are more than in inch tall, then transfer them to pots or the ground. Make sure to follow the directions for planting times on the back of the seed packet.
Flower and vegetable beds can be lined with a variety of things – stones, bricks, broken pottery (sharp edges buried, of course), to make a nice contained look. You can also use old tires for a terraced look. Paint the treads various colors, lay them on the ground, fill them with dirt and – voila! – a raised flower bed that can also act as a boundary for a small child.
As for decorations, there are many ways to find inexpensive lawn ornaments and furniture. The salvation army and goodwill carry inexpensive used furniture. You could also get in touch with the branch of freecycle in your area (freecycle is a free organization to encourage trading of useable things within communities). Yard sale time is also coming up. You can usually pick up terra cotta pots and other such things for a fraction of the price you would pay at the store. Try mixing in terra cotta pots with hanging vines in your garden to give a multi-level effect.
You might even think of putting in a small sandbox. You can build the structure with a few nails and boards and a bag of sand – probably totalling about $20.
Lastly, you may want a patch of grass in there somewhere. Buy the grass seed yourself (like I said, seeds are cheap). Scatter the seed on a warm day (or follow the instructions on the back of the package). If it’s on bare dirt, cover it with some hay if you can, so the seeds don’t blow away. Water immediately, and about every second day. And try to stay off it until it’s fairly grown up.
One last thing – if you do create a garden, save the sod that you remove and use it somewhere else if you can. Find a bare spot in the lawn, clear away the dying grass there, dig down a bit, cut the sod to fit and place it there. Make sure to water it and it should take root.
Hope that helps!
Mandy asks…
What is the best and least expensive way to advertise your site on the Web?
I was wanting to start my own website to try and earn extra money but I have a small budget and can not afford much for advertising. I have about $500.00 to spend. What is my best course of action?
NydiaMccartney answers:
Getting traffic is a combination of a lot of things. The key to success is to create great content that visitors want to use, search engines will love and other websites will naturally link to. Of course, it’s easier said than done.
You can use pay per click advertising in the search engines to reach audiences looking for your products. You can use Google Adwords http://www.google.com/adwords or Yahoo http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com
Here are some shoestring marketing ideas that can help you get the visitors you need at the least cost possible:
1. Create the best content you can with the best products you can possibly offer. Your content is your best advertisement – if visitors love your content, then they will go back and spread the word to others.
2. Make it easy for users to recommend your site. Viral marketing is very important — and easy to tap on the Web. But give your users the tools. Get a Recommend this Site script from websites such as cgiscripts.com and similar directories of scripts. Some even go as far as giving incentives to those who recommend the site to their friends. If only 10 people go to your site, but these 10 people invite 10 more – that’s additional traffic that you get for FREE!
Recommend Site Scripts (various) http://php.resourceindex.com/Complete_Scripts/Website_Promotion/Recommend_Site/
Big Nose Bird Recommend this Site http://bignosebird.com/carchive/birdcast.shtml
CGI Resource Index http://cgi.resourceindex.com/Programs_and_Scripts/Perl/Website_Promotion/Recommend_Site/
Hostscripts http://www.hotscripts.com/PHP/Scripts_and_Programs/Site_Recommendation/index.html
3. Rank well in the search engines (organic search results, not the pay per click). SEs can be a big source of traffic. The key is to create the best content in your niche. If you have good content, other websites will gladly link to you and offer your site as a resource to their audience. Check the on-page factors and be sure to get linked from authority sites in your topic area.
If you are going to read only one piece on search engine optimization, I suggest you read Brett Tabke of WebmasterWorld.com’s “Successful Site in 12 Months with Google Alone: 26 steps to 15k a day.” http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum3/2010.htm
4. Send out press releases. While outfits charge as much as $650 per release, there are free press release submission places on the Web. Press releases allow you to (a) attract media attention; (b) get more back links to your website without sending each website an email request; and (c) get more visibility especially if your press release gets in Google News or Yahoo News.
Http://www.prleap.com/sign_up.html
http://i-newswire.com/
http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/cgi-bin/links/add.cgi
http://www.pr.com/press-releases
http://www.prfree.com/
http://www.clickpress.com/releases/index.shtml
http://www.theopenpress.com/
http://www.przoom.com/
http://www.prweb.com
http://www.newswiretoday.com/
http://www.free-press-release.com/
5. Submit articles. Write articles and submit them to websites accepting author submissions. You get exposure for your business; establishes you as an authority in your field, and allows you to get backlinks for your website. If 50 websites publish your article and it contains a link back to your website, then you easily get 50 links from a single article. The more links you have, the greater your chances for increasing your search engine rankings.
Here is a comprehensive list of where to submit your articles http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=AhzreGmnCUicOoyedqypscUjzKIX?qid=1006022407481
6. Post a link to your site for free where it is allowed (always read the Terms of Use). Examples are:
Craigslist http://www.craigslist.com
Google Base http://base.google.com
Classifieds for Free http://www.classifiedsforfree.com/…
Text Link Exchange http://www.txtswap.com/
Recycler.com http://www.recycler.com/
Yahoo Classifieds http://classifieds.yahoo.com/
US Free Ads http://www.usfreeads.com/
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