When we step into the 21st century, it is quite obvious that the digital era continues. Communications, browsing, learning, exercising, and more may be done electronically, but contact is desired by several citizens. We have the freedom to search, connect, and shop from any company or organization we want – even companies across the world, from the convenience of our phones, tablets, and computers.
With every part of our lives thriving online, it’s time for you to take your business to where the users are, it’s time for you to get your business online.
Jumping into digital water might sound like an overwhelming obstacle, but it’s really very straightforward and will 10 times expand the company’s reach. This guide and checklist allow you to grow your digital platform assets and lets you achieve your digital network presence on site.
Web Hosting Basics
The first step in your online business is to buy a web hosting service. Similar to purchasing real estate for the bookstore, you will need to find a living room for your digital belongings. There are various kinds of hosting services, so let’s describe web hosting first.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a service provided by a web hosting company, such as Best Hosting, that provides the home for your website and allows it to be viewed by the public. The web hosting company hosts and stores the website on their servers, as well as offering extra facilities such as e-mail accounts and web development resources.
Types of Hosting
There are a few different types of hosting plans that you can choose from when you first set up your web presence. The plan you choose will depend on the needs of your business; however, if you are still unsure after reviewing the plans below, take comfort in the fact that you will always be able to upgrade your plan after you have purchased it.
- Shared Hosting
- Shared Hosting is like an apartment building. The resources are shared by all tenants. This plan is the less expensive option and is a great starting point for small businesses and individuals.
- Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting
- VPS Hosting is much like a townhome, or row house. Each home unit is an account with its own resource allocation. VPS users also have more control over their site environment.
- Dedicated Hosting
- Dedicated Hosting is like owning your own house. You own the entire building. All the resources are dedicated to your account. In addition, much like a house, there are different server sizes, allowing you to upgrade to a larger dedicated server as your site grows.
Registering Your Domain
Once you’ve decided on and purchase your hosting plan, you will then be asked to register a domain name. A domain name acts as the address for your website and allows users to easily remember your brand and business.
Your domain is the start of your online journey, helping you to create your email address(s) and website. It is also a crucial digital marketing tool that will help you grow your online client base. For example, when creating your domain name, follow some of the best practices, such as utilizing unique keywords for your goods or services, since they can help to retain prospective new buyers while browsing online.
Navigating Hosting Management Tools
After buying hosting and registering your domain, you’ll probably start wondering how to handle your hosting account and digital properties. There are two tools that allow you to access and manage your hosting account: cPanel and the Account Management Panel.
CPanel is your hosting control panel and gives you the opportunity to adjust and customize your Best Hosting account. With cPanel, you can build new email accounts, update email passwords, customize new domains, and more.
Account Management Panel manages all billing related things related to your hosting account. With Account Management Panel, you can complete tasks such as creating a new domain name or updating your hosting account. Overall, Account Management Panel lets you handle billing related things on your account, and cPanel lets you control all other aspects of your hosting system.
Let’s Launch The Website
Creating Email Accounts
It’s time to set up your email addresses after your domain has been approved. Email, as you know, is a vital tool for operating a business and lets the enterprise grow in more than one direction. When setting up your email address(s), remember the naming convention and the style you want for your company email account(s).
If your configuration has been completed, create your email accounts in cPanel and configure your mail client so that you can quickly check your messages. Since you’ve activated your mail program, don’t hesitate to set up your email on your mobile device as well!
Creating Your Website
With your e-mail addresses in order, now is the time to plan and build your digital storefront, your website. Your website provides you the ability to basically promote your business in the world. It expands the reach of your business and gives you full influence on how the brand is marketed to the online market. It’s your job to plan and adapt to your company’s needs.
There are a number of website development resources and programs available, but WordPress is the top choice for new companies on the internet. Based on the hosting package you’ve ordered, you can quickly install WordPress.
If you don’t have the time or money to build up your own website, ask our professional web design team. They can develop a basic one-page website to get you started or to design and construct a fully customized website to meet your needs. You can learn all about both options before you make a decision; nevertheless, all routes would provide you with a WordPress website that you will always be able to customize and change as you see fit.
Once your website is complete, launch it and start enjoying the benefits of having your business online!
