1st Affiliate Website? Where to get it? How to build it?

[robficiur]

I am just beginning. I know my niche market - I have some ideas how to get started.

However, I need to create a website. In the past for antoher project I have built free website (using tripod) but I know that I get what I pay for.

Where do you recommend I look for a user friendly cost efficeint website?

Rob

[duzins]

Blogger
Microsoft Page Creator (free domain and they host free)
Google Domain (free but you still have to buy and host your domain)

[Wazzy]

Hi Rob,

If you're in a yank to get your site up, you may want to check
out Elance for a quote. Otherwise, there are some decent programs
and editors out there and some are free. NVU is an example that
comes to mind, though it's a little buggy. Dreamweaver is a great
program, but a steep price tag and sharp learning curve may put
you off. There's a new program out now that may be good for
you, but I don't want to break any forum rules.
Good Luck
Mike

[duzins]

Oh, and i forgot, you can download the beta of Microsoft Expression Engine for free. This is their *remarkably adequate* replacement for FrontPage.

Microsoft.com then look for beta downloads.

[Teli]

Hi Rob,
Since I'm not sure at what stage in the process you're at, I'll just assume you're starting completely from scratch.

First, you'll need a domain name. You can check out Namecheap (I personally use and love them) and GoDaddy for cost efficient registrations. (Less than $9 per yearly domain name registration.)

Next, you'll need a host to point the domain name to. I recommend HostGator, Dreamhost, or Media Temple (I personally use all three). All are reasonably priced, however, if you're not familiar with web management panels, then I'd recommend HostGator because it has cPanel with Fantastico - the other two hosts have their own custom admin panels. (Prices average $10 per month. Update: Media Temple recently changed its plans and is now about $20 per month.)

Then, plan the site's structure and think about the number of pages you'll have. If it's gong to be a large site, you'll want to build in some time-saving features like Server Side Includes, use a content management system, or even use blogging software.

If you'd like to build the site with individual pages, then there are a couple good, free WYSIWYG editors out there like NVU and Microsoft Expression Web (currently in Beta, but it's pretty good software).

Once you have your pages developed, you'll need a way to FTP them to your site - if you're on Windows, I recommend FileZilla (free FTP tool). The WYSIWYG editors also have built in site managers with FTP capabilities, but I just prefer having an outside FTP client.

If you decide that starting/designing a site from scratch is just too much work and your niche would work well with the blog style, then consider installing software like WordPress (free), selecting a design, and using the admin panel to write and manage your entries. (You can check out my short WordPress Guide if you'd like more info on getting started with WordPress.)

There are also free blogging services like Blogger and WordPress.com, however, your website will be on their domain name and transferring over to your own domain in the future may be a pain - not recommended if you're serious about building your website. They're just for practice.

As you may have guessed, there are a number of ways to get a website online. The route you choose will ultimately depend on your needs and goals.

Good luck!

~ Teli

[Linda Buquet]

Great suggestions Teli! I use and recommend NameCheap too.

Another idea is to use templates instead of trying to build a site yourself.
I have not tried these but they are FREE and look really nice and could be adapted for any type of site. The nice thing about CSS templates is that they are clean and the colors and layout is all done for you.

http://www.free-css-templates.com/
Check out some of the top downloads like LGBlue and OrangeW2

Another source of great low cost templates, specially made for affiliate sites and already somewhat optimized for search engines is www.goldenpinecone.com
But you may need to have Front page or DreamWeaver to use them.

Another free web site builder that looks easy and has good reviews is
http://www.webpage-maker.com/ Have not used it but have read good things about it.

[Linda Buquet]

Another idea I was just researching...

DON'T KNOW FOR SURE if it's a good way to start but looks cheap and easy.

Yahoo site builder. You need to use their hosting which is reasonable.
11.95 a month. The site builder has over 300 free templates and free graphics and lots of other stuff.

In fact I just found a deal where you get the Domain for FREE if you sign up for hosting. http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/webhosting/

Here's all the Yahoo templates
http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/template.php

IMPORTANT NOTE: With any template - be sure the content is spiderable (no java or flash). Show us the template and ask us if unsure.

Also be sure with templates that probably LOTS of people may be using - to change them up quite a bit so they aren't just like everyone elses. Not so much an issue with the CSS templates I mentioned because they are more like just the framework of a house - everything you add will be unique. However if you pick a Yahoo or other free template that includes all the graphics and everything the image names and layout could be too much like hundreds of other sites and the search engines may be able to see a common "footprint" and not like it. (Most important in industries prone to lots of SE spam).

ONE MORE POINT with regard to some suggestions Teli made about using "hosted" solutions. Some prohibit affiliate links so always read the TOS.

The other main issue which hosted solutions is that you don't own these sites you are just renting, so the landlord controls everything and you aren't building up equity. The marketing you do and traffic you send will be building up someone elses property value, not your own!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++
This is turning into a really good newbie resource so making it a sticky!

[ghoti]

Originally Posted by Linda Buquet

Another idea is to use templates instead of trying to build a site yourself.
I have not tried these but they are FREE and look really nice and could be adapted for any type of site. The nice thing about CSS templates is that they are clean and the colors and layout is all done for you.

http://www.free-css-templates.com/
Check out some of the top downloads like LGBlue and OrangeW2

http://www.openwebdesign.org/ is another option for nice CSS templates.

If you're totally unfamiliar with HTML, then a CMS like Wordpress (see Teli's post) is ideal. There are lots of Wordpress templates available at http://themes.wordpress.net/

[StephenR]

Excellent posts Teli and Linda. You obviously got your hands on my black book and stole all my ideas. =)

I use GoDaddy for all my domain names. I've pretty much stuck to WordPress for quick blog sites as of late because of how quick they are to set up and it's spiderability myself.

On some of my other sites such as the looooong overdue for completion EMTactics I use a slick content management solution (CMS) called SubDreamer . This is the best CMS I have ever used and is extremely easy to use with it's WYSIWYG admin section. Integrates perfectly with phpBB, vBulletin, Invision, etc bulletin boards.

It costs either $49.95 for the basic version and $99.95 for the Pro Version. Click Here to see how easy it is to set up your first website.

Check out the subdreamer site. The community is very active and there are a bunch of free premade templates to get you started. After you start generating revenue you can have someone design a great unique looking skin for you for about $400.00.

*I highly recommend this CMS for all marketers.

[Teli]

Great points Linda. Using templates are definitely a great way to bypass the design process.

Another place to find cost effective (though, not free) template is Basic Templates.

~ Teli