If you’ve not taken your business online, it’s high time you did – the digital shift taking place is evident, and you’re risking falling further behind in terms of online sales. So, if you’re ready to open up your store in the virtual world – congratulations! This is a quick guide by our friends at Cloudstrada to explain the steps needed to launch your business online.
Cloud who?
Cloudstrada is a Maltese web hosting company that helps individuals and companies establish a successful brand online. Known for their amazing customer support and individual, personalized approach they offer their clients, we asked them to share a simple guide of three basic pillars every website needs.
1. Domain Name
The domain name is your website’s name. It replaces the actual IP address, so users can reach your site by typing its name in their browsers, as opposed to a string of numbers. Every website needs to have a domain name and all those names are registered according to the rules and regulations of the Domain Name System (DNS). The DNS is the equivalent of an Internet phonebook.
But, how do you pick the right domain name? There’s no definite formula, but what Cloudstrada recommends is that you pick a domain name that is short, catchy, easy to type and pronounce, memorable and brandable. Ideally, it should contain a keyword and end with a .com extension (TLD).
After you pick out the right domain name for your website, check whether the domain name is available. You can use Cloudstrada’s website to check whether the name is available or get some more ideas if your domain name is already taken by someone else.
2. Web Hosting
If you build a site but don’t pick a web hosting provider, then your site won’t be available on the Internet. So, nothing really happens without a web hosting provider. Choosing one that will offer you their space on a server along with some other hosting-related features is really important – as important as picking your domain name.
At Cloudstrada, they can offer you excellent hosting options if you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to compromise your performance. There are also some more expensive options that can be a great investment for your site’s future. There are two types of hosting options: shared or dedicated / VPS (Virtual Private Server).
3. CMS (Content Management System)
Some website building platforms you can use to create your website are WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, PrestaShop, Zencart and Magento. They’re all pretty good, and all of them shine in building different types of websites, which are easy to use, and you could build it yourself. Alternatively, you can hire developers to build the website or code it too.
A survey by W3Techs showed that WordPress is used for creating 34% of all active websites, making it one of the most popular website building platforms. Why? Mostly because it offers flexible options, a variety of plugins, it’s free of charge and beginner and SEO-friendly.
That doesn’t mean it’s your only option though. Most new webmasters want to stick with WordPress, but we advise you to spread your wings, do some research, and only then decide your best option.
If you are interested in finding out more about building a new website or web hosting, at Cloudstrada, they are waiting for you! Feel free to contact them and they’ll answer all of your questions!
