
The very idea to make a website for free with free domain has an exciting ring to it. However, the next moment, doubts creep in. The biggest question is how to do it? Looking into the how part brings another barrier, does this really involve so many different unknowns – Domain, PHP, IP…? However, these are only temporary barriers, which are to be surmounted only the first time. After, there are other bigger barriers to surmount. So, let’s get started. The basic three essentials you need to put your site on the web are Domain, free Hosting and Content.
First and foremost, let us see the purpose of your website, or in other words, what do you need your website for? You may want a web-site for personal purposes like sharing your photos, your writings, your blogs, or your web-cam trials, with your family or friends. Or you may be more commercial minded and would like to set up a niche business domain, or a service for your community. Maybe you just want to spread some religious thoughts in the troubled world. Well, you make up your mind, and to help you decide, it would be best if you jot down the thoughts and make a list. Condense the whole of your list of requirements into one single sentence which best describes what you are demanding your web-site should do.
Once the purpose is finalized, it is time to think of a name for your website. The name should reflect the purpose wholeheartedly, no oblique or obscure references. Run it by your friend or mentor and ask for frank feedback. Compare the feedback with your purpose, and change if need be, until satisfactory results ensue.
Next, it is time to look at good domain names. Service providers for free domain registration and hosting are a plenty. The only problem is they will add their own name with yours. For example, you have decided to call your site www.mysite.com. With a free web domain hosting services provider it may turn into www.myspace.providerofservice.com, and might distort your original purpose. Therefore, it is prudent to pay a small fee for the domain registration and reserve your domain name for the duration of your registration term. In case a .com is not available with your name, try for another extension like .net, .org, .info. You might involve your region with your name, as .uk, .usa, .in, etc. It is preferable the extension reflects your purpose for the website too, and the region part comes after, for example www.myspace.info.usa.
Now that you have your own domain name, you will need to look for a free web domain hosting services provider. What you will need from the service provider is that it allows you to keep your own name without any additions; there are no ad banners added to your site; it provides some web-hosting storage space; it comes with some bandwidth for photos, pictures and video clips; and allows e-mail service. It is advisable to search with Google for “free web hosting companies”, but before selecting, ask around for referrals and references.
Once the free web domain hosting services provider is found, it is time to turn to the last item on the list, web-site content. You may design your own, or take the help of an expert. Then put it up on the net for all to see.