5 Things You Need To Create Your Own Website

I get tons of questions consistently on what's needed to create a website. Ideally, it depends on the type of website you're seeking, but I am going to outline 5 basic needs for creating and hosting a website.

5. SQL Databases

Don't know what they are? Well, a SQL database is a table, web-oriented database that allows you to refer to certain fields and tables from your web site. You can create calls to these fields that will show data or created forms that will insert data into the fields. SQL databases are a vital part of the web development business, and I would recommend having one of these within your hosting environments.

Typically, most hosts will offer unlimited SQL databases (also referred to as mySQL). So when you sign up for a host, be sure to look for mySQL.

4. An FTP Program

Every site requires you to upload it to a web server. In order to do so, you usually have to have some sort of FTP program.

I use CoffeeCup Free FTP. It works wonders for me. If you have a program like Macromedia Dreamweaver, it already has one built in. Another great program is Cute FTP. There's lots of free programs out there, and features differ from one to another. Use your own discretion on this, but as always, make good software choices. Bad software choices lead to viruses, adware, and spyware problems.

3. A Host

You've got to have a host to put your website on the internet. if you don't have storage, you don't have a website. It's as simple as that.

Hosts come in a variety of different flavors. We (Major League Media) currently offer some of the best hosting around with unlimited amounts to just about anything: SQL databases, email accounts, storage space, bandwidth, etc.

2. A Domain

If you want a successful site, you need to get a domain name. They are cheap now-a-days, so arguing price point is out of the picture, folks. You can get basic .com domain names from GoDaddy.com for like $10 per year. Unless you're working for child labor charges (I know I may get shelled for that), then please don't argue price point!

You need a domain to point to your hosting server so your website can be recognized by visitors.

GeoCities is being shut down by Yahoo, but I am sure there are still free sub-domain options out there. But if you want a professional looking website, it all starts with the domain name. Get yourself one.

1. An HTML Editor

You are going to need a program that allows you to edit the HTML coding of your site. Some people choose to simply use Notepad, while others prefer Adobe Illustrator.

I actually prefer to use Macromedia Dreamweaver, because it gives the basic user the ability to gradually progress into something a bit more advanced. Not only can you edit basic HTML pages in Dreamweaver, but you can also edit PHP, ASP, and .NET which most other programs do not allow you to do. In all honestly, you can edit PHP or ASP in Notepad, but you don't get to see the results of the coding construction as you work on it.

Dreamweaver is a bit expensive, so be prepared to shell out a few bones for it.