Creating a Website

by Gladys Mwanza
(Kitwe, Zambia)

How do I create a website from scratch?

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LJ's Answer:

Hi Gladys!

It's wonderful to hear from you. Hey, how is your holiday? Mine is a tad boring a tad miserable.I really can't wait to go back to school... And I have written a couple of stories which you just gotta see! And I plan to write an outstanding episode of Lover boy. Just a pity you haven't yet submitted your winning entry.Anyways, you got a bit of time left before the competition ends. I am still waiting for Rasta's submission. Hope he hasn't changed his mind.

So much for the salutations. Time for serious business.

I love your question. It is juicy, if you know what I mean. Mm hmm. How do you create a website from the scratch?

I think there are a lot of people out there with that question. Having created one 'from the scratch', I can answer it. You said I should make it as simple as possible, huh? I will try to do just that.

Here are a few steps to get you started:

Firstly, you have to understand how the World Wide Web Works. The internet, as you well know, is an interconnection of computers all over the world. Websites are usually set up on big, powerful computers with server programs. Therefore, you cannot set up a website on your own personal computer. YOu have to hire a web host to give you or rent out a space for you on their powerful computer('server').

Most people start out by setting up pages on social sites like My Space. On these websites, people are given a page which they can customise to their hearts content. Companies like Google and Yahoo often give out domains at little or no cost to their users where they can set up web pages. Though not practically websites, it helps to get started by setting up pages on these websites so that you get to know what is really involved on the net.
Learn a little about HTML and Web Design. It helps to learn a little about HTML and Web Design. Of course, you can always hire someone to do the technical staff for you, but it is more fun if you do it yourself. You do not really need to attend school to learn HTML or Web Design. SBI (Site Build It!), the company that powers my website provides all the tools you need to design your own website. They actually give you ten 'day' course that outlines how to use the tools and how to set up the website. They taught me all I know now about web Design.
Choose the Right Web Host. Most Web sites fail because they have not got the right web host. Most web hosts just give you a domain, but literally leave you on your own. But SBI gives you all the tools that you need,and what is more, they give you more than enough help on how to use the tools. Actually, this help is in form of an Action Guide (a course) which also explains all that is involved in web design.
Be Rightly Motivated. Question you have to ask yourself is: Why do I want to create a website? Yes, you should have the right motive; and that should be to provide good quality service to your visitors. Without the right motive, you can easily quit. Most people start out with the hope of making thousands of dollars. Well, it is not as easy as that. It takes time, but with patience, determination, and the right motive, you will make it.
Learn to network. To succeed on the net, you need to network. Join forums where you can share ideas with others. If you do not network, you are not bound to succeed. You will learn a lot from 'experts' in the field. SBI provides an excellent forum where people can share ideas and ask questions.

Hey, Gladys, that is about all I have up my sleeve right now. I can tell you a lot about SBI when we meet in person soon. For now, just know that creating a website from the scratch, with SBI, is almost as easy as pie, and fun too!