Are you looking for a way to turn your side project into a successful venture? A website is an essential part of making your project a success. But how do you get started? Here are some simple steps to setting up a website to start your side project.
Choose a Domain Name
Your domain name is the address that people will use to find your website. Choose a domain name that is short, memorable, and relevant to your brand or project. You can purchase a domain name through a domain registrar such as GoDaddy or Namecheap.
Once you’ve chosen a domain name, you’ll need to set up web hosting. Web hosting is a service that allows your website to be accessible on the internet.
Choose a Web Host
When choosing a web host, you’ll need to consider the type of website you’re creating, the amount of storage space you need, and the features you’d like to have. If you’re just starting out, you may want to choose a shared hosting plan, which is a more affordable option. Once you’ve chosen a web host, you’ll need to set up your hosting account.
Once you’ve purchased a domain name and set up a hosting account, you’ll need to create a website. There are a variety of website builders available to help you get started. If you’re not familiar with web design, you may want to choose a template-based website builder such as WordPress or Squarespace.
Create a Website
When creating a website, you’ll want to include information about your project, such as what it is and why it’s important. You’ll also want to include a contact page so that people can get in touch with you. And don’t forget to add social media buttons so that people can easily share your website.
Once you’ve created your website, it’s important to keep it updated. You’ll want to add content regularly to keep your website fresh and engaging. You may also want to consider using SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to help your website rank higher in search engine results.
Launch Your Website
Once your website is complete, it’s time to launch it. This is an exciting step, but it’s also important to keep in mind that launching a website is just the beginning. You’ll need to continue to maintain and promote your website to ensure its success.
A website is a great way to start a side project. With the right domain name, web host, and website builder, you can create a website that captures the essence of your project and helps to turn it into a successful venture.
Other Factors To Consider
While it’s important to have a good website, there are many other factors that can help or hinder your side project’s success. For example, if you decide to sell products as part of your project (or accept donations), you will need to set up an online store and process payments through a payment processor like Stripe, PayPal or Square.
Fortunately, there are many great guides online, such as Bradford Toney’s side project checklist, to help you get started.
Conclusion
When you’re starting a side project, it can feel like there are so many things to consider. However, by following the steps above, you can make sure that your website is up to par and ready for the world to see.
