Think of a website like a house. For any house to exist, it needs land (hosting) and an address (domain name).

• Hosting is where all your website’s files live. When someone visits your site, they’re accessing those files stored on a remote server. Companies like SiteGround, Bluehost, and Wealthy Affiliate offer hosting services where they keep your website “live” on the internet.
• Domain Name is like your house address. It’s the name people type in to visit your website—like www.getonlinestepbystep.com. Without a domain, visitors wouldn’t know where to find your site.

When you create a website, you’re designing what people will see when they visit. This includes:

• Text (e.g., blog posts, product descriptions)
• Images and videos
• Menus and links to help visitors navigate the site.

But behind the scenes, your site is built with code—languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Don’t worry, though; most website builders like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace take care of the coding for you with drag-and-drop features. Which is just as well for me as I have tried to understand but I’m afraid at the moment it’s all a bit beyond me. 

My websites are built with WordPress so I don’t need to worry.  Coding will have to be put on the back burner until I think it is a necessary requirement (never I hope!)

When someone clicks on your website link, their browser sends a request to your hosting server. Think of this as sending a virtual letter asking, “Can I see your site, please?” The server then sends back the data (your website files), which displays as a fully functional webpage on their screen.

This process happens in seconds but involves multiple steps:

1. The browser finds your domain name.
2. The hosting server responds by sending your website’s data.
3. The visitor’s browser assembles the data and shows the final webpage.

Many people think that once a website is live, that’s it—job done! Unfortunately, that’s not the case. 

Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your site fast, secure, and functional. Here’s what’s involved:

• Updates: Website builders and plugins (extra tools that add features to your site) need regular updates. These updates fix bugs, improve security, and keep your site compatible with new technology.
• Backups: Imagine losing your entire site due to a server crash or a hack! Regular backups act as a safety net so you can restore your site if something goes wrong. As my websites all live at Wealthy Affiliate I don’t have to worry as the sites are backed-up automatically. Phew!!
• Security: Hackers target vulnerable websites, especially those without proper protection. Installing security plugins and using strong passwords can help protect your site from attacks.
• Speed Optimisation: Visitors hate slow websites. Regularly cleaning up large files and optimising images can prevent your site from becoming sluggish.

It’s no use having a fantastic website if no one can find it. This is where Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) comes in. SEO helps search engines like Google understand what your site is about, so they can show it to the right people.

Key SEO factors include:

• Using relevant keywords in your content.
• Creating fast-loading, mobile-friendly pages.
• Writing compelling page titles and meta descriptions (the text that appears on Google’s results page).

Platforms like Wealthy Affiliate offer training and tools to help beginners improve their SEO strategy. I’ve found these invaluable on my journey.

Your site’s design and structure play a huge role in keeping visitors engaged. If your website is cluttered, confusing, or difficult to navigate, people will leave quickly.

Here are some tips for a great user experience:

• Simple Navigation: Make it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Your site should look good on both desktop and mobile devices.
• Fast Loading Times: Nobody likes waiting for pages to load. A speedy website keeps visitors happy and improves your SEO.

Websites thrive on fresh, relevant content. Whether it’s blog posts, product updates, or news, regular content updates keep visitors coming back.

Why is content so important?

• It establishes your expertise.
• It gives visitors a reason to return.
• It improves your SEO by providing more pages for search engines to index.

I’ve made it a priority on Get Online Step By Step to provide beginner-friendly articles and guides that answer common questions about building websites and starting an online business.

Having a great website is only part of the puzzle. To attract visitors, you’ll want to promote it through other channels like:

• Social Media: Share your content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to reach a wider audience.
• Email Marketing: Building an email list allows you to stay in touch with your audience and drive traffic back to your site.
• Advertising: Paid ads can give your website an extra visibility boost, especially when you’re just starting out.

Technology evolves quickly, so it’s essential to keep learning. Joining platforms like Wealthy Affiliate can help you stay updated on best practices and new tools. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community also keeps you motivated and inspired.

Remember, even experienced website owners are constantly learning and adapting. Embrace the process and take things step by step.

A website is more than just a digital business card. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing platform that requires planning, maintenance, and promotion to succeed. From hosting and domains to content and SEO, every element plays a role in how well your site performs.

A website that is created and left is like having a postcard advertising your business sitting in the window of a store in a tiny village with 15 residents all aged over 80!!!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take it slow. Start by learning the basics, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Over time, you’ll find that managing your website becomes second nature—and the rewards are well worth the effort.

Here’s a little transparency: My website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support my mission to bring you quality content.