Domain Name And Hosting

Domain Name And Hosting

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Website Foundations

Setting Up Your Domain and Hosting

Starting an online business can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with technical terms like “domains” and “hosting.” But the good news is, setting up your website doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics of getting your domain name and hosting, so you can create your business website with confidence.  

If you want to join in with my exact examples, I’m using Wealthy Affiliate and you can join for free here.  Otherwise choose to buy and host at any of the many companies out there. I’ll give a list of some of the best known at the bottom of this page.  If you do find yourself within Wealthy Affiliate, do look me up and say Hi! My name is Jackiex4 and it’ll be lovely to see you.

Let’s dive in!

Step One: Understand the Basics

Before you jump in, here’s a quick overview:

This is your website’s address, like www.YourBusinessName.com. It’s what people type into their browser to find you.

Think of hosting as renting space on the internet where your website lives. A hosting service stores your website’s files and makes them accessible to visitors 24/7.

Together, your domain and hosting form the foundation of your website.

Domains and Hosting

Step Two: Choose Your Domain Name

Your domain name is your online identity, so pick something that reflects your business or brand. Here are some tips:

  • Keep it simple and easy to spell.
  • Choose something relevant to your niche or business.
  • Avoid using numbers or hyphens, as they can confuse visitors.

You know how difficult it is to remember a website address with hyphens or worse, underscore!

Take some time to brainstorm ideas. Once you have a few options, check if they’re available using a domain registration tool. 

Step 3: Get Your Hosting

Now that you have a domain name in mind, it’s time to find a hosting provider. Hosting services vary in price and features, but as a beginner, you don’t need anything fancy. Look for these features:

  • Ease of use: Does the platform provide beginner-friendly tools?

  • Reliability: Choose a host with good uptime and support.

  • Scalability: If your business grows, can your hosting plan grow with it?

Step 4: Combine Domain and Hosting

Wealthy Affiliate

Many platforms allow you to register your domain and purchase hosting in one place. This simplifies the process and makes managing your website easier.  It certainly does for me

You’re free to explore other options, but Wealthy Affiliate is a great choice if you’re starting from scratch and want an all-in-one solution.

Note: The key is to find a platform that feels right for you. Take your time and make the decision that fits your needs.

Your Journey Starts Here

Setting up a domain and hosting is a big milestone in starting your online business. If you’ve been following along then you’ve already taken a giant leap. 

From here take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to experiment and learn as you go. Whether you choose Wealthy Affiliate or another platform, the important thing is to take action and start building your dream.

Happy building!

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.”

Build Your Website

Build Your Website

by | Mar 17, 2025 | Website Foundations

Build Your Website

Once your domain and hosting are set up, it’s time to create your website. Most platforms, including Wealthy Affiliate, offer website builders that make this process straightforward. You can choose a design template, customize it to match your brand, and add your content.

Let’s get going.

Finding The Back Office

The back office of your site is where all the work is done.  It can look a bit daunting but stick with it and it will all make sense.  

I am working in my back office within the walls of Wealthy Affiliate.  This is where my websites live.  If you’d like to join along with me click the link below.  It’s free to join so there’s no risk to you.

Wealthy Affiliate Starter membership
Canva back 1 e1734520531656

The first thing to do is to click on ‘Log into Back Office and ‘hey presto’ here we are.

Image 18 12 2024 at 13.37 scaled e1734529181102

If you want to change your theme, click on ‘Appearance’ and then ‘Themes’ and you will see a screen that resesmbles the one below.

Image 18 12 2024 at 13.46 scaled e1734529691925

GeneratePress (shown above) is a theme. You can stick with this theme or upload a different one.  There are so  many to choose from and you can change at a later date if you decide your theme is doing what you want it to do

Themes e1734530155311

There are so many to choose from.  You can test them out by clicking ‘Preview’ on each one and it will show what the them will look like.  The theme I’m using on getonlinestepbystep.com is a premium theme by Elegant Themes and is called Divi.  I bought this years ago and have used it on all my sites but there are thousands of free theme out there.

Themes 2 e1734530720880

I’m choosing ‘Astra’ and below is the preview of how this theme can look.

Image 18 12 2024 at 14.08 scaled e1734530987381

When you have chosen a theme you think will work click ‘install’ and then ‘activate’.

Image 18 12 2024 at 14.13 scaled e1734531290289

You now have the skeleton of a website.  Don’t be afraid of it.  Have a play.  You really can’t do too much damage at this stage.  

Look at some of the Starter Templates or, if you are feeling really brave, have a go at building from scratch but we shall cover this in the next step.

Go and play. Try to get familiar with what you are looking at.  If it all goes ‘pear-shaped’ just start again and install the theme again by following the same instructions.

Happy themeing!

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.”

One: Choosing A Niche

One: Choosing A Niche

by | Mar 16, 2025 | SEO Basics

Today we are going to choose a niche.  We will work together and before you know it, you will have an online presence.  This isn’t a race so take your time to get to grips with each step.  If you come to one of those times when you don’t know which way to turn(and we’ve all had them!) reach out by contacting me by using the box at the bottom of the page.  I’d love to hear from you with any issues or any successes.  Chat soon.

One: Choosing Your Niche

Your guide To Finding Your Online Sweet Spot

Let’s face it—the online world can feel like a giant buffet. There are so many options, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, wondering what to focus on or where to start. Without a clear direction, you might end up sampling everything. And we all know how that can end!!!

If you set up an account at Wealthy Affiliate you will be able to access the niche finder if you’re stuck for ideas

Wealthy Affiliate

That’s where choosing a niche comes in. A niche is your special corner of the internet—your theme, your focus, your unique flavor. It’s like picking your favorite dish at the buffet. Whether it’s spicy tacos, comforting mac and cheese, or a delicate slice of cake, finding your niche will give you purpose, direction, and, most importantly, a reason for people to pay attention to you.

Here’s how to figure it out without feeling overwhelmed or lost:

Step 1. Think About What You Love (Even If It Sounds Silly!)

What lights you up?

What makes you feel like you could talk about it forever, even if nobody asked? Maybe it’s cooking ridiculous snacks, fixing old sewing machines, or tinkering with old cars. Whatever it is, that’s a clue to your niche.

Don’t overthink it! You don’t need to be the world’s leading expert in anything. (Spoiler: Most people aren’t.) You just need to enjoy what you’re doing because that enthusiasm is what will make others want to join you.

Niche selection

Step 2: Ask, “Who’s Interested in This?”

Once you’ve got an idea of what you love, think about who else might love it, too. These are your “people”—your audience, your online buddies. For example:

  • If you’re into gaming, your “people” might be other gamers looking for tips, reviews, or hilarious fails.
  • If you’re all about fitness, maybe your audience is busy parents who want quick workouts they can do while their kids are napping.
  • If you’re into crafting, your crowd could be DIY enthusiasts who want easy, step-by-step projects.

Think of it like forming a club. Who do you want in your club, and what will you all talk about?

Step 3: Check What’s Already Out There

Secret Sauce

Before you commit to your niche, take a peek at what’s already out there. Type your idea into Google, YouTube, or social media platforms. Are there other people doing similar things? That’s good news! It means there’s an audience for it.

But here’s the secret sauce: Think about what makes you different. What unique twist can you bring? Maybe it’s your sense of humor, your storytelling skills, or your ability to make something complex super simple.

This your Unique Selling Point (USP)

Step 4: Start Experimenting

Don’t wait for the perfect idea to hit you. Perfection is a myth, and trying to achieve it will keep you stuck. Instead, start experimenting. Post a few things in your niche and see what happens. Here are some ways to dip your toes in:

  • Make a short video explaining something cool in your niche.
  • Share tips or ideas on social media.

Pay attention to what feels fun and what gets a response. If something flops, that’s okay! It’s all part of the process. Think of it like sampling different dishes at the buffet until you find your favorite.

Step 5: Stay Consistent (But Keep It Enjoyable)

Once you’ve got a niche you like, stick with it for a while. It’s like nurturing a plant—you have to keep showing up if you want it to grow. But don’t turn it into a chore. If it starts to feel like work, go back to Step 1 and remind yourself why you picked this niche in the first place.

The online world is big enough for everyone, including you. Your niche doesn’t have to be perfect, and nor do you. You just need to show up, have fun, and share what you love. The rest will follow.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to choose your focus and dive in. The internet buffet is open, and your niche is waiting!

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.”

4 + 6 =

Beginner’s Guide to SEO: Simple Tips to Help You Get Found Online

Beginner’s Guide to SEO: Simple Tips to Help You Get Found Online

by | Mar 14, 2025 | SEO Basics

If you’ve been looking for an easy-to-follow SEO guide for beginners, you’re in the right place.

1. Choose the Right Keywords

Why it’s important: Keywords help search engines understand what your content is about. Choosing the right ones ensures your site reaches the right audience.

How to do it:

  • Use Google Keyword Planner to find popular search terms related to your niche.
  • Try Ubersuggest for suggestions and competitive analysis.
  • Focus on long-tail keywords (phrases with 3-4 words) as they are less competitive.

Example:
Instead of targeting “recipes,” use “easy dinner recipes for beginners.”

SEO guide for beginners | Envelope with focus keyword written on it

2. Optimize Your Page Titles

Why it’s important: The page title is the first thing users and search engines see, so it needs to be clear and keyword-focused.

How to do it:

  • Include your primary keyword in the title, ideally near the beginning.
  • Keep it under 60 characters to ensure it doesn’t get cut off in search results.

Helpful Tool: Use Yoast SEO (for WordPress) to check your titles.

3. Write Meta Descriptions

Why it’s important: Meta descriptions provide a snapshot of your page in search results and can influence click-through rates.

How to do it:

  • Keep it under 160 characters.
  • Use active language and include your keyword.
  • Add a call to action like “Learn more” or “Download now.”

Example:
“Discover easy yoga poses for beginners and start your journey today. Step-by-step guide included!”

4. Use Headers to Organize Your Content

Why it’s important: Headers (H1, H2, H3) make your content easy to read and help search engines identify the main topics.

How to do it:

  • Use one H1 for the main title of the page.
  • Use H2 for subheadings and H3 for sub-subheadings.
  • Incorporate keywords naturally in your headers.

Helpful Tool: Test how your headers look using WebPageTest.

 

5. Optimize Images

Why it’s important: Optimized images improve page load speed and help with search engine rankings.

How to do it:

  • Rename images descriptively (e.g., “easy_yoga_pose.jpg” instead of “IMG1234.jpg”).
  • Add alt text for accessibility and SEO.

Helpful Tools:

  • TinyPNG to compress images.
  • Canva to create or edit visuals.

 

6. Improve Page Load Speed

Why it’s important: Search engines prioritize fast-loading sites, and visitors are more likely to stay on pages that load quickly.

How to do it:

  • Minimize large files like videos and images.
  • Use caching plugins like WP Rocket for WordPress.
  • Test your site’s speed with PageSpeed Insights.

7. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly

Why it’s important: More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices. A mobile-friendly site is essential for good SEO.

How to do it:

  • Use responsive website themes or builders like Wix or Squarespace.
  • Test your site using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.

 

cartoon of a cell phone

8. Build Internal Links

Why it’s important: Internal links help guide users through your site and show search engines how your content is connected.

How to do it:

  • Add links to related blog posts or pages on your site.
  • Use descriptive anchor text (e.g., “Learn how to make a content calendar” instead of “click here”).

Example:

  • “Want more tips? Check out our guide to branding.”

9. Get Backlinks

Why it’s important: Backlinks from other sites show search engines your site is credible and worth ranking higher.

How to do it:

  • Reach out to bloggers or influencers in your niche.
  • Create high-quality content that people will want to share.
  • Write guest posts for other sites and include a link back to your own.

Helpful Resource: Learn how to get backlinks with this guide from Moz.

 

10. Monitor Your Results

Why it’s important: Tracking performance helps you see what’s working and adjust your strategy.

How to do it:

  • Use Google Analytics to check visitor stats.
  • Use Google Search Console to monitor search performance and fix any errors.

Tip: Look for trends, like which keywords bring the most traffic or which pages have high bounce rates.

Final Tip In This SEO Guide For Beginners

Begin with easy changes like optimizing titles and meta descriptions, then gradually tackle bigger tasks like link-building. Consistency is key.

 

SEO Worksheet for Beginners

Section 1: Keyword Research

What are your main topics or themes?

  • Example: Yoga, Baking, DIY Projects

List 5-10 potential keywords related to these topics:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Which tools will you use to find keywords?

  • Google Keyword Planner
  • Jaaxy
  • Ubersuggest

Section 2: Page Titles

Write 2-3 potential titles for your page or blog post:

1

2

3

Tips for crafting titles:

  • Include your main keyword near the beginning.
  • Keep it under 60 characters.

Section 3: Meta Descriptions

Write a short meta description (150-160 characters):

_________________________________________________________________________

Tips for writing meta descriptions:

  • Use active language (e.g., “Learn how to…”).
  • Include your main keyword.

Section 4: Headings (H1, H2, H3)

Outline your headings for the page or blog post:

  • H1: _______________________________________________________
  • H2: _______________________________________________________
  • H3: _______________________________________________________

Tips for headings:

  • Use keywords naturally in your headings.
  • Organize content logically.

Section 5: Internal Links

Identify 2-3 pages on your site to link to:

  1. Link Text
  2. Link Text
  3. Link Text

Why internal linking matters:

  • Guides users to relevant content.
  • Improves your site’s navigation.

Section 6: Images and Alt Text

List the images you’ll use and write alt text for each:

  1. Image: ______________________ Alt Text: “___________________________________________________”
  2. Image: ______________________ Alt Text: “___________________________________________________”

Tips for optimizing images:

  • Use descriptive file names.
  • Keep file sizes small (use tools like TinyPNG).

Section 7: Backlinks

List 2-3 sites or blogs to contact for backlinks:

Ideas for earning backlinks:

  • Share your content with relevant communities.
  • Write guest posts for other blogs.

Section 8: Monitoring Results

Tools to track your progress:

What metrics will you monitor?

  • Traffic to specific pages
  • Keywords bringing the most visitors
  • Pages with high bounce rates

Final Tip: Work on one section at a time and revisit your SEO efforts regularly to see improvement!

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.”

Off-Page SEO Checklist for Beginners

by | Mar 12, 2025 | SEO Basics

Off-Page SEO Checklist for Beginners

This checklist is your friendly guide to understanding and implementing Off-Page SEO. Off-Page SEO simply refers to actions taken outside your website that help improve your website’s visibility and ranking on search engines like Google. Let’s dive in step by step, so you can confidently build your online presence.

 

1. Understand the Basics of Off-Page SEO

Before diving into the tasks, let’s get clear on the goal:

  • Off-Page SEO helps search engines see your website as trustworthy and popular.

This is mainly achieved through getting links, mentions, and attention from other websites or platforms.

2. Build High-Quality Backlinks

Backlinks are links from other websites to your website. They act like votes of confidence for your content.

  • Reach Out to Trusted Sites in Your Niche:

Look for blogs, forums, or websites related to your business and ask if they’ll link to your site. Start small!

  • Guest Posting:

Write articles for other websites with a link back to your site. Many websites allow this, and it’s a great way to share your expertise.

  • Use Online Directories:

Submit your website to trusted directories like Google Business Profile or niche-specific directories.

  • Fix Broken Links:

Search for broken links on other websites (using tools like Broken Link Checker) and suggest your content as a replacement.

3. Social Media Engagement

Your social media presence is a key part of Off-Page SEO. Even if you don’t have a website yet, start building a following!

  • Create Profiles for Your Business:

Set up accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or Twitter.

  • Share Your Content:

Post links to your articles, products, or services. Encourage followers to share them too.

  • Engage with Others:

Like, comment, and respond to your audience to build trust and relationships.

  • Join Groups and Communities:

Share your expertise in relevant groups, forums, or discussion boards.

4. Local SEO Strategies

If you have a local business, focus on these steps:

  • Claim Your Google Business Profile:

Fill in your details completely and ask for customer reviews.

  • Get Listed on Local Directories:

Examples include Yelp, TripAdvisor, and niche directories specific to your industry.

  • Encourage Customer Reviews:

Politely ask happy customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google or Facebook.

5. Build Relationships Online

The more connections you have, the more opportunities you’ll create for backlinks and partnerships.

  • Collaborate with Other Websites:

Partner with other businesses for promotions or joint content.

  • Participate in Forums and Communities:

Look for forums like Reddit, Quora, or niche-specific platforms to answer questions and share helpful insights.

  • Comment on Blog Posts:

Find blogs related to your business and leave thoughtful comments. Don’t spam; aim to add value!

6. Leverage Influencer Marketing

Partner with influencers who share your target audience.

  • Find Micro-Influencers:

Smaller influencers can often provide great results at a lower cost.

  • Offer Free Products or Services:

In exchange, ask for reviews or shoutouts.

  • Collaborate on Content:

Work together on blog posts, videos, or social media content.

7. Track Mentions of Your Brand

Being mentioned online without a link to your site can still help.

  • Use Tools to Monitor Mentions:

Tools like Google Alerts or BrandMentions can notify you when someone talks about your business.

  • Reach Out for Links:

If someone mentions your brand, ask if they’d be willing to add a link to your website.

8. Share Visual Content

People love visuals, and sharing them can generate attention and backlinks.

  • Create Infographics:

These are easy to share and often get linked back to your site.

  • Post Videos on YouTube:

Link back to your website in the description.

  • Use High-Quality Images:

Share them on Pinterest or Instagram with links to your site.

9. Use Content Syndication

Republish your articles or content on other platforms to reach new audiences.

  • Use Medium or LinkedIn Articles:

These platforms allow you to republish your content with links to your website.

  • Collaborate with Blogs:

Let other sites share your content in exchange for a backlink.

10. Build a Strong Online Reputation

Search engines prioritize trustworthy websites, so focus on:

  • Encouraging Positive Reviews:

Respond to reviews politely, even negative ones.

  • Maintaining Consistency:

Ensure your business name, address, and contact details match everywhere online.

  • Responding to Comments:

Whether on social media, forums, or review platforms, always engage positively.

11. Track and Improve

Your efforts will grow stronger as you monitor and refine your strategy.

  • Use Tools Like Ahrefs, Moz, or Ubersuggest:

These can help you analyze backlinks and keyword rankings.

  • Check Your Traffic Sources:

Tools like Google Analytics show where your visitors are coming from.

  • Adjust Your Strategy: If something isn’t working, try another approach.

And Finally…

Remember, Off-Page SEO is a long-term game. Be patient and consistent, and the results will come. Wealthy Affiliate has excellent tools and a supportive community to help you if you’re feeling stuck.

Start small, follow this checklist, and celebrate your wins along the way