You need three things to run a web site:

1. A registered domain name or Web site name.
2. A web server to host your site.
3. Web pages to present your design on the web.

Here is a quick synopsis of what these are, how to obtain them, and what help we can give you with each:

• The domain name is obtained from a Domain Name Registratrar. It will cost you about $30 to 40 per year or less. Not all registrars offer all the same additional services, and not all are easy to deal with when you need to change something. The lowest price is often not the best deal. Consult with us before selecting a registrar. If you wish we will register your domain name for you at no cost beyond the registrar's fee.

Here's the registrar we use:
(click on the image to go directly to their site.)

• The second requirement, called hosting, provides the computer and the software to 'answer the door' when someone requests your domain name from their browser. It then serves them your web pages. Your web site actually resides on this computer. Unless you have your own corporate computers connected to the Internet 24 hours a day and web server software on them, you will usually rent space on the machines of a hosting service for this function.

A hosting service will cost anywhere from nothing to $50 per month or more. It is important to select a hosting service which provides features and services tailored to the needs of your site. Do not contract with a hosting service until you have selected your webmaster; you will need their guidance on requirements. It is unimportant where your hosting service is physically located. Usually, it is unwise to contract for hosting services that come bundled with some other service, such as your ISP, your site-registration, or your web site production.

We will act as your agents in finding and contracting for the right hosting for your needs. For this reason we do not offer hosting ourselves so that we can remain unbiased on your behalf.

• The third requirement is the computer code that actually comprises your web site. This includes the code that produces the appearance of the visible pages, text, and pictures, as well as the usually much larger body of code that implements the 'invisible', behind-the-scenes functions. For example, such things as databases, dynamic content management, e-mail facilities, credit transaction processing, audio or video, and many others.

Web design is the responsibility of your webmaster who must determine the scope and nature of your site's requirements, analyze and organize the layout and connectivity, and define and code the visible pages and auxiliary functions to meet these requirements. Your webmaster will usually also be responsible for production of the graphics on the site.

This is a non-recurring startup cost, and will be your largest initial layout. There is a great range in cost depending on the magnitude and complexity of the site and its constellation of features and functions. For a decently-done business web site this can run anywhere from several thousands to several millions of dollars. In selecting someone to do this, find someone who will work with you by estimate, not by hourly rate (unless you know how long everything ought to take) nor by fixed-price packages, which are only suitable for non-commercial use.

If you would like to read more in depth about the requirements of quality web site design, and questions you should ask of a prospective webmaster, follow this link.