To set up a website, you will need a domain name. Every Web site that you visit is found by the domain name. Domain names have two or more parts, separated by a dot. The part on the left is the name you choose, for example "smithcompany". It's a good idea to use the complete name of your business. The part on the right identifies you as an organization (.org), a commercial site (.com), a network association (.net), etc. You can buy as many domain names as you want, and you can have all of them take visitors to your main domain name where your website is actually located. For example, I have registered english-zone.net, english-zone.org, and englishzone.org. All of these addresses will take you to the same website. This provides more exposure on the Internet. No one else can have your exact domain name because all domain names are registered and recorded in a central database, and each name must be unique. If another website already has the name you want, you may have to try several different names to get the exact domain name you may want.
	Next, you will need someone to design your website. You can try to make a Web site yourself, or ask a friend to make one for you. However, if your Web site looks unprofessional, your chance of making a good first impression will be lost. One really advantageous aspect of the Internet is that it can level the playing field, where any business can compete with "the big boys," if you will. Since you only get one opportunity to make a lasting first impression, you need a properly-designed site, so your business can project the image and professionalism of a much larger company. It is almost better to have no Web site at all than to have a site that makes your company look bad. Just like your personal appearance is professional, and your office or shop is neat and inviting, your web site should be presented to the public in that same professional manner.
	Finally, you will need a hosting company. A "host" is like an assigned parking space - you park your Web site there. There are lots of hosting companies on the internet, and they each offer different hosting plans for any budget you have in mind. A simple Web site won't cost too much to host. You can shop for a hosting company for yourself, or I can make some recommendations for you.

Simple Sites by Kaye
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kmallory AT english-zone DOT com