How to Build a Website With Your Personal URL

The Internet is a critical resource for individuals, businesses and organizations. Websites are located through a uniform resource locator (URL). While the computer identifies the site through a hexidecimal identifier known as an IP address, domain name servers allow words or phrases to be associated with the IP address. Building a website with your personal URL is a great way to increase business, market yourself or bring attention to valuable information.

Instructions

Difficulty:

Step 1

Launch an Internet browser. Find a Web-hosting service such as GoDaddy, HostGator or Yahoo Small Business. Follow the on-screen directions to sign up for a hosting package. Consider the needs of your business or organization when choosing the package.

Step 2

Make a note of the name servers used by the hosting provider. The name server information is located on the provider's website. Make sure to get the information for two name servers as both are needed.

Step 3

Launch an Internet browser. Navigate to a domain name registrar such as GoDaddy, DomainClub and ENom.

Step 4

Follow the on-screen directions to determine if your desired domain name is available. Repeat the step until an available one is found.

Step 5

Follow the on-screen directions to register the domain name. Follow the on-screen directions to enter the name server information for your Web-hosting provider.

Step 6

Navigate to the site of your Web-hosting provider. Follow the on-screen directions to access your Web server. Determine what tools are available from the provider for site creation.

Step 7

Use the online tools or site creation software to build the website. Follow your provider's instructions to upload the site to the Web server. This may be accomplished with FTP software or online tools.

Step 8

Attempt to access your website using your personal URL. If the site is unreachable, check to make sure the name servers are entered correctly. Name servers may take several hours to associate your website with the domain name.

References

• icann: icann-accredited registrars
• internic: internic faqs on the domain names, registrars, and registration
• harvard university: session 2: set up

Resources

• host gator
• network solutions
• go daddy
• whois: whois lookup

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid long or difficult-to-remember domain names. A URL that is easy to remember and easily recognizable is best. Some unavailable domains are available for purchase. Use the Whois website (see Resource section) to determine the owner of the domain and contact the owner to determine if the domain is for sale.
• Avoid long or difficult-to-remember domain names. A URL that is easy to remember and easily recognizable is best.
• Some unavailable domains are available for purchase. Use the Whois website (see Resource section) to determine the owner of the domain and contact the owner to determine if the domain is for sale.
• Domain names are leased for set amounts of time. If a domain lease expires, you may lose the rights to that domain name if it is leased by another individual or organization. Always be sure to update the lease on the domain name before it expires.