Websites are the building blocks of the internet, with a huge variety floating around and covering just about anything under the sun. Building a website can be a fun way to stake out your own little piece of the internet.
There are lots of different ways to do this, depending on your needs, as well as your level of skill.
1. Code it from scratch.
This one’s perfect if you’re a control freak and/or you’ve got killer typing skills. You can write the code for your website yourself. However, to do this properly you would have to learn html, css and possibly javascript first, which you can do over at Codeacademy.
You will need a hosting site that will host your code and media files, such as Laughing Squid, Hostgator or GoDaddy. The files are stored on a remote server or on the cloud so that your users can access your website by going to your domain.
2. Use a CMS
Some people build, others rent. This option is for the renters. Content management systems, like the name implies, are designed to simplify the process of putting your content online. There are several options available, such as WordPress, Joomla and Drupal.
With a CMS, you are able to plugins to your website for more functionality, such as embedded video and social media integration.
CMSs remove the need for you to write your own code. You will need to set up hosting, and once this is done you can deploy the CMS and build your site on it.
Perhaps the easiest to deploy is WordPress, which has regular updates and airtight security. Just use it and move on with your life
3. Create a Tumblr.
Yup, the platform where millennials pour their hearts out and memes come to life. For real yo, Tumblr is a versatile platform. You can easily hook it up to a custom domain. You can customize the theme, add stuff directly, or reblog anything you find interesting.
4. Use a website builder
If you like your food pre-chewed, you’ll like this option. Everything comes pre-packaged, with themes, templates and plugins. All you need to do is add your data into the mix, and you’re set.
There’s a number of builders that you can use if you choose to go down this path, such as Wix and SquareSpace. Once you sign up and set up your account information, you can go on your merry way.
Photo Credit: Paulina Jane via Compfight cc
