Partial Map of the Internet - Click on image to enable zoom
I’ve had a few people ask me recently about starting their own websites. Become their own dots on the internet map. When I created my first website about 12 years ago, Elizabeth Ely’s Harp Page, I was a complete novice, but enjoyed the new challenges. I even enjoyed learning a bit of HTML code to tweak things in Microsoft FrontPage 98. I’ve designed a few other sites since then and every time I learn new things, better, easier ways to create what was before a bigger struggle. It can be such fun figuring out how to create on the screen what you see in your mind.
What’s technically possible just keeps on increasing. Things sure have changed since that first website was designed. That was really driven home when I decided I wanted, no in fact needed, creatively and emotionally speaking, to create this blog. Combining my love of both writing and computers is proving to be an even better journey than I imagined. If you too feel so inclined to have your own website, be it for blog or business or both, I hope you decide to go for it now.
One of the pushes I needed was reading Internet Entrepreneur John Chow’s comments that, “Everyone has dreams and goals. The only difference between a goal and a dream is a goal is a dream with action…If you have [made a goal] did you place a time limit on it, or did you just say, “I’ll do it someday” or “I hope it will happen.” As he put it, “Someday never comes.” After a little more procrastinating, I did finally stop saying “I’m planning on” or “I will create a blog”. It became “I am doing this”. And it feels great, not only to be writing everyday, but sharing thoughts with visitors from around the world. A dream coming true. It feels like a destined blending of so many of the things that mean so much to me.
It all began that clichéd one step at a time. In my opinion, the first step is getting your own domain name. It’s yours for as long as you want/renew it and it doesn’t matter if you change internet providers etc. it stays the same and goes where you go. I’ve included a comparison chart below for reference. At the bottom you can type in any domain name you may be curious about and check availability, or click to check directly at Go Daddy $7.49.com Sale!
The chart also gives an idea of the many different features that one can add as needed. If it appears daunting in any way, all you need to focus on is that first step, and the second will come to you. That’s what happened for me. Another great thing about the internet is that typing in just about any question you might have, there’s likely someone else out there who has already asked it, and another who has answered. Help is always available as the steps continue. And every once in a while you can look back and see just how far you’ve come. And be excited by the next new step. Not just planning on it, but doing it.
I’ve included a few links to show how easy it is now to create your own site. And what a bonus that those steps don’t cost too much. Many plans include web templates that get you going incredibly quickly and easily, often for just a few dollars a month for everything. Click and build your very own Web site online! As you get more advanced, hosting options are great to consider and offer more flexibility and control of your site. New – Unlimited Hosting at GoDaddy.com!
For those interesting in blogging, I can’t recommend the blogging software/platform WordPress highly enough. And it’s so easy since it’s included free with hosting options here. Blogging made easy – WordPress Hosting from GoDaddy.com!
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