Everything I Wish I Knew When Launching My First Website

Launching your first website is an overwhelming task. It’s kind of like navigating a maze without a map, and every turn seems to lead to a dead end. You have to find a web hosting provider, buy a memorable domain name, design and build it, and then you have to get people to visit your website. It’s no wonder many people get overwhelmed and make mistakes. These mistakes cost you time, money, and ultimately can cost you potential customers.

This article is going to give you the knowledge and tools to help you succeed in the noisy digital landscape. Whether you’re a business owner trying to get your brick-and-mortar business online or a budding entrepreneur ready to make your mark, this article will get you started on the right path.

Learn from my mistakes and check out everything I wish I knew when launching my first website.

Disclaimer: Some links provided in this article are affiliate links. This means you won’t pay a penny more for services, but I get a percentage for referring you to help keep the blog in business.

I Wish I Understood Web Hosting Providers

First thing’s first — if you want to have an online business or get your brick-and-mortar business online, you have to find a web hosting provider. A web host is a business that essentially rents space on its servers so your website can be accessible to the world. They often package many services together to make it easy to get your business up and going.

Let’s go over some of the most common web host types, as well as their pros and cons.

Shared Web Hosting

Shared hosting is the most basic and the cheapest type of hosting you can get. Your website will be hosted on a server with other websites.

While this keeps costs low, there are drawbacks due to so many websites sharing the same resources. Shared web hosting is the quickest and cheapest way to get your website live and in front of potential customers.

Shared Hosting Pros:

This is hands down the most cost-effective option for beginners starting off
Setup and management of your website is easy
There are plenty of web hosts that offer value adds to their offerings, such as discounted first month or domain names

Shared Hosting Cons:

Speed and performance of a website on shared hosting can suffer during peak hours
If a website on the server gets hacked, it poses a security threat to your website
You have limited to no control over the server and software used

Shared Hosting Solutions I’d Recommend

Shared web hosts have upped their game since I started developing sites in 2001 — it seemed like anyone with a crappy server and a domain name could act like a web host. Now, web hosts offer fair-priced options on high-speed servers.

Here are a few shared hosts that I’ve used over the years:

IONOS – I signed up with this company in 2004 when they were called 1&1, and I still have a few websites on this web host, as well as multiple domain names here. If you’re like me and don’t like sitting on the phone for hours for customer service, you’ll love their live chat feature. They typically have introductory offers as low as $1 for your first month.
HostGator – This company is great and offers different types of affordable web hosting, including shared, WordPress, and Dedicated. I’ve had some billing issues with this company, but was quickly rectified. Their introductory offer typically includes a free domain name for a year.
DreamHost – Shared packages from DreamHost are reasonably priced for the value you get. There are over 1.5 million websites hosted on DreamHost.
GoDaddy – You’ve probably heard of GoDaddy from television ads, or even on the racetrack if you are a motorhead. They offer a lot of different services which include a website builder, web design services, and hiring experts to get your website live. Their customer service is top-notch.

WordPress Hosting

WordPress is a content management system that is free to use. There are so many features and options that allow you to create your website without having to learn how to program. It is estimated that over 40% of all websites on the internet are built using WordPress.

WordPress can create business websites, blogs, online stores, and much more. In fact, this website is built using WordPress.

WordPress web hosting is optimized for running WordPress websites. This includes having WordPress pre-installed and hardened security settings to keep your website safe. Many web hosts provide automatic backups, disaster recovery, and often provide free easy-to-use migration tools if you have a WordPress website hosted elsewhere.

I would highly recommend using WordPress for your website and getting web hosting from a WordPress optimized web host. You can get your website online and live within hours.

WordPress Hosting Pros:

While typically slightly more expensive than shared hosting, This web hosting is still cheap and hands-down the easiest way to launch a website using the WordPress platform.
You will enjoy increased website speed, security, and disaster recovery.
Technical support will be specially tailored to troubleshoot WordPress issues and can be especially helpful for beginners.

WordPress Hosting Cons:

You are limited to using WordPress only. This typically isn’t an issue unless you are a developer or you want to use something other than WordPress for your website.
The cost for specialized web hosting is more than a cheaper shared hosting plan.

WordPress Hosting Solutions I’d Recommend

Below are a few WordPress optimized web hosting packages that I currently use, or have used in the past.

SiteGround – This website is hosted on SiteGround, along with a handful of other websites of mine. I have been with SiteGround since September of 2021 and I love them. Their customer support is great and available 24/7. I noticed a significant increase in website speeds and I’ve been slowly migrating other websites to SiteGround.

DreamHost – Recommended by WordPress.org, DreamHost has in-house WordPress experts that can help you get when you get stuck. They offer Free email, SSL certificate, and domain name. DreamHost’s upgraded WordPress hosting packages offer on-demand backups, 1-click restores in case of a disaster, and much more.

BlueHost – Another web host recommended by WordPress.org, BlueHost has a support team available 24/7 and also offers a free domain name and SSL certificate with your hosting package. If you have the funds, BlueHost’s WordPress Pro packages offer an all-in-one marketing dashboard, SEO, email marketing, and social media tools.

Cloud Hosting

Hosting your website on a cloud-based infrastructure gives you the ability to scale your website as it grows. The benefit to using a cloud hosting service over a shared hosting service is performance and speed due to the fact you are able to harness the resources of multiple servers. A cloud hosting package dedicates a certain amount of server resources for your website and your website only.

Cloud hosting is great for developers who need full root and full control of their environment. If that sentence didn’t make sense to you, check out WordPress hosting.

Did you know: Website conversion rates drop by an average of 4.42% with each additional second of load time?

Cloud Hosting Pros:

Cloud hosting is cost-effective for what you are paying for
Resources are scalable, so you are able to get more concurrent visitors to your website without affecting load times
Backup and disaster recovery

Cloud Hosting Cons:

Cloud hosting can require some technical knowledge, so this may not be the best choice for someone who isn’t familiar with the online space
It is more expensive than shared web hosting

Cloud Hosting Solutions I’d Recommend

SiteGround – I’ve been happy with Siteground’s customer service, so I have to recommend it here.
HostGator – If you need a little more horsepower for your website, HostGator offers a few great cloud hosting packages. Their cloud packages are nice because HostGator will create multiple copies of your website to ensure data safety and redundancy.
DreamHost – If you’re a developer looking to create applications or powerful websites, DreamHost’s cloud hosting could be for you. Offering full root access, you will have the ability to run the operating system of your choice and scale as your project grows.

Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting

Last, but not least, virtual private servers allow you to have dedicated resources on a server. These resources include CPU, RAM, and storage. Unlike shared web hosting where every website fights for server resources, you get unhindered performance with your own server resources.

VPS hosting offers more control over your website, including installing software and configuration settings. This is a great option for an agency that runs multiple websites and demands the most performance without having to learn server management.

VPS Hosting Pros:

Enjoy unparalleled performance without having to manage your own server
You can scale resources as your website(s) grow

VPS Hosting Cons:

Costs more than shared or WordPress web hosting
Can be confusing to a beginner to navigate the control panel

VPS Hosting Solutions I’d Recommend

If you’ve come to this article without any knowledge of how to launch a website, I would recommend WordPress hosting or shared hosting. VPS hosting works best for agencies, web hosting resellers, or someone with a website that receives a lot of traffic.

If you’re in the market for VPS hosting, here are a couple of companies I would recommend:

DreamHost – Again, DreamHost offers a great value for high-performance servers. There are several different packages, all of them include the ability to host unlimited websites, unlimited traffic, free SSL certificates, and unlimited email accounts.
GoDaddy – GoDaddy has comparable VPS solutions.
BlueHost – BlueHost also has great VPS solutions.

My Recommendations

There are plenty of options out there that are free, but just like anything else in this world — you get what you pay for.

For the absolute beginner:

If you are the entrepreneur that will take some time to watch some YouTube tutorials, I would recommend signing up for SiteGround’s Managed WordPress Hosting and use WordPress as you website’s engine. I’ve been migrating all of our websites to SiteGround and their customer service is helpful.

If you are interested in a hands-off approach in launching your website, let us know about your idea.

I Wish I Made A Memorable Domain Name

Selecting the right domain name is crucial for your website’s identity and success. While it’s not mandatory to have a ‘memorable’ domain name, prioritizing one that is easily spelled and recalled can significantly benefit your online presence.

Understand the Domain Name: A domain name is essentially your website’s address on the internet. For instance, the domain for my site is ThatInternetStuff.com. It’s possible to purchase a domain name even before you have a fully developed website. Many entrepreneurs initially use their domain names to redirect visitors to their social media profiles, like Facebook or Etsy shops.
Make It Easy to Remember and Spell: Your domain name should be simple to remember and spell. This ensures that potential visitors can easily find your site without struggling to recall complicated or unusual spellings.
Keep It Short and Sweet: Aim for brevity. Long domain names are not only hard to remember but also prone to typos. A concise domain name is more efficient for users and better for branding.
Avoid Unconventional Spellings: While creative spellings might seem unique, they can confuse your audience. Stick to standard spelling to avoid potential visitors mistyping your domain name.
Consider Your Brand and Keywords: Your domain name should reflect your brand and, if possible, include relevant keywords. This helps in improving search engine visibility and makes your website more discoverable.
Check for Availability and Legal Issues: Before finalizing a domain name, ensure it’s available and not trademarked by another entity. This prevents legal complications and helps in establishing a unique identity.
Extension Matters: While .com is the most popular, consider other extensions like .net, .org, or niche-specific ones like .tech, depending on your website’s purpose.
Future-Proof Your Domain Name: Choose a domain name that can grow with your business. Avoid limiting your long-term growth with a name too specific to a niche or geographic location, unless it’s a deliberate part of your brand strategy.

In short, your domain name is more than just an internet address; it’s a crucial part of your brand’s identity and online presence. Selecting the right domain name with these factors in mind can make a significant difference in your website’s success and growth.

I Wish I Didn’t Worry About Designing and Building My Website

Many first-time website owners, including myself, often fall into the trap of overthinking the design and construction of their websites. While it’s important to have a functional and visually appealing site, it’s equally crucial to understand that perfection is not necessary, especially in the early stages.

Start with the Basics: Focus on launching with the essential features. A clean layout, basic navigation, and key content are enough to get started. Over time, you can refine and add more functionalities.
Utilize Website Builders: There’s no need to start from scratch. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, or SquareSpace offer user-friendly interfaces and templates. These tools can significantly simplify the design process, even for those with minimal technical skills.
Content is King: Prioritize high-quality content over intricate design. Engaging and valuable content will attract and retain visitors more effectively than a complex design.
Responsive Design is Essential: The mobile market has steadily increased to a staggering 92.3% of the internet — or 4.32 billion users. It is mandatory to have a mobile-responsive website in 2024.
User Experience is Paramount: Design your website with the user in mind. Simple navigation, fast loading times, and accessible information are key to a positive user experience.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Aesthetics: While functionality is key, the visual appeal should not be ignored. A well-designed website can establish credibility and professionalism. However, avoid over-cluttering your site; aim for a balance between aesthetics and usability.
Seek Feedback and Iterate: After launching your website, gather feedback from users and make improvements accordingly. Websites are dynamic; they should evolve based on user interaction and feedback.
Consider Professional Help if Needed: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to hire a professional web designer or developer. They can bring expertise to the table that significantly enhances your website’s quality.
Remember SEO Principles: Design your website with search engine optimization (SEO) in mind. A well-optimized site ranks better in search engine results, bringing more traffic to your site.
Learning is Part of the Process: Embrace the learning curve. Experiment with different layouts and features. The experience you gain will be invaluable for future projects or iterations of your site.

In retrospect, I would rather have a website that is easy to navigate and easy to read over a flashy website with all of the bells and whistles. You can always add things to your website, but do delay your launch trying to build the best website your first try.

I Wish I Knew How To Promote My Website

Learning to effectively promote your website is a crucial skill that can dramatically enhance your site’s visibility and success. Websites I built in 2001 to 2003 somehow made it onto Google, and I loved checking in on my visitor counter.

Fast forward to 2010. I meet a mentor that taught me content marketing, SEO, and ultimately how to create useful content.

When it comes to promoting your website, you have a lot of options. Brick-and-mortar stores promote their website on their vehicles, in their email signatures, and (hopefully) on their print and digital marketing efforts promote visiting their website. Another way to entice users to come to your website is to craft content that search engines will serve to visitors.

Basically, you’re going to have to tell everyone you know about your website. You can show off your knowledge by posting helpful content that will show up on search engines. Lastly, you can pay for ads to get more eyeballs.

Leverage Social Media: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn to share content, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your website. Your particular business may do better on one platform than the other. I will post more articles talking about this.
Invest in SEO: Search Engine Optimization is vital for increasing visibility in search engine results. Use relevant keywords, optimize your website’s speed, ensure mobile-friendliness, and create quality content to improve your SEO rankings. SEO in the most simple terms is using tools to see what people are typing into Google, and creating content that addresses that search completely. For example, if someone types in the keyword “press release in public relations,” I write an article titled “Maximizing Impact: The Art of Crafting Press Releases in Public Relations” and mention related terms inside of the article.
Content Marketing: Develop valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience. Blogs, videos, podcasts, and infographics can engage users and bring them to your site.
Email Marketing: Build an email list and regularly send out newsletters or updates. This keeps your audience engaged and informed about new content or offerings on your website. When done right, email lists can generate a lot of revenue. It is a great time to pitch digital products, use affiliate links if you are promoting something, or offering coupons to drive customers to buy something.
Utilize Paid Advertising: Consider using paid ads on Google, social media, or other websites. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns can be an effective way to drive traffic, especially in the early stages of your website. Paid advertising takes a fair amount of capital in the beginning of your campaigns, but as your campaign runs, the algorithm will do it’s thing. There are many techniques I will cover in other articles that talk about ways to getting the most out of your PPC campaigns.
Networking and Partnerships: Collaborate with other website owners, bloggers, or influencers in your niche. Guest posting, mutual promotions, or partnerships can be beneficial in expanding your reach.
Engage in Online Communities: Participate in forums, social media groups, or online communities related to your niche. Share your expertise and subtly promote your website where appropriate. This is your time to give. Don’t go to these communities with a “buy from me” attitude, because that’s not how those communities work. Provide value, and the customers will come.
Monitor Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics to track your website’s performance. Understand where your traffic is coming from and what content resonates with your audience. This data will guide your promotional strategies.
Offline Promotion: Don’t forget offline methods. Business cards, flyers, or networking at events can be effective, especially if your website caters to a local audience. A great idea is to add a QR code to your advertising.
Regular Updates and Consistency: Keep your website updated with fresh content and maintain a consistent presence on the platforms you choose for promotion. Consistency is key to building a loyal audience.

Here’s Some Common Mistakes to Avoid That I Learned the Hard Way

When launching your first website, it’s easy to fall into several traps that can hinder your progress and success. Here are some of the key mistakes I learned to avoid the hard way, which can serve as valuable lessons for any new website owner:

Striving for Perfection: One of the biggest mistakes is spending too much time trying to create the ‘perfect’ website. Remember, perfection is often the enemy of progress. It’s better to start with a functional site and improve it over time. As long as the text is legible and it looks good on mobile, you are good to launch.
Overlooking Mobile Responsiveness: Again, if your website is not mobile responsive in 2024, you are eliminating the majority of the internet from having a good experience on your website.
Ignoring Basic SEO Principles: SEO might seem complex, but even basic optimization is crucial. Neglecting simple SEO practices like proper title tags, meta descriptions, and keyword usage can severely impact your site’s visibility. Check out my articles that talk about SEO.
Underestimating the Importance of Content: Content is what attracts and retains visitors. Focusing too much on design while neglecting high-quality, engaging content is a common pitfall. You don’t have to create top-tier quality, but most smart phones have a powerful camera that can take sharp images and videos.
Not Setting Clear Goals: Without clear goals, it’s challenging to measure success or know where to focus your efforts. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your website. This was one of my biggest mistakes that bit me the worst. No matter what goals you set, create some and hold yourself accountable to achieve them.
Ignoring Website Load Speed: The next sin of having a website is having a slow website. 53% of mobile users will abandon a page if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load. Also, 82% of consumers say a slow website impacts their purchasing decisions.
Skipping Regular Updates and Maintenance: Websites require ongoing maintenance and updates. Neglecting this can lead to security vulnerabilities and outdated content. You need to keep your website updated. Signing in often allows you to check any comments, updates, or errors that could be going on. I’ve lost 1 website to not updating my website, and I’ve never missed updates since. We can help with that, too.
Overcomplicating the Navigation: If users can’t find what they’re looking for quickly, they’ll leave. Keep your site’s navigation simple and intuitive. Most new website owners want a flashy website, but users will struggle to find what they are looking for.
Not Collecting Analytics: Without tracking user behavior and traffic, you won’t know what’s working and what isn’t. Use tools like Google Analytics and a Facebook Pixel to gather insights. Utilizing the Google and Facebook Pixel will allow you to put ads in front of visitors of your website. These retargeting ads typically have a great return on ad spend, and the customers seeing the ads have already been to your website at least once.
Failing to Engage with Visitors: Whether it’s through comments, emails, or social media, engaging with your audience builds community and loyalty. Please do not use the same cookie-cutter response for reviews and comments on your social media. It’s a disgrace to watch other marketing companies send the same automated “thank you” message whether the review is good, bad, or purely a question.
Ignoring the Value of a Good Domain Name: Your domain name is your online identity. Choosing a complicated or irrelevant domain name can make it hard for users to find you.

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your website’s chances of success. Remember, the journey of running a website is a continuous learning process, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow and improve.

Get your website live, produce content, and improve your craft as you go. When I first started, my articles were bad, no one looked at them, and I kept posting. At the peak of 2016, I had two blogs with 100-120k visitors per month. That’s cool and all, but that was the culmination of me working hard for four years.

Wrapping It Up

The times of agencies and web developers being the only people that can create websites is over. If you have any sort of computer ability, internet to look up some tutorials on YouTube as you work on it, and have some time to spend… you can create a great website.

Any of the web hosts I’ve listed here I guarantee they are not a scam and I currently have active accounts at all of them. I personally recommend SiteGround, and they always have sales going on. Buy yourself a domain and WordPress hosting, and you’re a weekend away from having a website you can be proud of. I will be adding more articles to expand on everything I’ve mentioned.