This is a strategy to help our customers avoid those unwanted spam phone calls to your business as you are required to submit registration information such:

• Your name
• Your business or personal address
• Contact number
• E-mail address

This information is typically harvested for illegal and rather annoying marketing practices. If you own a business e-mail address and you have hardly given out your e-mail address and you’re getting spammed then it is a good sign that your contact information has been harvested.

Typically this information is used by web design firms in third world countries as an endless supply of possible new clients who get bombarded with e-mails from the moment they register a new domain.

Why get a domain privacy addon?

It masks your private information behind a corporate body that retains your real contact information for legitimate requests. For example if you are infringing on someone’s trademark they can request to have your contact information released so that they can file a lawsuit. Having domain privacy allows you to keep your information private which can help you avoid unwanted harassment which is really handy if you are registering your domain from your business address which happens to be your home.

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Free Domain Privacy for every new domain name you register

But building a website can be expensive, time-consuming and complex enough that it can make creating a website such a confusing task that causes you to burn out and give up on your hopes and dreams of creating a website. Thankfully we have put together a general guide to help you establish the best starting point in creating your website, buying a domain and installing an SSL certificate.

If by the end of the article you are still having trouble or we have missed something you can contact us for assistance with your website needs.

Step 1: Identify your website needs and specifications for your website

Before you start the creation process of making a website you need to plan your website effectively so that you can decide how your website is going to be built and on what platform. For example, if you want a simple one-page website that just provides some general information about your business you could make a static HTML website. A static HTML page uses very little server-processing power so you don’t need to invest in a high tiered web hosting account. For other websites with multiple pages or a complex page that displays dynamic information, you might be more suited using a CMS.

A CMS (content management system) such as WordPress or Joomla might be more fitting if you are trying to build a website with a few pages or an e-commerce website. WordPress and Joomla are free to download and install on your web host but they do require installation. WordPress and Joomla come with easy to understand instructions but they generally both need to have an Admin account created and connected to a database. More information in step 7 regarding the installer process if applicable.

Step 2: Register your domain name

If you haven’t already you will need to register a domain for your website that allows your users to find your website. Typically domains are titled after the business name followed by an appropriate TLD such as a .com or .com.au. There are tips to choosing the perfect domain name but generally speaking keep it short and clear what the business is or clear with the branding intention.

We do offer cheap domain registration from Webex Domains that charge flat fees for renewals and registrations so you don’t pay more than you should.

Step 3: Signup to a web hosting account

The next step is to signup for a shared web hosting account. We offer web hosting services for small and large websites. It is important to know the requirements of your website hosting established in step 1. Some web hosts like WebJex offer different types of web hosting types such as shared hosting, reseller hosting, VPS hosting and dedicated hosting. Buying a VPS hosting will still allow you to host a website but it will require you having knowledge of extensive UNIX/Windows OS knowledge to install the services needed to host your site. In the case of running a WordPress website, a typical shared hosting account will suffice and offer you database hosting and have PHP enabled which is usually the standard requirements for WordPress.

We recommend if you are unsure about the website hosting you need we recommend you send an e-mail or support ticket to the sales team of the web hosting provider you are enquiring about. They will be able to point you in the right direction.

Step 4: Install an SSL certificate

After you have your web hosting account setup and up and running you will need to install an SSL certificate. SSL certificate installation process is generally the same but the interface may appear to be different. Some web host will offer free SSL certificates. Premium SSL certificates are also available for a yearly fee which is different to free SSL certificates. However, for basic websites you can get away with free issued SSL certificate from providers like LetsEncrypt that essentially just enable HTTPS for your website. The benefit of having an SSL certificate is that it will make your website more reputable and trusted by visitors viewing your website.

Step 5: Create an FTP account

The next step is to create an FTP account to be able to upload your website files to your host.
If you are using a WordPress installer like Fantastico to install your site. You can slip this step but it might be beneficial to create an FTP account now. If not, you can do this later.

Step 6: Create a MySQL database (if necessary)

Same with if you are using an app installer like Fantastico the software will automatically create and link your site to a database. Having a MySQL database is necessary for websites like WordPress to have. The reason is the database stores critical information like user logins, site posts and pages that are dynamic.

Step 7: Upload website source files

You will need to install a FTP client like FileZilla or WinSCP to FTP to your website’s FTP folder.

Step 8: Run installer (if required)

If you are wanting to install WordPress as your website and your host is using cPanel we have a guide for you to follow that explains how to install WordPress in cPanel with the cPanel WordPress manager tool that is standard with cPanel.

What to consider before starting a website on a budget

We have listed the top things to consider before starting a website on a tight budget or if you generally just don’t want to spend a fortune on website-related costs. Typically websites can cost you around $280 AUD per year for budget hosting, domain registration and an SSL certificate. Pricing may vary but it is the minimal ballpark figure you should set as your minimal expense amount. Some web hosting providers will try and sell you on $4 per month plans but as time goes on more and more people take advantage of the pricing and the server your site sits on slows down.

This is why here at WebJex we don’t believe in overselling our web hosting resources ethically and we have experienced ourselves frustrations when it comes to potentially being ripped off when it comes to web hosting. As an organisation, we have to have dedicated servers leased to us so we are always looking for the best deals on web hosting ourselves and that’s why we like to give our customers the best price to performance ration that you can get in the Australian web hosting market.

Website hosting cost

WebJex offers a standard business account for shared web hosting from $20.00 AUD per month. Which gives plenty of room for expansion and gives peace of mind that your website is going to be hosted on servers by us with fewer users than the standard hosting provider.

SSL Certificates to secure your website traffic communication

An SSL certificate is vital for securing your website traffic and it’s a ranking factor for search engines to give a slight advantage to websites who are SSL compliant.

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What to consider before starting a website

There are some advantages when using WordPress.com hosting or even another platform that sells their hosting. But you need to be able to understand the specifications of your web hosting you are buying and what the pro’s and cons are of that particular host.

Advantages of using WordPress.com Official Hosting

• No technical knowledge is needed to install WordPress.
• Range of plugins in the library available for an easy install.
• A huge range of themes available to be installed onto your WordPress site.
• Premium hosting resources – Your website is managed by the team behind WordPress so your web hosting performance will be top-notched.
• Reasonable cost for small businesses or FREE to get started with the WordPress free plan.
• A secure network with security always in mind.

Disadvantages of using WordPress.com Official Hosting

• Can work out to be much more expensive for web hosting in the long run
• You will have issues installing the plugins and themes you may specifically want because they breach the security of the network for other users who are hosting their WordPress website with WordPress.com.
• You don’t have root-level access to your WordPress installation.
• You will have issues migrating your website and plugin data to a self-hosted WordPress installation in the future if your website needs change.
• You are paying a premium for your hosting. Yes, the web hosting experience may be superior to many shared hosts. However, performance would not benefit you unless you’re a really big website.

Advantages of self-hosting WordPress

• Full access over the WordPress code. You can modify it for your own purpose in any way you wish that doesn’t breach WordPress terms and conditions of use.
• You can host WordPress with your web hosting provider of choice.
• Install your own plugins and themes from third-party providers and from the repository. You won’t be restricted by WordPress in any shape or form.
• Much lower running costs are available from shared web hosting providers.

Disadvantages of self-hosting WordPress

• Unless protected by specialised settings and plugins, your website could be at risk from exploits.
• WordPress will need to be updated along with all of your plugins and themes that you use on your site to ensure that your website remains secure.
• WordPress websites on low end-hosts can be slow, especially if there are a lot of websites being hosted on that same physical provider on that server.

How to choose between WordPress official hosting and self-hosted

If you’re still stuck in choosing if you should go with WordPress as a hosted solution by WordPress or if you should follow these guide rules to help decide which approach in hosting your WordPress website is right for you.

The bottom line: If you have the ability to watch tutorials on YouTube, follow instructions, and use Google then you would be able to learn the basics to run WordPress on your own privately hosted environment. However, that being said, some people who are less tech-savvy will struggle to grasp the concepts of web hosting and installing WordPress that they will be much better off hiring someone else or using a hosted solution.

When you should use WordPress.com hosting

• You are not confident with using any sort of web hosting control panel
• You are getting started with WordPress but not sure if the platform is right for you
• You aren’t on a strict budget for your website
• You are happy to pay for peace of mind even if it comes at a cost

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Difference between WordPress official hosting and self-hosted

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Adelaide Web Hosting Support