There are THREE things you will need to have in order to get a website online.

First - you will need to already OWN the domain name you require to be hosted. Our previous automated system used to include domain name purchase, but with domain pricing varying so much, most of our clients now seem to come to us for a hosting only service. It seems they prefer to feel they 'own' their domain directly, rather than think it is owned by someone else.

If you already own or have purchased the domain name, then the next step is secure a hosting service.

Next - the domain will need to be hosted somewhere - and that's where CHOICESHOST comes in.

Our service is now a HOSTING only service. There are some cheaper domain name services that offer a hosting service at the same time as you purchase the domain, but this can sometimes work out to be more expensive, or you only actually receive the absolute minimum hosting service. Do be careful with these - and as the saying goes - "you don't get 'owt for now't!"

Many that offer free hosting will try to cram as many domains as they can on a server. This in turn means that during busy periods website viewing and service operation can slow down quite consideraly due to demands placed on the server.

CHOICESHOST offers a whole host of practical features in our packages, which also allows you the space to grow as your web presence does, without have to move elsewhere later on to obtain an improved service.

Next - At CHOICESHOST there is also a full online support database with easy to understand explanations and answers. This will help you to learn more about the internet and assist by providing solutions to any issues you may encounter.

Next - Where-ever you move a domain to for hosting, the DNS (Domain Name Server) references will need to be changed and this service should be provided FREE by the agent that sold you the domain name. We can help with advice as to how to do this if the domain was purchased elsewhere.

Finally - you will need to be able to design, or have designed, a website for your domain.

Our hosting packages include a FREE online designer to help people get started - or if you have a design package like Dreamweaver, there are also a huge number of website template designs that can be downloaded and altered for use on the web and which will get you started. These are FREE!

A website design itself specifically for your needs is rarely, if ever, included as part of any hosting package, as the costs for this can vary considerably from a few hundred ££'s though to many thousands of ££'s depending on time and design requirements.

That's why to help we by offering these free templates and the online designer service to aid with any initial design costs.

DOMAIN NAME PURCHASE:
The cost of a domain via ourselves will vary according to the suffix requirement. However, we are happy to purchase this in advance on your behalf, which also allows us to immediately change the DNS references and point the website to our hosting servers.

Also, with us purchasing the name on your behalf, your details won't appear in the WHOIS database, so your contact data remains protected. However - the domain WILL REMAIN YOURS.

RETURN TO WEBSITE