Getting Started with the ABC's of Getting a Web Site

Getting your domain name

As an AusHost.com.au customer, we will submit your domain name registration request to the Top Level Domain Name registrant for you at no cost. Just type in your preferred domain when signing up for one of our web hosting plans. We'll do the rest! (Domains are subject to availability). The TLD registrar will confirm the registration of your domain name by e-mail and this will also be confirmed by AusHost.com.au. Domain name registration is subject to the rules of the appropriate TLD and most license are for the initial two years.
Check to see if a domain is available

Building your web site

Depending on the scope of your project, you may want to hire staff or contract developers. However, several good software packages are available that make building a web site almost as easy as using a word processor. AusHost.com.au supports Microsoft FrontPage (via FrontPage server extensions) on all virtual sites.

Microsoft FrontPage
Currently the leading web site creation and management tool, FrontPage 2000 is for all skill levels -- from novice to guru. What's more, AusHost.com.au supports FrontPage server extensions, which simplifies the process of publishing web sites.

Macromedia Dreamweaver
Macromedia Dreamweaver 3 is the solution for professional Web site design and production. Develop ground-breaking sites, automate production, and enhance team efficiency. Control your code with Roundtrip HTML and the revolutionary Quick Tag Editor. Accelerate workflow through integration with Web applications, Microsoft Office, and leading e-commerce and application servers. Only Dreamweaver can be customized using HTML, JavaScript, and XML, giving you the power you need for rapid Web development. With Dreamweaver, you'll build better Web sites faster. A thirty day downloadable trial of Dreamweaver is available from the macromedia site.

eCommerce -
AusHost.com.au offers eCommerce solutions which can be tailored to suit individual needs. For more information, please email the sales department sales@aushost.com.au

Hosting your web site

On the technical side, there are several web hosting options (Shared Hosting; Co-location Hosting; Dedicated Hosting) offered by many companies. Prices range from free to thousands of dollars per month, but the bottom line is this:

• Will your internal or outsourced web hosting solution allow you to upgrade as your business grows and technology changes?

• Will your solution provide adequate customer support?

When you select AusHost.com.au, the answer is "yes" to both. We deliver outstanding technical support throughout your service term, not just at point-of-sale. Our hosting solutions also allow for easy, affordable upgrades to handle increased traffic and technological advances.

Promoting your web site

Like any kind of marketing, there's no sure formula in attracting visitors to your web site. We do, however, suggest you trumpet your site both online and off. Mix e-market methods like newsletters and banner ads with old school advertising like direct mail and radio spots. (Of course, it's up to you to determine what method is most appropriate for your business.) Online, registering with the major search engines remains -- initially anyway -- to be your best bet in attracting eyeballs. Registering is free and fairly easy, but requires persistence to make sure you don't get lost among all the other sites screaming for attention. AusHost.com.au includes free lodgement to search engines and links to marketing related sites and services.