You get your hosting account setup... You register a domain... you setup the nameservers... you upload your files... You could be more specific in your questions...
whats ur question is about.....is it abt the technical details of starting a site...or more about on marketing or making it big??
he must have just sold those spots anyway, new site can be launched using diggs n co and even here on DP, you can make a simple topic, dont make it look like u r spamming or you can also buy high cost advertising space before launch to promote ur site before its launched these are some ways, there must be many more
How to start a new site: 1. Register a domain 2. Get some web hosting(or webspace) for the domain 2. Upload files/content 5. Wait for DNS propagation until you're able to visit your website through your newly registered domain name. Your website is now launched.