Bought a domain..now what??

I bought a domain just now. What should I do now? Sorry guys..but I am a newbie to domains. This is my first domain I bought. So, I need to know what are the steps now? Get it hosted, register, make a website???

 

Basically you should get a hosting (I suggest you to get a cheap one to start, there are hostings from 15$ anually or even less) and make a website.

After that will come the promotion which is fairly more complex

Good luck !

 

Do I have to register the domain somewhere before hosting it?

 

you bought the domain right ?

you need to change name servers to host. so no need to register

 

1)change nameservers to host
2)put up some content
3)submit site to google, yahoo etc
4)wait
5)wait some more
6)wait even longer
7)get indexed by google
8)get visitors
9)get more visitors
10) maybe, just maybe, make some money

 

"1)change nameservers to host"

Get a host first, Halen

 

Where did you buy the domain from ?

Some companies are strictly domain registrars, and others offer both domain registering and hosting services.

I'd recommend you to separate your domain registration and hosting, for your host could rob you in terms of transfer fees should you want to move your domain somewhere else.

1.) You need to change the domain's nameservers. This will be provided by your host when you sign up with them. Hostgator, Asmallorange, Bluehost, Dreamhost, Hostican- there are loads of decent companies in the market. Be sure to look out for a coupon- saves you a few bucks.

2.) Most hosts will have fantastico, and there are a variety of scripts that can be installed automatically- for example wordpress. You could also make a plain HTML site, and upload the files using FTP ( Filezilla is what I use)

 

Simply, get a good, RELIABLE host. Then change the name servers of your domain from the Registrar. Your host will tell you login info, and procedure including the nameservers.

Use all that, to get into your Administrative Panel (Cpanel is most widely used, but its not the only one).
Then you'll be needing to upload files in Public_html directory, or install a Script maybe, via FTP, File Manager or Fantastico. For e.g you install Wordpress Blog from Fantastico. Follow the procedures, and install it in the root. After installation, the next time you'll visit your domain, you'll find the blog there.

Otherwise if you are making your own website, put the files in public_html folder. The index.html or index.php will be recognised as your first page. In case its not present, the domain will open the public_html folder instead, listing the files present there.

Note: Nameservers change can take upto 48 hours. Be patient when you change them, inorder to get them to work.

Want to know anything more. Let me know.

 

That's was a good step by step approach. Any way of shortening that wait period

 

LOL...Some SEO prior to submission might help.
Also, updating the content regularly to keep its quality and freshness.
Search engines like fresh content.

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You can try some PPC ads while your site's SEO gets established.

 

Keep in mind a good HOST will provide help on setting up your domain name in your hosting account.

Depending on your domain name REGISTRAR, you may have to advise of the "nameservers" that are associated with your hosting account. Your HOST and REGISTRAR might be related, so that may make things easier (eg GoDaddy has domain registration and hosting, Pair Networks has hosting and their own registrar, PairNic.). I'm sure there are 100's of other companies that offer both services for you that have good online help/support to get you underway.

 

I would advise that whenever you can, have your name registered separately from your hosting. Save yourself possible headaches and loss down the line,
should you ever decide to close that hosting account.

Pointing your domain is quick and simple.


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I bought the domain from tdnam.com. Do you know of any other websites to buy domains from?

Also, thanks all for your valuable suggestions.

 

Just one more thing, I am looking for a procedure to go about and not for webdesign services. I have been getting PM's pointing to this post and askuing for webdesign. Thanks, but I can design a website myself.

 

Other domain registrars ( not an exhaustive list, not by any stretch of imagination !)

Namecheap

Domainsite

Name.com

Dynadot

Moniker

 

You can check Afternic and yes also craigslist. I find tdnam priced reasonable for the expired domains.

 

Can you please give me a list of cheap hosting providers?

 

What is your budget ?

Depending on the kind of site you are building ( which will in turn determine your space and likely bandwidth), your hosting costs will vary.

 

Make sure for dedicated IP or shared IP before hosting....