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The Web Site Process
A guide to getting starting.

Sample Web Sites
Links to sites created by DebSites.

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The Web Site Process

Many folks ask, "What do I need to do to get on the web?" Here's a synopsis of the process.

Register a Domain Name

A domain name is a unique name that corresponds to an address of a computer (such as www.debsites.com). The name identifies the owner of the address: a business, organization, or person.

Registering a domain name is conceptually similar to buying a door shingle for your business.

Before you can have a Web site, you have to come up with an original name (no one else is using it) and pay an accredited registration organization (a registrar) for the right to use the name for a period of time.

For more information about Domain Names, the Domain Guide is an excellent resource.

Select a Web Host

This is the place you hang your metaphorical shingle.

A Web host is a company that owns or administers the Web server (a computer). Your content will be on that server, wherever it is located. Different hosts offer different capabilities and features. Monthly hosting fees vary based on features.

Create Content

Content is the substance of your Web site. Your content is what you have to offer your visitors.

It is the text, the photos, graphics, forms, and downloadable items (such as software, games, music). It is your address, phone number, or hours of operation. It is providing the ability to DO something, such as change an address, sign up for a seminar, buy a product, make a reservation, or request specific information. Schedules, daily specials, product descriptions, pictures, and prices are some examples of content.

Content is why people visit your site.

Design the Web Pages

The design is the look and feel of your site. It is the arrangement and presentation of your content. It also includes navigational aids such as buttons, menus, and site maps as well as scripts that make the operation flow smoothly.

Create a design for your site by choosing colors, backgrounds, navigation aids, and site layout. How can you best present your content to your intended visitors?

Some examples of common site features are:

Develop the Web Pages

The development process is the combining of content, design, and features into Web pages. Web pages are written in HTML (HyperText Markup Language). HTML is the language that Web browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, understand.

Post (upload) the Pages

Transfer your site files from the development machine(s) to the Web host's server, (typically using FTP--File Transfer Protocol).

Maintain the Site

Like the old adage says, the only constant is change! Indeed, whoever said "Change is inevitable" must have been a Web designer!

The nature of your content will determine the frequency of your updates.

Upgrade the Site

At some point you may want to change your Web site (the look and feel, the purpose, the angle, the whole thing). You may need to respond to changing market conditions, have a desire to implement a new technology, or simply have grown bored with the current design.

Get Started

So there you have it. Go forth and make pages.

Would you like lessons?

While this may sound fun and exciting (and it is), it can also seem overwelming. The technology changes daily, which makes for some interesting learning opportunities and design decisions. If you'd like to try your hand at Web development but would don't want to go it alone, DebSites can give individual and small group lessons.

Would you rather hire someone else to do it?

So not everyone wants to create their own Web sites. If you'd rather hire someone, DebSites uses a variety of software applications and tools to build Web pages according to your specifications. Additionally, we has Alliance Partnerships with programmers, artists, and photograpers for advanced content needs.

Call or send an e-mail to for more information.