Are you ready to create your own website online? Maybe you are creating your own blog, e-commerce site, or just a place to share pictures with your family. There are a number of free sites available if the thought of hosting your own site frightens you. However, if you are ready to host a website for yourself then keep reading. The process really isn't as hard as you may think, but it will require some level of technical knowledge and ability and knowledge of the best hosting website.

Step 1: Buy a Domain

Find an available domain name and purchase it. Sites like GoDaddy, Register, or 1and1 would be great places to find and purchase a domain name. If you are planning on using your site for a business, it would be a good idea to buy other domain extensions (i.e., .com, .org, .info, .net) to keep your competition from buying alternate extensions of your domain.

Step 2: Choose a Hosting Solution

There are a number of hosting solutions available on the web. The key is value and reliability. Competition is great so the majority of sites available will be equal for your needs. I have used and highly recommend the best hosting website: HostGator, as I haven't had any issues with downtime or functionality. The cost is competitive as well. Other options would be InMotion, justhost, or BlueHost.

Step 3: Sign up and Purchase a Hosting Solution

Most hosting solutions offer a discount for longevity. For instance purchasing a year at a time is less expensive in the long run than paying monthly. Whatever you choose, be sure to keep your credit card information up-to-date so you don't have any downtime due to payment issues.

Step 4: Set Up Your Site

During the registration process with your hosting solution, you will enter your domain name. This process should also walk you through setting the name-servers for your domain. This is a critical process as it will tell the web where to look for your domain. Once you have completed these steps, you may have to wait up to 24 hours for your site to be "live."

Step 5: Create a Website

If you have completed all of the above steps, chances are your site now just says something like "Site hosted by ___," and features a number of advertisements for your hosting site. You now need to create your own website online and load it into your site's directory. You could write your own code, install WordPress, install Joomla, or find a Content Management System (CMS) that works for you. If you are really serious, you could pay someone else to create a website for you!

Hosting your own site isn't as hard as it may sound. In the end, it is quite rewarding and offers far greater control, functionality, and reporting than the free sites. It just requires a little work and know-how. Get started today and create your own website online!