Remember the days when you handed someone your business card or your headshot and resume?  Today, the first impression you make is digitally. You want to be listed on the front page of a Google search?  You need a website.  You want to be listed first on that Google search? You need video and searchable content. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, you need to start making the website! But what goes into making a website?

1. Decide on your domain name. If you are an actor, performer, sole proprietor, or just using it for personal use, we recommend using www.firstnamelastname.com For example, www.tonidolce.com. Normal domain names are around $10 per year. Take a look at Name Cheap or Go Daddy to get a feel for pricing and what a company like this offers. A domain name is something that you renew yearly. If your domain name is taken, try www.firstnamemiddlenamelastname.com. Not available? Try using a different extension such as .net, .biz, .info, or  .us! Get creative! Andy has both a personal website, andrewbove.com, and an additional business website at www.boveaudio.com.  If www.tonidolce.com wasn’t available Toni was going to use something like www.tonidolcesings.com. There is always a chance that your domain name has been purchased by a domain shopper and is not being actively used. In that case, you can contact the domain shopper and inquire what their purchase price would be to obtain your name.  It might be worth it to get the name you want!

2. Make a list and begin gathering  your content. What do you want to include in your website? Resume, Photos, Video, Blog, Contact Info, Twitter Feed, Upcoming Projects, Newsletter Info, Menus, Marketplace,  Services, etc…  Sketch out a rough draft of what you want your website to look like. Begin brainstorming your logo, color scheme, and placement.

3. Take a look around the web and make notes on your favorite sites and what you like about them. Rank your top ten. These could be of your contemporaries or any site you come across that inspires you.  Do you like a simple structures or more complicated sites? Moving graphics a must? All of these details will help you and your designer get the best idea for the type of site you want to construct.

4. Decide whether you want to construct the website yourself or hire a company to make it for you. There are many free templates to assist you in getting your content uploaded. However, if you are a legitimate business or brand, seriously considering hiring a company to make the site for you. Shop around for pricing and assess the style of the design team. Make sure you establish the pricing up front. Also, make sure you know what type of back­end system they will be operating from.  If you are a little bit computer savvy, you can save money by doing all future updates yourself.

5. Decide on a host. We have had several hosts over the years that include Bluehost, Go Daddy , Fat Cow, and Just Host. Hosting will usually cost a little under $100 per year.

6. Get started! Organize all of your content and send it to your designer. Building a website takes time and is a malleable process. Expect at least 3­6 weeks for the website to be organized and constructed.  Good things take time!