I have received emails from many people asking me what do they need in order to create a website, a blog or a forum.

I didn’t plan to insist on this topic on my blog, but, as a result of the impressive number of emails I received, I have decided to talk a bit on this topic too.

Basically, in order to create a website you need a domain name (yoursite.com) and a web hosting (the space and the tools you need for your website – your website cannot exist without a web host).

I usually recommend people to choose the web hosting first as there are many web hosts that offer the domain name for free when choosing one of their plans. The web hosting is compulsory, so, I would recommend to buy the domain name only if you don’t receive one when buying the web hosting plan.

Free or Paid Web Hosting?

Free Web Hosting

If you plan to create a website for personal use, just for fun, it’s ok to choose a free web host. The free web hosting company will display banners, pop-ups and ads (from which that company will earn), but this shouldn’t bother you, as you don’t plan to make money from it anyway.

Paid Web Hosting

If you plan to make money with your website, you should make a small investment and buy a web host. Today you can find cheap web hosts (under $3/month) which offer the domain name for free, site builder, uptime guarantee, shopping carts and other features to help you create a professional website.

This way you will be able to add Google AdSense ads, create online stores, sell ebooks, sell space on your website etc.

Besides these, the most important factor in making money online (whatever your online business it) is credibility. People never use their credit cards or spend money on sites they don’t trust. So, a professional-looking website is a “must have” if you want to earn online.

I personally don’t know a single person who has a successful online business with a free website.

How Much Does It Cost to Create a Website?

It depends on the number of features a web host provides, on the type of business you want to create and, of course, on how much you can afford.

You can create a website with medium features (but looking professional & being ready to make money with it!) you can choose one of these cheap web hosting plans. – it will cost you under $3/month.

For advanced websites (with many features, including marketing help & SEO), you have to choose a business web host. – it will cost you over $4/month.

Once you have chosen your web hosting and registered your domain name (given for free by all web hosts aforementioned), all you need is to use the free website builder you will receive to create the “look” of your site and add images and content.