Setting up a web site

Have you been thinking about creating a new web site or updating your web site? I know it can seem daunting. Here are some pointers on how to begin:

1. Think about what you want to do and find some web sites you might want to emulate. Depending on your goals, you might want:
   • a slideshow of your artwork and basic contact information
   • a blog where you write frequently about your creative process and show works in progress
   • a place to post the schedule for workshops you offer and to show short videos with tips to give prospective students an idea of your teaching style
   • an extensive list of links for your particular interest area in mosaics

   You can always start small and add features later.

2. Choose an internet name for your web site (the domain). Yes, you can get a free blog website at wordpress.com, blogspot.com, or several other places. To establish a web presence that is uniquely yours, however, I encourage you to register your own domain. Many domains that use “mosaic” or “mosaics” with another English word are already taken–I can vouch for that after searching extensively before selecting mosaicjamboree.com for this web site. Using your initials or your own name and appending “mosaics” might work. Finding a domain name that’s available can take a few tries. For most situations, a domain that ends in .com is your best choice. Type your idea for a domain name in the box, choose the domain ending, and click on the “Check Domain” button.
   . com net org info biz us co.uk ca com.au net.au mobi mx

   WHOIS powered by : Tribulant
3. Choose a good web host.  You can buy the domain name and a web hosting package from many web hosts. I’ve used 5 different hosting services (yes, it’s sad, but true), and the one that I recommend is A2Hosting.com for the best combination of service, ease of use, and spam control. When choosing a web hosting package, a StartUp account is probably your best bet–you can always upgrade later when your web site goes viral and you get a gazillion visitors each day. A2Hosting offers a discount for new accounts, so your cash outlay for domain registration and web hosting for the first year would be about $70.
4. Set up your web site. For many people, WordPress is a good starting point because it’s amazingly easy to install, customize, and manage (Mosaic Jamboree is running on WordPress). One other wonderful feature is that it’s free. If you buy web hosting from A2Hosting, I’ll give you an hour of free consulting to help you get going. I can teach you how to use WordPress or help you set up your email service.
5. Choose the look of your web site. If you’re using WordPress, you can choose from hundreds of free themes that create the look and feel of your web site. If you want to have a custom look or to use something other than WordPress, I recommend Fivefifteen web development. Be sure to tell Chris that you found him through Mosaic Jamboree.
6. Launch your web site! At last the exciting day comes when you launch your new site. Be sure to tell all your friends so they’ll come admire your handiwork.