2. Setting Up A WebHost

The next step is to register a domain and set up a web hosting account. This can be a bit daunting if you're new to it all, but most providers make it all quite painless.

It's a whole lot easier (and you're less likely to make a mistake!) if you've got a basic idea of what's required, what features you want and what's going on, so we've put together a short guide on for setting up webhosting that you can download to the left.

Domain Names:

To make a professional impression, you need your own domain name. Don't be tempted to save a few dollars by using a sub-domain on free or cheap host either. It looks tacky and tells your potential buyers that you just aren't serious about your business.

These days you can register a domain for $10 a year so there's no value in cutting that corner. In fact we've arranged a special deal for you that's even cheaper than that. We'll get to that in a minute though.

It should generally be a .com domain. If a different extension is clearly appropriate ... ie. .info if you're marketing your website as a resource site on your subject, .org if it's a non-profit website, .tv for television related etc.

The newer domain extensions like .me or .biz etc all work OK but should probably be secured AS WELL AS the .Com domain, not as an alternative.

Two reasons for this ...

First up they tend to tell your potential customers that you're the new kid on the block and the operator with the dot-com name has been around longer. That can be an issue when you start looking at consumer confidence in doing business with you.

Secondly, most people typing in domains automatically 'think' dot-com so chances are you will lose visitor traffic to the other site, simply because people get it wrong.

In an ideal world you'd get the dot-com version of the name you want, and ALSO secure the .info, .biz, .me names as well, and redirect them all to the same website. That way you're covered.

Your domain name should be simple to remember and easy to type. Avoid special characters like dots or dashes, they are too easy to mix up.

Try the Smart Search for finding good domain names based on a few keywords. Type in a few relevant words and it will return a list of possible (and available) domains.

For search engine optimization (SEO) you want to include Keywords.

Ideally you should have two or three short keyword phrases in mind that describe your business. One in particular should get special attention at every opportunity.

Your goal is to get a high ranking in the search engines for that term. For example, it will never happen with a general term, like "Wildlife Photography", but you'll stand a much better chance with something like "Rocky Mountains Wildlife Photography".

If you can incorporate your keyword phrase into your domain name, long-term it could have a big impact on how your website performs in the search engines.

So you should try and use a word or two that describe your main specialty plus the word 'photos' or 'photography'.

Some people include use their name but that really doesn't do you much good. Remember it's not about you, it's about your potential customers, and the vast majority don't know you, yet, so you have to think about what they will be searching for.

As a compromise you might want to register an extra domain for your name. The new .me extension would work well for that. You could redirect it to your business website for now, and at a later date you might consider setting up a simple personal blog on it for SEO purposes..

OK, getting back to your domain ... keep it reasonably short, use relevant keywords and make sure it's simple to remember. Once you find something that works, grab it, and seriously consider getting a couple of versions of it.

You might also consider making it 'private'. All domain registrars offer this option and it's well worth the price.

When you register a domain you are required to provide accurate business contact details. By default this information is readily available to anyone who searches the WHOIS database.

Unfortunately the people who seem to use this database the most are the spammers. So when you register the domain your email address gets listed, and before long it gets 'harvested' and the spam starts.

If you list a fax number (I did it once, never again!) you can count on being added to the junk-fax lists as well. That really hurts when you know you're paying for paper and ink to print their rubbish.

So even if you decide not to make your details private, whatever you do, don't list a fax number!

For a small annual fee you can make all your details private though. The registrar inserts their details in the Whois registry instead and then they act as a relay for any legitimate contacts. This is highly recommended!

Ready to go? What I'd suggest is, you try the service below. We've arranged a couple of specials that might sweeten the deal for you, depending on what you decide you need ...

.Com Domains : Discounted site wide ... I doubt you'll find a better price anywhere. Certainly not with this level of service and support.

.Info domains for US$1.99 ... with any other purchase ... if you're getting a dot com domain, it's well worth it to add one of these as well.

15% discount off any order $100 or more ... use Promo Code 100CN15

10% discount off any order $50 or more ... use Promo Code 50CN10

5% discount on orders $25 and over ... use Promo Code 5NC25

These guys also offer a very good hosting deal, and for the price you might find it convenient to do it all in one place.

I haven't used their hosting myself, but it looks to have all the features and functions you've need for a professional photography website, plus the Deluxe plan has all the storage and bandwidth you'll need. You can compare their plans here and then look over the alternative below.

Web Hosting:

I won't pretend to be unbiased here. I honestly don't think you can go past Hostgator for a feature-packed hosting account at a great price.

Packages start from just US$4.95 a month but don't let the price fool you. This is top-notch professional hosting.

The CPanel offers all the features you need with a couple of clicks: Photo Galleries, Blogs, Website Builders, Shopping Carts and a whole lot more.

Administration and set-up are a breeze, even for a total newbie, while more experienced users will find all the tools and gadgets they could possibly want.

Download and read the Photographers Web Hosting guide above, work out just what you need and then do some comparison shopping if you want ... but I doubt you'll find a better deal!

Check Out Hostgator Today!

PS. Use the coupon code "Wordpress" to sign up for a 1 cent trial!

Getting Started ...

The next steps are going to vary considerably depending on the provider(s) you choose and how you decide ot go about 'building' your website.

If you're not strong technically, you'll probably find it easiest to register your domain and host your website with the same provider. Then it will be basically ready to go.

Your host will send you an email with a link to login to your CPanel. Once in, you'll find plenty of information (and usually some good short videos) to walk you through the various tasks.