I need to find out all possible information on developing a .com website for my church.?

Question

I do not know much at all about creating websites. Can anyone give me a run down. I know I need to get a host and domain. I believe I'm going to go through godaddy.com for that, unless someone tell me otherwise. I also need to know what kind of software I can get for codes for .coms. Any help is welcome. Thanks and Blessings.

Answer 1

Well Bluevoda is an easy website builder and you don't need to know any programming at all and most everything there is free including templates, icons, etc.

For web hosting, check out Hostdepartment. I chose them over godaddy for their support and the cost is almost the same. And never tried them but THEXEON.com says they are free.

Answer 2

Actually I am doing something similar, except for my Youth Group. Regarding getting a server and domain, other people have already answered. But you still have a looming problem - designing the site itself.

Granted the easiest way is to use a WYSIWYG HTML editor (the ones where you make text boxes and stuff and it makes the code for you). There are plenty of free ones, which you can find with their descriptions here http://webdesign.about.com/od/htmleditors/tp/aatpfreewyswin.htm

However, those do have limited features, and if you want to do special effects, for the most part they can't help you. What I did was take the time to learn XHTML. Its actually very simple and did not take a very long time to learn. I don't know any good tutorial websites, but stay away from W3 Schools and just go to your local library and check out either:
HTML and XHTML: The Definitive Guide (5th edition)
How to Do Everything with HTML and XHTML
Beginning Web Programming with HTML, XHTML, and CSS

I used the How to Do book and it taught me enough and I felt it was very explanatory but I know the other two go in a little deeper and teach you some extra stuff.

Again, you don't have to learn the language, but its very simple, and will make a much better website (trust me, I'm partway through my Youth Group's right now).

Answer 3

You're probably going to get the best service by talking to Internet service providers in your area, rather than going online and working with someone who doesn't have a brick-and-mortar presence in your area. A good place to start is the Yellow Pages, or possibly a Christian business directory for your area.

Another idea is to talk to the webmaster at a church that already has a website and ask them how they got set up.