Today having a website is important for anyone trying to provide services, sell products or those wanting to create a blog about something they love to talk about, be it a hobby they are interested in or some important events that have happened in their life.

Websites are creative and represent what the person or company want to project to those who visit it. Websites can be customised and presented in any way that is desired. And with popular CMS software like WordPress & Joomla or online website builders like Shopify & Squarespace, make it easy for customers to make changes themselves once the websites are setup by the designer/developer.

Why get a website setup?

If you don’t have a website it is good to get one created if you are for example like what we spoke about above for the reasons that it can help people find you on the internet as well as allow a broader range of people to learn more about what you are providing.

If you already have a website but it is really old and developed in the way it was made before CMS software was popular, it would be wise to get them redesigned, rebuilt or upgraded to support the new guidelines of the web.

Since the old days the internet has become responsive to be able to fit and work on all types of devices that connect to the internet. And because a lot of people connect to the internet in different ways like through their mobile phone and tablets besides the desktop. Its good to make sure your website shows properly on them. Because if people cant see your website properly or it doesn’t load that person will not see what your website is about.

What a website provides

• 70% of shoppers will tend to go online to look for what they need
• Make it easier for customers to find your location, opening and closing hours, phone number, etc..
• People can contact you through the website
• You can have your own email account based on your brand website

What is hosting?

Hosting is like the storage of your website which enables you to store your website and emails as well as execute software that allows your website to show up in the browser.

Theres a bunch of other things that can be done with the hosting as well which may include.

• Filtering spam
• Changing DNS records 
• Adjust email account sizes and settings
• Create subdomains
• Direct the subdomains to different other servers
• Install different types of software
• Adjust PHP and Database (MySQL) settings
• Access PHP My Admin
• Fix broken websites & CRMs
• Restore forgotten passwords
• Configure SSL certificates
• SSH & FTP
• And many other things

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the www.yourbusinessname.com.au , for your business or personal hobby. This makes it easy for people to find your website and makes it look more professional instead of having a bunch of numbers.

When the domain name is entered into the web browser it contacts the DNS servers and translates it to the IP address where the actual website is stored.

The website will the show up.

A domain name with a .com.au in Australia generally requires you to have an ABN to register.

Email Accounts

You dont really need to have a website visible to have email accounts, you can still set them up in the hosting. But you will need a domain name.

When you have hosting the email accounts can be setup in the cPanel, but the domain name will need to be connected to your hosting.

Can websites get hacked?

Yes, websites can get hacked. And using self hosted solutions like WordPress that arent securely setup or have plugins which have been exploited can cause your website to get hacked.

In this case its best to make sure plugins are updated, your server uses strong firewalls, WordPress is updated, themes updated regularly. As well has pay extra for server backups so it can be easily restored.

If you are hacked make sure to change your email account passwords and cPanel password.