Comments on: Do You Own Your Website? http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/ advice you can use to grow your small business Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:33:41 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Onaje http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-90825 Onaje Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:38:22 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-90825 Thanks alot for the information this is very helpful to me. I came to your sight and am very satisfied with your comments. Will be back. Thanks alot for the information this is very helpful to me. I came to your sight and am very satisfied with your comments. Will be back.

]]> By: dave http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-66082 dave Thu, 21 May 2009 23:13:30 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-66082 I use wordpress, so I don't have to create a website from scratch but it offers a lot of flexibility too. I use wordpress, so I don’t have to create a website from scratch but it offers a lot of flexibility too.

]]> By: Marcus http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-23134 Marcus Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:17:32 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-23134 I agree self-hosting is the way to go. You leave too much in the hands of someone else when you host with Yahoo or Homestead. Domains are cheap, hosting is cheap (I second your HostGator recommendation), and Wordpress is easy to install - even for most non-techies. That said, if someone wants to go the easy and/or free route, why not setup a free blog on Blogspot, register a domain at GoDaddy, then point the domain to the free blog? Total investment < $10. I agree self-hosting is the way to go. You leave too much in the hands of someone else when you host with Yahoo or Homestead.

Domains are cheap, hosting is cheap (I second your HostGator recommendation), and Wordpress is easy to install – even for most non-techies.

That said, if someone wants to go the easy and/or free route, why not setup a free blog on Blogspot, register a domain at GoDaddy, then point the domain to the free blog? Total investment < $10.

]]> By: Maryam Hand http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-19840 Maryam Hand Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:56:00 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-19840 Thank you Dawud. That was informative and timely. Maryam Thank you Dawud. That was informative and timely. Maryam

]]> By: Dawud Miracle http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-16520 Dawud Miracle Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:53:52 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-16520 <strong>Penny,</strong> Great. I just wanted to be sure that people understood the difference. Pre-made sites and hosting offer a great way in. And at some point you'll want your own. If I can be of any help, or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to <a href="http://dmiracle.com/contact/">contact me.</a> Penny,
Great. I just wanted to be sure that people understood the difference. Pre-made sites and hosting offer a great way in. And at some point you’ll want your own. If I can be of any help, or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

]]> By: Penny Gould http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-16514 Penny Gould Wed, 02 Jan 2008 05:24:56 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-16514 Thank you for explaining this so clearly. I chose the option of using a site hosted by a large company, and knew that I probably wouldn't be able to easily move it should I decide to change hosting options. So far I am very happy with my choice, as a beginning webmaster I appreciate the prebuilt templates and customer support. Your encouragement to "own my own" website will stay with me as I learn the business. Thanks! Thank you for explaining this so clearly. I chose the option of using a site hosted by a large company, and knew that I probably wouldn’t be able to easily move it should I decide to change hosting options. So far I am very happy with my choice, as a beginning webmaster I appreciate the prebuilt templates and customer support. Your encouragement to “own my own” website will stay with me as I learn the business. Thanks!

]]> By: Dawud Miracle http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-15849 Dawud Miracle Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:01:46 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-15849 <strong>Cory,</strong> You wouldn't believe how inexpensive it can be to host your own website. You can regularly find hosting for $5/mo. <a href="http://secure.hostgator.com/cgi-bin/affiliates/clickthru.cgi?id=dmiracle">Check out HostGator</a>. Great reputation, phone support and WordPress. And you can easily port your Blogger blog to WordPress through a simple import. Domains cost less than $10/yr. So for as little as $70/year you can host your own domain at a reputable host with blog software one-click away from installation. Then, with WordPress, you can easily install one of the thousands of <a href="http://themes.wordpress.net">free WordPress themes</a> that are available. Doesn't take too much work or know-how, really, and you can be blogging on your own domain - sending traffic to the domain you want to build long-term. Just a thought. <a href="http://dmiracle.com/contact">Contact me</a> if you have any questions. Cory,
You wouldn’t believe how inexpensive it can be to host your own website. You can regularly find hosting for $5/mo. Check out HostGator. Great reputation, phone support and WordPress. And you can easily port your Blogger blog to WordPress through a simple import. Domains cost less than $10/yr.

So for as little as $70/year you can host your own domain at a reputable host with blog software one-click away from installation.

Then, with WordPress, you can easily install one of the thousands of free WordPress themes that are available.

Doesn’t take too much work or know-how, really, and you can be blogging on your own domain – sending traffic to the domain you want to build long-term.

Just a thought. Contact me if you have any questions.

]]> By: Cory Huff http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-15768 Cory Huff Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:44:51 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-15768 This is the first time I've actually understood the argument for self hosting. I've been trying to decide whether to self host or not for a few months, since so many people have told me to, but now I get it. Once my revenue has built up enough to support it, I will definitely be moving to self hosting. Thanks Dawud! This is the first time I’ve actually understood the argument for self hosting. I’ve been trying to decide whether to self host or not for a few months, since so many people have told me to, but now I get it.

Once my revenue has built up enough to support it, I will definitely be moving to self hosting.

Thanks Dawud!

]]> By: Dawud Miracle http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-11556 Dawud Miracle Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:33:07 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-11556 <strong>Gary,</strong> Great points. I recently had a conversation with a new grad from the University of Michigan with a degree in graphics and web design. I was amazed that she knew very little about web standards - specifically CSS. It appears that a highly reputable school like UofM is still teaching font tags and table layout. Why? And don't get me started on usability, accessibility and business development - all skills a web designer needs to aid their clients and build quality websites. Gary,
Great points. I recently had a conversation with a new grad from the University of Michigan with a degree in graphics and web design. I was amazed that she knew very little about web standards – specifically CSS. It appears that a highly reputable school like UofM is still teaching font tags and table layout. Why?

And don’t get me started on usability, accessibility and business development – all skills a web designer needs to aid their clients and build quality websites.

]]> By: Gary R. Hess http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-11537 Gary R. Hess Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:56:33 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-11537 People get suckered into quite a few things. There are plenty of web designers out there who have no experience whatsoever with SEO, SEM, W3C standards or know anything about hosting/domaining. I was searching for jobs around here for web development and with just about every single one the only requirement was a Graphic Design degree. I almost fell out of my chair! A nice looking website is great and all, but if they don't know how to code it, it'll only look good to about 10% of people! Not only that, no one will find it in the first place. People get suckered into quite a few things. There are plenty of web designers out there who have no experience whatsoever with SEO, SEM, W3C standards or know anything about hosting/domaining.

I was searching for jobs around here for web development and with just about every single one the only requirement was a Graphic Design degree. I almost fell out of my chair!

A nice looking website is great and all, but if they don’t know how to code it, it’ll only look good to about 10% of people! Not only that, no one will find it in the first place.

]]> By: Carma Dutra http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-11162 Carma Dutra Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:51:54 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-11162 Thanks Dawud. This information is very helpful. Thanks Dawud. This information is very helpful.

]]> By: Dawud Miracle http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-11158 Dawud Miracle Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:36:08 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-11158 <strong>Carma,</strong> If you began using a domain name you likely own it. You probably bought it through Yahoo! One way to find out is use <a href="http://whois.com">whois.com</a> to find out if you're the listed as the domain's owner. Then, all you need to do is make sure your registration is up to date with Yahoo! - which you would do through the login they sent you. Carma,
If you began using a domain name you likely own it. You probably bought it through Yahoo! One way to find out is use whois.com to find out if you’re the listed as the domain’s owner. Then, all you need to do is make sure your registration is up to date with Yahoo! – which you would do through the login they sent you.

]]> By: Carma Dutra http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-11120 Carma Dutra Thu, 20 Sep 2007 18:56:39 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-11120 Hi Dawud, I have another question. What about the domain name? Quite a few years ago, I was going to build my own website through Yahoo. Well, I never did complete it and really forgot about it except for the monthly charge on my credit card. I'm under the impression that I own my domain name. How can I find out if this is true? Thanks. Hi Dawud,
I have another question. What about the domain name? Quite a few years ago, I was going to build my own website through Yahoo. Well, I never did complete it and really forgot about it except for the monthly charge on my credit card.

I’m under the impression that I own my domain name. How can I find out if this is true?
Thanks.

]]> By: Dawud Miracle http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-10073 Dawud Miracle Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:39:43 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-10073 <strong>Debby,</strong> One thing, you need to actively find your niche. Yet, you have two niches, in a sense. You need to populate your database of sitters AND you need visibility with people looking for sitters. Seems like it would be necessary to populate your database first so that your site has value to your second group. Site looks great. I might make a few changes - like with making sure buttons look like buttons (submit would be a good example). You're welcome to <a href="http://dmiracle.com/contact/">contact me</a> and we can talk about your specific needs. Debby,
One thing, you need to actively find your niche. Yet, you have two niches, in a sense. You need to populate your database of sitters AND you need visibility with people looking for sitters. Seems like it would be necessary to populate your database first so that your site has value to your second group.

Site looks great. I might make a few changes – like with making sure buttons look like buttons (submit would be a good example).

You’re welcome to contact me and we can talk about your specific needs.

]]> By: Debby http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-10041 Debby Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:03:12 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-10041 <p>Hi Dawud,</p> <p>I have just began the adventure of a new website. SittersLink.com is only a few weeks old. My current problem is the marketing of this site in my target area. I have my branding i.e. logo and I am doing print advertising but I know there is a better way to get the message out on the net. Any suggestions? Take a look at the site if you have a few minutes and I would love to hear back from you with your comments.</p> <p>Thanks,<br /> Debby<br /> SittersLink.com</p> Hi Dawud,

I have just began the adventure of a new website. SittersLink.com is only a few weeks old. My current problem is the marketing of this site in my target area. I have my branding i.e. logo and I am doing print advertising but I know there is a better way to get the message out on the net. Any suggestions? Take a look at the site if you have a few minutes and I would love to hear back from you with your comments.

Thanks,
Debby
SittersLink.com

]]> By: Dawud Miracle http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-9947 Dawud Miracle Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:57:59 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-9947 <strong>Metta,</strong> Ultimately, yes. I'd say it's less important if your blog/website is more of a personal nature. But if you have a business and you're using your site to promote your business, I'd recommend getting it onto your own domain name from the beginning - if you can. If you've already started, I would transfer everything sooner than later. I've not heard of any export/import problems with self-hosted WP. Once WP is installed, there's an import function. While I personally have not yet imported a WP site from WP.com, I have on many occasion imported from Blogger & Typepad with no glitches at all. So I would think that import from WP.com would be seamless. Metta,
Ultimately, yes. I’d say it’s less important if your blog/website is more of a personal nature. But if you have a business and you’re using your site to promote your business, I’d recommend getting it onto your own domain name from the beginning – if you can. If you’ve already started, I would transfer everything sooner than later.

I’ve not heard of any export/import problems with self-hosted WP. Once WP is installed, there’s an import function. While I personally have not yet imported a WP site from WP.com, I have on many occasion imported from Blogger & Typepad with no glitches at all. So I would think that import from WP.com would be seamless.

]]> By: Metta Zetty http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-9893 Metta Zetty Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:15:50 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-9893 Very good advice! Does the same recommendation apply to blogs hosted at WordPress.com? I know that customizing and widgetizing at WP.com is limited, but are there also problems with exporting WP.com blog data to a new, independent WordPress host? Very good advice!

Does the same recommendation apply to blogs hosted at WordPress.com?

I know that customizing and widgetizing at WP.com is limited, but are there also problems with exporting WP.com blog data to a new, independent WordPress host?

]]> By: Dawud Miracle http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-8338 Dawud Miracle Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:00:55 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-8338 <strong>Adria,</strong> I hear stories like this over and over. My own opinion remains that if you're serious about promoting your business through the web, make the investment in hiring someone to build it for you. There are just too man pitfalls in using the pre-made online services. Though they do work well if you're just trying something out first. Adria,
I hear stories like this over and over. My own opinion remains that if you’re serious about promoting your business through the web, make the investment in hiring someone to build it for you. There are just too man pitfalls in using the pre-made online services. Though they do work well if you’re just trying something out first.

]]> By: Legal Advice WebLog » Blog Archive » Palos Verdes on the Net - Association Members http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-8260 Legal Advice WebLog » Blog Archive » Palos Verdes on the Net - Association Members Sun, 29 Jul 2007 03:53:22 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-8260 [...] Do You Own Your Website? - Dawud Miracle @ dmiracle.com - (formerly … We all talk regularly by phone. During a casual conversation a … It’s true, companies such as Yahoo! , SiteBuilder , and Homestead … Diane Dyer Quote Me. March 5th, 2007 at 8:18 am . Hi, I actually have … http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/ [...] [...] Do You Own Your Website? – Dawud Miracle @ dmiracle.com – (formerly … We all talk regularly by phone. During a casual conversation a … It’s true, companies such as Yahoo! , SiteBuilder , and Homestead … Diane Dyer Quote Me. March 5th, 2007 at 8:18 am . Hi, I actually have … http://dmiracle.com/healthy-we.....r-website/ [...]

]]> By: adria http://dmiracle.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/comment-page-1/#comment-8238 adria Sat, 28 Jul 2007 16:52:14 +0000 http://healthywebdesign.com/healthy-websites/do-you-own-your-website/#comment-8238 This is something I wish I'd known when I first started selling jewelry online. I set up a website through Site Builder because it was cheap and easy & looked really slick. Then when I started reading up on SEO I realized all of the things I couldn't do. I ended up starting over from scratch, and most of the work I'd put into my website was wasted. I've seen other people do it with Homestead, too. This is something I wish I’d known when I first started selling jewelry online. I set up a website through Site Builder because it was cheap and easy & looked really slick. Then when I started reading up on SEO I realized all of the things I couldn’t do. I ended up starting over from scratch, and most of the work I’d put into my website was wasted.

I’ve seen other people do it with Homestead, too.

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