Get Started in Five Easy Steps
Launching a website can be exciting. It can also be overwhelming. Since 2004, Modern Sugar has been helping clients build presence on the web with our pre-made and custom boutique web designs and e-commerce services. Even if you have never managed a site before, our process is fast, easy and painless. Start with five easy steps:
Step One: Decide What Type of Site You Need
There are two types of websites: informational and eCommerce. An informational site presents instructive, informative or entertaining content to readers. Examples of these are local community websites, family histories, or a how-to page about living a �green� lifestyle.
eCommerce websites sell products, such as baby clothing, custom-made stationary, vintage fabrics and others. The best of these combine an online retail boutique and useful and engaging content, including how-to articles, blogs and forums.
Our compatible hosts offer an easy to use Content Management System (CMS) that works well for either an informational or eCommerce site. This CMS allows you to update your site content, whenever you want to, all via an easy to use online admin.
Step Two: Choose and Register Your Site Domain Name
Now that you�ve decided what type of website you need, it�s time to pick your domain name. A domain name is your address on the web. Ours is www.ModernSugar.com.
Domain names must be registered. It�s a bit like leasing. For as long as you keep up with the yearly �lease� of about $10, the domain name is yours to use.
We recommend Go Daddy to register your domain. It�s simple and inexpensive, and we can even do it for you.
Step Three: Choose Your Host Company
A hosting company stores your website files so they can be accessed on the Internet. The expression �you get what you pay for� really applies when it comes to selecting a host company. Choosing the least expensive option may not be the best idea, especially if you are opening an online boutique. You want a host that offers excellent customer service, 99 percent uptime and regular backups. The compatible hosts we work with provide a Content Management System (CMS) which includes a shopping cart in their packages. View our compatible host list HERE. If your current hosting company is not on our list of providers, please contact us.
Step Four: Set Up Your Cart
If you�ve ever purchased anything online, you�ve used a shopping cart. Carts either come with your hosting package or are installed separately. Our QuickStores (see Step Five) are set up to work with any of the providers on our compatible host list. We can sometimes work with other cart systems, but contact us first if you don�t see your current host on the list.
Step Five: Decide on a QuickStore or Custom Design
Modern Sugar offers two levels of web design: Custom and QuickStores.
Our specialty is in custom design. We work closely with you to create clients looking for a personalized, distinctive presence on the web and our design packages start at $1100 and give you the flexibility to choose your features. View our gallery of custom designs HERE.
On a budget? Need to get your site up fast? Our QuickStores are professionally designed, ready-made ecommerce sites that can be installed in as little as 7-10 days. Packages include the template, installation to one of our hosting providers and 30 days of support. You add all the content, including all text, photos and product descriptions. Or, for an extra charge, we�ll add those for you.
Now you know the first five steps to launching your own website. Where you go now is up to you.
The options for improving your site once it�s up on the web can be overwhelming, from adding articles to slideshows to video and more. Remember, a successful website�the kind people like to visit and share with their friends�takes time. All websites, even if they look fabulous now, started out new and continue to be works-in-progress.
You�ll get there. Modern Sugar can help every step of the way.
