Web Dev 101
Everything you need to know about websites, domains, hosting, and more. No technical jargon - just plain English explanations.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding these basics helps you make informed decisions about your website, avoid getting overcharged, and communicate better with web developers. Think of this as your crash course in website essentials.
Essential Website Components
Domain Name
Your Website's Address
A domain name is your website's address on the internet - like 'yourbusiness.com'. It's what people type into their browser to find your website.
- Think of it like your home address, but for the internet
- Examples: google.com, facebook.com, yourbusiness.com
- We handle the registration and setup for you
- Included in our Standard and Elite PRO packages
- We help you choose something memorable and professional
💡 We Include This: We register your .com domain and handle all the technical setup - you don't need to worry about it.
Web Hosting
Where Your Website Lives
Web hosting is like renting space on the internet where your website files are stored. When someone visits your domain, the hosting server delivers your website to their browser.
- Think of it like renting office space, but for your website files
- We provide fast, reliable servers that are always online
- Includes security monitoring and daily backups
- We handle all technical maintenance and updates
- Our hosting includes email accounts and SSL certificates
💡 We Provide This: All our packages include professional hosting with 99.9% uptime guarantee and 24/7 monitoring.
Custom Email
Professional Email Addresses
Custom email uses your domain name instead of Gmail or Yahoo. So instead of 'john@gmail.com', you get 'john@yourbusiness.com' - much more professional!
- Uses your business domain: info@yourbusiness.com, sales@yourbusiness.com
- Builds trust and credibility with customers
- We set up and configure everything for you
- Access through webmail, Outlook, or phone apps
- Included with our hosting packages
💡 We Set This Up: We create professional email addresses for you and show you how to access them on all your devices.
SSL Certificate
Website Security & Trust
SSL certificates encrypt data between your website and visitors, showing the padlock icon in browsers. It's essential for trust and Google rankings.
- Shows 'https://' instead of 'http://' in the address bar
- Displays a padlock icon that customers trust
- Required for collecting any customer information
- Google ranks secure sites higher in search results
- We install and maintain SSL certificates automatically
💡 We Handle This: Every website we build includes SSL certificates - your site will always show the trusted padlock icon.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Getting Found on Google
SEO is the practice of optimizing your website so it appears higher in Google search results when people search for your services.
- Helps customers find your business when they search online
- We optimize your content, images, and website structure
- Local SEO helps you appear in 'near me' searches
- We set up Google Business Profile integration
- Ongoing optimization to improve your rankings
💡 We Optimize For You: All our websites are built with SEO best practices, and we help you get found in local searches.
Responsive Design
Mobile-Friendly Websites
Responsive design means your website automatically adjusts to look great on phones, tablets, and computers. Over 60% of web traffic is now mobile!
- Website automatically resizes for different screen sizes
- Essential since most people browse on their phones
- Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search results
- Improves user experience and reduces bounce rate
- Every website we build is fully responsive
💡 We Build Mobile-First: Every website we create looks perfect on phones, tablets, and computers automatically.
Common Questions
What's included in your website packages?
Everything you need: custom design, domain registration, hosting, professional email, SSL certificate, SEO optimization, and ongoing support. You don't need to buy anything separately or deal with multiple vendors.
Do I need to find my own hosting and domain?
No! We handle everything for you. We register your domain, set up professional hosting, configure your email, and make sure everything works together perfectly. You get one point of contact for everything.
What happens to my website if I stop working with you?
You own your website completely. We provide you with all files and can help transfer everything to another host if needed. Unlike website builders, you're never locked in or held hostage.
How is this different from Wix or Squarespace?
We build custom websites that you own completely, while Wix/Squarespace rent you space on their platform. Our sites are faster, more professional, and you never pay monthly platform fees. Plus, you get real human support.
Do you provide ongoing support?
Yes! We provide ongoing hosting, security monitoring, backups, and support. Unlike DIY builders where you're on your own, we're here to help whenever you need us.
Can I update my website myself?
We can build in easy content management features if you want to make updates yourself. Or we can handle all updates for you as part of our maintenance service. Your choice!