Ready to get started on your new site? In order to ensure that everything from here on out runs smoothly and efficiently as well as FUN for you and me, please read carefully and completely as this page lists 4 steps of items YOU will need to do before you contact me for a design quote.


ALWAYS feel free to contact me if you are unsure, have questions or would like additional information.


Step 1: Important Information


Please read the F.A.Q's and the Terms and conditions.



Step 2: What kind of site?


Will you need a blog or regular website?


Blogs for Personal or Business Use: At this time, I am only working with Google's Blogger, which is a free blog service hosted off of their site. Your blog address will be: www.yourblogname.blogspot.com and you will not have any domain fees or hosting fees.


Blogger is now offering domain name registration for only $10 per year. You can have your own domain name, www.yourblogname.com, and Blogger will continue to host all your content as before (free), but at your new address. One time per year domain fee, no hosting fees! If you choose to host your domain through Blogger, please purchase and register your domain name before contacting me for your project.


Learn how to purchase your domain name through Blogger with my tutorial: How to Purchase Your Domain Name.


What is a Domain Name? Click here.


You will need to have these three items in place before you contact me for your project:



Websites for Personal Use:

Depending on how elaborate you want your site or what you want it for, I personally do not think you need to pay domain fees or hosting fees for a personal site.


Free sounds good, but of course, there are drawbacks to going with a free web host: annoying advertisments or banners, annoying popups, limited features which may include limited space, bandwidth and no ftp access, minimal site support and much more.


Free web hosts will not allow you to have your own domain name, they offer "shared" hosting; meaning your only naming option includes your Host's name along with your site name. For example, one of my first websites was on Fateback.com and my site address was pammie.fateback.com.


I can recommend a few free hosts that I have used or friends have used in the past: 000webhost.com, Fateback, Freewebs, and 50Webs.com. There are a lot of Free Web Hosts to choose from. Do a google search for free web hosting and compare the features to choose the right one for you. The About.com website has a wonderful article on Webhosting. You may read the article here.


Please select and signup for your prefered web host before contacting me for your project.


Websites for Business Use:

For business sites I recommend paying for both your domain name and web hosting. Doing so will enable potential customers to find you better and your business will look more professional.


Purchase a Domain Name for your Business:

If you do not already have one, the first thing you need to do is think about your business site name. Once you have something catchy in mind, you will need to check to see if it is available. You can check this at Who Is? Clicking on the Seek/Buy button does NOT obligate you to purchase the name. Once you have found a name that is not taken, you will need to purchase and register your name. I recommend GoDaddy.com as it is less than $10 per year.


What is a Domain Name? Click here.


Web Hosting for your Business:

If you don't already have one, you need to obtain web hosting. I recommend Enchanted Graphics, WebGator, 000webhost.com, GoDaddy.com, SiteGround, HostMonster, BlueHost, Freeservers or 1and1. Each have different web hosting plans at reasonable prices and sometimes they provide the domain name for free or at a discounted price if you go with one of their plans. Look carefully at what they provide and choose according to your needs. If you find you need more service later, you can always switch your hosting plan to the next level up. The About.com website has a wonderful article on Webhosting, if you wish, you can read it here.


What is Web Hosting? Click here.


Step 3: Your Site Idea


Have an idea for your site? Even if you do not, the best thing you can do for yourself and ME is to have an idea of what or how you want your site to look, the design feel, images needed, colors, how many columns, right, left or top navigation, pages needed, etc. So, before you contact me for a quote, you need to have some ideas about your site. What I suggest is to browse the internet and make a note of at least three websites you like and three you dislike. I will never "copy" a site, but I will at least get a feel of what you like, dislike, and what you are looking for. (These two questions are on the "Design Questionnaire", so you might as well get surfin!)


Need graphic inspiration? I would be happy to create your custom design featuring the artwork of any one of the Graphic Artists listed on the Resources page. OR, are you wanting a character for your site? You'll want to browse through the very cute Bloggettes. You can read all about these adorable characters here.


Step 4: Request a Design Quote


Ready now? Your next step is to Request a Design Quote!

** The Posh Box is not responsible for purchasing your domain name or the yearly charge thereafter.
** The Posh Box is not responsible for purchasing your web hosting service or the yearly charge thereafter.
** The hosts listed are only suggestions, there are alot more on the web to choose from.