Having a personal website is the first phase of establishing a web presence. Web design has a reputation for being a very complex, and analytical process. Many design templates utilize many different coding and programming languages; so, there’s a little something for everyone! Most site owners can start learning basic HTML or CSS coding and program their website themselves or utilize website building templates that are available on the Internet. Be advised that coding a site is a very time-consuming process and requires particular software and a unique skillset. However, aspiring website owners can utilize Content Management Systems like WordPress that have made creating your website a doozy.
Now, let’s spice it up here, how about designing and web hosting a website from a mobile phone? Impossible? Nope! There are many options available, both coding and utilizing content management systems. Today, we will talk about building a website, all from a mobile device; all in four steps.
- Choosing a Web Platform
Before thinking about selecting a domain name and a color scheme, one must pick a website platform to build their website. If someone is new to website design, a platform is the foundation of a website. In this day in age, there are dozens to choose from, choosing the suitable design doesn’t have to be difficult. For a blogger who loves art, there is Tumblr; or a business professional or need a website for a project, WordPress. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular web hosting platforms and go over the pros and cons of each to see which one meets the creator’s needs.
WordPress
WordPress has garnered the reputation of being the best of the best in content management systems, being a very versatile, multipurpose platform. Perfect for the aspiring blogger, freelancer, or business; WordPress can build it.
There are a few different options to choose from. The free option is enough for a basic website with minimal design choices. The standard option allows users to pick a custom domain name and most of the visual designs. The premium option allows the user to accept payment options, affiliate marketing, etc.
It’s no surprise that WordPress is one of the most popular contents management systems. The only downfall is the creator will have to learn a little bit of HTML coding to customize the website well. The best part of this option is, websites can be designed all on an iPhone or mobile device.
Tumblr
Tumblr is an excellent web platform for the creative blogger or social media conscious. Tumblr is probably one of the trendiest of website building platforms in this day in age. Tumblr is super easy to set up, especially from smartphones; it’s fun to use and extremely personable.
Tumblr is best suited for users with a flair for the creative, free to use and doubles as a social media platform, which is perfect for networking and gaining website traffic.
The only rub with Tumblr is the lack of plugins available. Plugins are tiny bits of code a creator can plug into their websites source code and customize it pretty much however they want. Other than that, Tumblr is an excellent platform to launch a website from a mobile device.
- Choosing the Websites Domain Name
With most of the website platforms available, creators can usually choose the domain name, or website name, right in the design phase. Content Management Systems like Tumblr and WordPress give creators a few options when it comes to choosing their domain name.
WordPress allows users to choose their very own, custom domain name for a small monthly fee; usually around five dollars a month. Having a custom domain name is much more professional than having a “yourwebsitename.free.webhost.com” type of website.
When it comes to establishing a strong Internet presence, keeping up appearances and having a professional, slick website will go a long way for a website owner.
- Choosing a Web Host for a Website
The first step in choosing a web host for a website is assessing what the purpose of the site will be and what features the website will need. Is it for a blog? Is it for a business? Depending on what the needs are, there are plenty of options to choose from.
With cloud-based computing software becoming the forefront over dedicated servers. Most websites feature their virtual servers that store and handle the security of your site and its content. If a website is for a small business, the owner can access all their information anywhere, on any platform. WordPress and Tumblr both have dedicated websites and mobile apps that can be utilized in any way you need it to be, all safe and secure. Mind you these services usually will cost a monthly fee, but think about it, most large companies are saving thousands every month by ditching traditional web hosting methods and are taking all their content to the cloud. With cloud-based computer software, an owner can handle the entire process of designing their website and managing it, all from their smartphone.
- Set Up and Design of Your Website
Now that a website platform and host have been chosen, it’s time to set up the website. Since this article is about set up on a mobile phone, lets run through it.
Most website platforms have a simple one click and install option, the creator can then choose their domain name, which features they want their website to include. After the initial set up, they can use the platforms app or website to design the entire website, down to the last detail.
With the advent of the cloud, most web platforms have their own, unique software that users can access, merely through a website that they manage through the cloud. No more clunky design programs, installing plugins has never been easier, and users can wrap all of this up into an elegant, modern website that is incredibly easy to use and accessible on their mobile phone.