I don't know the first thing about building a website or finding a web host (guess that's what you call it). But I would like to learn!! I'm looking for a site that would allow me to create my own site, but that would have some great "helps" in doing so.

Am I way off base thinking I can create my own website? I have always been able to pick up how to work a software program very easily. Most software I've taught myself how to use. But a website is all new to me. I have uploaded files to my churh website, but that doesn't seem to even be in the "same ball park."

Does anyone have any suggestions on a web host or website where I could learn about building one or as I build one? Has anyone heard of 1&1 Web Host? That is who the company I work for uses.

Thanks in advance for any and all input/suggestions.

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Sandy J.
Future VA in Louisiana

Hi Sandy. Brianna Young (aka BYoung on VAF) of Mad Hatter Design Company built my website and she sent me to 1&1. I haven't had any trouble with their hosting service and they were reasonable. The only thing I would caution is if you are planning on using their webmail service. I used it all the time because I'm still in Jobland during the day...using webmail allowed me to access my mail all the time. Their service is archaic...slow, minimal features, lost data, limited warning if you make a wrong move, etc. I can't count how many times I started an email and got timed out only to loose the verbiage I'd created when I clicked the send button. I finally stopped using it and switch to Zoho webmail, which I love.

Like you I was considering doing my own website. I finally decided against it for a few reasons: (1) I was already trying to start my business, (2) I was in Jobland too, (3) I didn't really figure I needed something to stress about through a learning curve, and (4) why pretend to be a pro at something I'm definitely NOT. Brianna was great! She cared I was on a limited budget and worked with me through payments - besides that, she is a VA and could easily see where I was coming from. I'd do it the same way if I had to do it all over again. It seemed the right step for me...kinda of like we all tell our clients - let me do that for you so you can do what your best at... I guess I was trying to walk my talk!

Create an amazing day!

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Sundi D. Hayes
Chief Virtual Officer - My Office Zilla
www.myofficezilla.com

Sundi,

Thanks for the great insight! Since I do work a full time job and haven't yet started my VA business (still in the planning stage), Time and Budget are probably my two greatest concerns. Thanks for helping me realize that "being my own boss" doesn't necessarily mean I have to do everything by myself. It means I get to pick and choose what I want to do and delegate (or hire) the rest. Perhaps learning to create a website is something I can do later...after I'm a full time VA. You've given me lots to think about and I really appreciate it.

I know what you mean about 1&1s webmail. I've experienced the same thing (losing an email I was composing due to time-outs). One thing I learned to do to avoid time outs while on a month long trip to the Philippines (whose Internet connections are greatly lacking!), is to compose an email in Word before going online, and then copy and paste it into an email.

Thanks,

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Sandy J.
Future VA in Louisiana