How To Set Up and Edit Your Website

Step 1 - Download your choice of template files as found on the templates page. These are zipped files that may be extracted into a folder on your computer. Create a folder on your computer and unzip and extract the files into this folder.

Step 2 - Register a domain name before obtaining hosting. This will cost you about an extra $9 per year, but it is well worth it. Here's why: If you take up the hosting company's offer of a free domain, you will probably have a very difficult time moving that domain to a new web host if you are dissatisfied - that was my experience. To move my site to a new host involved a somewhat secretive 4 or 5 step process. I had to, at times, repeatedly open support tickets and apply quite a bit of pressure at times to finally obtain the transfer! Read this account of a domain held hostage by a web host.

If you register your domain separately, then all you need to do is change two nameservers entries on a page (called DNS settings) in your domain account to point your domain to the new hosting account server. And, make sure you cancel your previous hosting account. So in short, by registering your domain with a separate company, you retain complete control. I would recommend using namecheap.com, as it is also recommended on this Christian Webhosting forum. There are others as well. For a helpful guide on getting a domain at namecheap.com, go to this domain help page.

Step 3 - Once you have a domain, find a hosting package. I would recommend getting an annual payment plan as you will save money over a monthly plan. A two or three year plan will often save you even more money, but it generally is not a good idea to commit to more than 1 year. Stuff happens. Good web hosting companies get bought out by companies that cut costs and quality, and you may need to switch hosts. For church sites constructed using the templates found on this site, a low-priced shared host will work fine to host your site. Go the page on Web Hosting Information to see what characteristics you should look for in a host as well as some objective reviews of 13 different hosting companies, 5 of which I have used personally.

Once you find a host, follow the step-by-step example I give on Setting Up a Host to see how to get your site up and running. Even if you don't use the host shown, the example will be similar for other hosts, so this will be helpful.

Make use of the directions given at the INSTRUCTIONS.pdf file that is one of the files you downloaded. These will guide you through setting up the site, editing files, and uploading files to your server. Also, make use of the HTML-Guide.pdf file. I will be setting up a new site called websitehtmlinfo.com that will provide information on some advanced web design that some folks have asked about and I will post a link when that site is completed.

If you need help, drop me a line! Email me at contact@freechurchwebtemplates.com. Also, if you have any comments or feedback, drop me a line.