Domains and Webhosting on the Cheap

Nearly a decade ago I wanted to build a website to share about my mission work in Brazil.  Not having much technical knowledge, I turned to a helpful Brazilian friend to show me the ropes.  He spent a couple of hours showing me Microsoft Frontpage, but I really didn't like it.  Time passed and I eventually discovered Tripod.  There were ads (many more now than in those days) and the site I built wasn't very imaginative, but it was easy to put together and maintain.  While I also didn't own a domain, I really didn't care.  Fast forward to now.  I have not only multiple sites and domains, but also use different platforms.  For anyone looking to set up a website with a personalized domain "on the cheap," this post's for you.

First, have a look at Wordpress.  Though I don't care for it, there are folks who like it...a lot.  You can set up your site and then go to "My Dashboard" and then "Upgrades."  There you'll find options, including registering and mapping a domain (see picture below).  I use Wordpress for one of my blogs.  Two issues with this service irritate me:

1. The dashboard bothers me.  Although I've been using it for a few years now, I still have trouble finding my way around.  Something about it just isn't intuitive.
2. Limited flash and no javascript.  It is often difficult to embed videos in posts and impossible to use third-party widgets.  This is incredibly frustrating at times.

Second, how about Blogger?  I've had a blog through this service since 2006 and have been very happy with it.  Last year (if memory serves) the ability to create stand-alone pages was added.  This makes it possible to make the blog look more like a regular site.  Many, many free templates are available online, the blog layout is easy to adjust (mostly drag-and-drop) and the post editor is excellent.   Under Settings > Publishing you will find a link to purchase a domain, if that's what you want.  Blogger makes it easy and inexpensive, allowing you to obtain a domain name and also e-mail addresses associated with your domain (up to 50!) for only $10 a year.  This is a major bargain.

Third, the least expensive option involves Go Daddy and Weebly, but takes a little more effort to set up.  Through Go Daddy you can buy a domain.  The cheap part?  You can buy a .info domain for as little as $1.07 with tax!  Why would you want a .info?  Why not?  It's cheap, it's personalized and it will turn up in search results like any other web page out there.  I use this type of domain for my GizaPage and also for a catch-all site.  Once you've purchased your .info domain (or something a little more expensive) through Go Daddy, head over to Weebly and sign up for an account.  Build a basic website (just as a placeholder).  Then, follow instructions here and here to associate your Go Daddy registered domain with the Weebly site.  For less that $2.00 a year you're online!  The worst thing about Weebly is the shabby blog editor, but if cheap is what you're going for, this is an excellent option anyway.

There you have it.  Three options for low-cost domain registration and website hosting.  If you know of any other good options, let me know in the comments.