Getting a Web Presence on the Cheap (Part 1)

If you are an individual, think how cool it would be if you could have your own email address like “your_name@your_surname.com“.

If you are starting up a business (or currently have one), think how more professional it would look to have an email address like “your_name@company_name.com” than the current one of “company_name@service_provider_name.com

If you don’t already have a web presence, chances are you have thought about it in the past. You may have been put off at the perception that it will cost a lot, and you need to be a professional web designer to have your own domain. Well I have a secret for you…it could cost you only $10 per year – and you don’t need to be a pro!  (Use the Currency Widget on the right to convert to your local currency)

Not many people know it, but you can use Google to host your email, letting you have the same functionality as your Gmail account but for your domain. They throw in the ability to create your own basic website via and easy clickable interface with lots of templates – Google Sites.  You can have a shared location to save/create/edit your company files in the cloud, so you can access it anywhere in the world – Google Docs. And for business even setup shared calendars between staff – Google Calendar.

But the best thing is that they will register a domain for you and set it all up for you in minutes! No mess, No fuss!

If you already own a domain Google can host the email for you also.

The magic URL is:

https://www.google.com/a/cpanel/domain/new

How do I know about this? Well about two years ago I was looking for an easy way to synchronize this domains emails with my cellphone as well as have a cool interface like the Gmail one. The host had the ability to check webmail using Horde, SquirrelMail or RoundCube – but is was just not the same for me.  I did a search for Gmail hosting email and about 10 clicks later discovered the magic URL above. 10 Minutes later I had my email setup for Gmail, and about 30 minutes later on my host to redirect all my emails to Gmail.  I have never looked back.

Recently while visiting a friend of mine in East London, we got on the topic of websites, and she asked how easy was it to setup her own website and blog.  I told her about the Google offering and when I got back home I sent her the magic url.  She was up and running in no time with her new website and has just started her own blog – no mess, no fuss!  Check out her blog at http://www.simplybwell.com

In part 2 of this post I will explain how to move to a more advanced web site offering and you will be amazed at how affordable it is!

(PS: I am in no way affiliated to Google, but just like to show people how to save a few $$$)

MadMike posted at 2011-4-9 Category: Webmaster

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