Websites are the talk of many people in Kenya. This post will explore more about how to open a website in Kenya. So, what’s a website?
It’s a collection of related pages that are accessible via the internet. These pages are held together by a domain and hosting.
A domain name is a name a website is assigned to; hosting is a storage space for the website. These two are needed to keep your website online.
What are the requirements to open a website?
a. Domain name
It’s your website’s name, which people will type on search engines to find it. A good domain name should be:
- Short and simple- make it easy for people to remember and share. A short name ensures that it’s easy to find online as one isn’t prone to mistakes.
- Lack of numbers, hyphens, or double letters- these may be missed in typing, and reaching your site becomes futile. Avoid them!
- Unique- don’t just copy a name, research extensively and ensure the name represents your brand.
Using a keyword, too, ensures your domain stands out. Extensions such as .com are best suited for websites. Take time and brainstorm for the best name.
b. Hosting plans
Hosting is a service that a website lives in. Choosing a host can be challenging, but one can consider the following:
- Cost- how much are they charging, and can you afford it? Consider one that gives value to your money.
- Features given- do you get all that you need? Does the host cover all that your site needs to launch? Ensure you have it all!
- Flexibility- how well can you customize your site? A good host should give room for the growth of your site.
- Security- the host should ensure that your site runs smoothly. Your data should be kept safe and free from malicious activities.
- Support- the support teams should be ready to assist anytime. Get a host ready to help grow your website and run it smoothly.
Web hosts play a huge role in getting websites ready. Research extensively and get the best host for your soon-to-launch site.
c. Design
How will your site look? This factor will affect even the site’s performance. A good design is attractive and keeps clients coming back.
Have an idea and share it among friends and colleagues to get remarks. Don’t just put up any design that will cost you later on.
Take time in design and ask for recommendations. A good design facilitates these:
- Responsive websites that are accessible over any device.
- Easy to navigate and transact with everyone.
- Fast access and reliability.
- Good readability.
Your site performs much better with a great design. Take time in design and make it unique to stand out among millions of others.
d. Content
It’s what you’ll share; most sites start with blogs where one shares their content. Your website should be filled with relevant content.
The content should keep visitors and clients coming back for more. The content should be easy to read and engaging for everyone.
Keep in mind to stick to the topic on your website!
e. Content Management System (CMS)
This is a tool that will help you manage your content. It helps you reach out and let people easily view and consume your content.
WordPress is a good example of a CMS which is used globally. It’s open-source and easy to use for everyone.
Millions of sites are running on WordPress, which makes it very usable. Consider signing up for WordPress today and start tweaking things.
Can I open a website for free?
Yes, it’s simple, and you can do it yourself. How? Using a website builder, a tool that simplifies the build-up process!
It eliminates coding and replaces it with drag and drop editor. Also, it has premade themes one can customize to create their website.
A website builder does a lot; saving time and cost is at the top! Managing your new sites becomes easy as all is in one place.
The cost of creating a website in Kenya is determined by the following:
- The type of website- the simpler it is, the cheaper it becomes.
- Domain name- .com domains are expensive.
- Hosting- features provided determine the cost.
- Marketing plans- will you spend on advertising or pay the host to do it for you?
Other features also affect costs; it’s up to you to know what best serves your site. Take time to research, then build the best site.
How To Open A Website In Kenya
There are two ways one can open a website in Kenya. First, you can hire a developer to create it. It’s costly and takes some time before the site is ready.
Secondly, use a website builder which is creating stunning sites instantly! The link shows a detailed step-by-step approach to using the OLITT website builder.
You don’t need to have skills, as everything is done by drag and drop. Set up your site instantly without the hassle and showcase your site.
Here is how you set up a website instantly:
1. Buy a domain
As mentioned earlier, it’s a name that your site needs. Buying a domain is a simple process that takes a few clicks and then a checkout process.
Truehost is the best domain company that serves you right. Today you can get a domain from them for as low as Ksh. 200.
With a good domain name and extension, your site propagates well online. Reach out to many instantly and securely.
Keep in mind the follow the best practices and get a good domain. Buying a domain involves the following steps:
a. Visiting the truehost homepage
Under the domains tab, click on domains search.
Proceed onto the search bar and input the name, and hit enter.
b. Choose your extension
From 1, the search bar for your domain. Add to cart (2) means that you’ve chosen the .co.ke extension for your website.
Down below (3) are other available options you can choose from. Since we are using the .co.ke extension, let’s add it to the cart.
c. Check out
Here you select the options needed for your new domain. Note that some additions may cost you more than you had in mind.
Once done, proceed to continue. It takes you to a checkout page where you confirm all about your domain.
d. Register for truehost
Fill in your correct details and agree to the terms and conditions. Choose the payment method to use and complete the transaction.
You’ll receive an email giving details about your new domain. Make sure to add truehost hosting plans which are affordable.
It will also help you store your domain and website files. The process is easy too!
2. Install your CMS; WordPress
WordPress is available on cPanel and will help you manage your website. WordPress is free and customizable to fit any website.
Besides, more than 30% of websites are created with WordPress. It’s safe to use and very user-friendly. Additionally, sites from WordPress are rankable!
Installing it is easy too, and has a few steps:
a. Visit Truehost cPanel
Login into your account and proceed to the Softaculous apps installer. It’s a simpler installer for script-based applications like WordPress.
Find the WordPress icon and click on it. The screen will change and display this;
b. Proceed to install
This initiates the process of WordPress installation. Be keen to choose the right protocol for your site: http or https.
Choose your domain and leave the directory empty. Consider filling in your site details and giving a short description of it.
c. Fill in logins
Create an admin name and choose a strong password. You choose the suggestions given; be sure to keep these details safe.
You’ll need them to log in to your WordPress site. Select your theme and plugs, then complete the steps by clicking install.
d. Log in to your setup WordPress
To log in, use the Admin’s URL; it looks like this https://www.example.co.ke/wp-login.php. Now fill in your logins and click login.
Once successful, you’ll be redirected to the Dashboard. Congratulations, you’ve done it; now start managing your site.
That was easy, right? Management of WordPress sites also is easy and flexible. Get started today, share with the world, and keep developing.
Final remarks;
The time is now to open a website in Kenya that is simple and free. One can use paid plans to get advanced features for your site.
Once you’ve created, the building process continues; constant updates and maintenance must continue frequently.
Launch your online presence today and keep growing your reach. A website will later be a source of money for you!
