New to websites

**Martin_T** · 28-07-09

Hi everyone,

I am looking at starting an affiliate site but I am new to creating and hosting websites.
after some initial research i am thinking of signing up with BT for their basic hosting package at £2.99 a month.

If anybody has any advice on who are good hosts or even what i should be looking for from a host that would be great.

I believe my future website will consist largely of my content (blog style) but i may look to add product feeds. If i wish to add product feeds do i need a host who supports databases?

thanks,

Martin

**jamie07051975** · 28-07-09

Hi Martin,

£2.99 with BT is for a very limited package - you won't be able to use any databases which means you won't be able to install a blog.

I've got my own server and the smallest package I have is £5 per month and upgradable if needed. Would probably suit you fine.

You'll also need a domain name - .CO.UK domain names are usually less than £10.

If you need hosting or just some help deciding who to go with let me know.

**Mike_Scott** · 28-07-09

You want to be using wordpress if you want to be creating a blog/sites.
If you haven't used it before... Its a very powerfull tool and its very easy to add extra bits on to do everthing you ever need.

Look for hosts that support this.

I'm sure others have good ideas of what hosts to use.

Mike

**accelerator** · 29-07-09

Originally Posted by Martin_T

I believe my future website will consist largely of my content (blog style) but i may look to add product feeds. If i wish to add product feeds do i need a host who supports databases?

Yes, normally you would import feeds into a MySQL database. You'll also need a scripting language, I prefer PHP, so go for PHP/MySQL hosting. See also:

Affiliate Marketing Shopping Development Tools

Rgds

**jamie07051975** · 29-07-09

Originally Posted by accelerator

Yes, normally you would import feeds into a MySQL database. You'll also need a scripting language, I prefer PHP, so go for PHP/MySQL hosting. See also:

Affiliate Marketing Shopping Development Tools

Rgds

I'd second PHP. Easy to pick up and there's plenty of free scripts to help you along.

**daveh** · 29-07-09

Look for a host who uses cpanel and Fantastico, very much like my company may I add! You will find that Wordpress and a couple of other scripts are available with easy installation from within the control panel.

**Josh-A** · 29-07-09

If you are planning to host a blog, opt for Wordpress. It's one of the best blogs which includes number of advanced features and can be easily installed with one click through Fantastico. It is search engine friendly and can be well optimized for the targeted keywords. You can consider one of our cPanel hosting plan to run your wordpress blog and other websites. cPanel hosting provide number of features and the fantastico auto-installer is amazing. You can view the cPanel hosting plans and pricing details at cPanel Hosting UK | Shared Linux PHP MySQL cPanel Hosting Let me know if you have any questions.

**heartinternet** · 29-07-09

Plenty of web hosts offer one click install WordPress which is perfect if you are new to websites. When it comes to a co.uk domain name, you shouldn't have to pay more than £2.50 to £3 a year to get one (which means £5 to £6 for the 2 year min registration).

Cheers

Matt

**Mike_Scott** · 29-07-09

Some good tips there Martin

Let us know how you get on.

Mike

**Martin_T** · 29-07-09

Firstly can I say thanks to everyone for the very fast and very helpful replies.

I have been speaking to a friend and he very much agrees with much of what has been said here.

Here is my big plan, please point out any gaping holes in it

I have heard good things about streamline.net. I think I will go for this package
Power Web Hosting - Streamline.net - Web hosting made easy

As has been suggested here, it can handle php and MySQL.

Now for a couple of questions that people may laugh at

Wordpress does sound very helpful, if i take the streamline package, will I be able to use it with it?
Also, I am serious about making a go of this, so would it be wise to a register a company with companies house and do it through that?

Thanks again,

Martin

**Mike_Scott** · 29-07-09

I haven't used streamline before although it does on the face of it look quite limited.

If you definately want to go down the wordpress route then use a host that makes it simple to install. ( I say that because I always get headaches trying to work it out otherwise )

The host I use is Godaddy.
Not saying its the best or necessarilly the cheapest either.

What it does do is make installing wordpress a breeze.

Anyone else know of any hosts that make it easy?

Thanks
Mike

**mrbishi** · 29-07-09

A quick google of streamline.net brings up a whole host of not very positive reviews including:

My legal battle with Streamline.net > Blah! Blah! Blah!

and

http://www.xomreviews.com/streamlinenet.co.uk

**jamie07051975** · 30-07-09

I would NOT sign up with Streamline.net - if I remember rightly they are a reseller for some one else but the support was terrible.

If you're on a budget but still want great support at any time check out EUKHOST. If you have the money then UKFAST are good too.