Step 1

Over the years I have used many different hosting companies, and my favorite, by far, is DreamHost. You can certainly use a different company, but since I use them myself and I'm recommending them to you, all of the instructions and diagrams here refer to the usage of DreamHost.

DreamHost has allowed me to offer you two special discounts!

#1: 15% Off Hosting: When you sign up with DreamHost, you'll get 15% off hosting fees.

#2: Free Domain: You'll also get one FREE domain registration! This is a $10 value.

To get these two discounts, all you have to do is enter the promo code STARTASITE during the registration process.

Follow the instructions below to get started.

Step 1: DreamHost

Go to DreamHost.com and click on "Sign Up Now" (the lower yellow starburst image)

Step 2: Begin the signup process.

Just enter the information requested on the form with your current email address and any password that you would like to use.
 

Step 3: Pick a Domain

You already get to choose your own domain! Select the first option for "Register a new .com/net/org/info domain for me."
After Domain: www type in whatever you want your domain to be.

The domain you type in might be already be in use on the internet. If that is the case, DreamHost will notify you and allow you to choose a different one.

Three important tips for domain names:

• Choose something original

• Choose something that succinctly sums up your website

• Try to choose something easy to type and remember

Step 4: Just a little more …

Pick First Server Username: This can be any username that you'd like. It's nothing magical.

In what city were you born? The answer to this will be requested from you if you later forget your password, so be honest and type something that you'll remember.

How did you first hear about us? If you like, you can put howtostartawebsite-forbeginners.com

Promotional code: Type STARTASITE to get your free domain registration and 15% off hosting fees.

Next Steps: On Your Own

I can't give you any images farther than this because I already have an account with them. In a nutshell, you'll be asked to choose whether you want to pay for hosting monthly or yearly (I recommend yearly). Then you'll be asked for payment information. Just follow the on-screen instructions and it will be self-explanatory enough.

Once you've completed your signup process, you'll get a welcome email from DreamHost with more information about your account.

When you sign in to your DreamHost account, you should see a screen that looks like:

This is the main DreamHost Control Panel page. You can do just about anything you need from here, including: manage your website hosting account, add email addresses, manage users, and register more domain names.

Next: Step 2 >>