The Complete Guide to Starting a Website [2016 updated]

Some of this is helpful for newbies starting out bare-bones. I'd add a few extra hosts and WP theme sources myself, but don't see a need to as the brunt of the information is Domain/Host/Content/Monetize and that's good.

But I have another opinion I DO need to add. Two, actually.

First, I strongly disagree with everything you said about web content. Unique isn't about "must pass copyscape", it means truly one of a kind. With almost all of your methods to monetize, the site would depend on value based on human traffic to be successful. And for human-oriented value, content IS king. Any form of spinning is a waste of time, money, and energy if you want a truly valuable website that stands out. So let's step back to the other opinion I must add.

Hard to give it a title, but let's comine Topic/Niche/Interest/Purpose/Passion/Branding. Because your site needs to be about SOMETHING. That should be something you already know and care about, and something that others are interested in/looking for information on.

I've seen a big trend in sites that focus on posting Amazon affiliate links for income, with niche specific posts and pages that are valuable to people. Let's say "Funny Gifts"... a valuable website will post unique, valuable content that is entertaining to read and appropriate, and that would make readers want to click on the link to buy the recommended product.

But a low quality site focuses more on pushing those links, and neglects exactly how important the written words are. Those low quality sites are annoying, like spam, and will have a high bounce rate. You'll see that in your Analytics. I'm not saying you won't make a few bucks here and there, but if you want to set your site up for long term/substantial success and income then please don't take to generic/recycled content.

Branding is a word often overlooked by newbies, and it's usually the missing link when you look back at all the dollars and hours wasted on failure. Branding is not everything, but it's very important. Research branding, and then you'll understand why generic/spun content is a terrible idea.
 
I have been wanting to start my own site for a while now,
was looking at other backlink threads etc, but this was very helpful,
thanks for sharing.
 
This post is super. This would me to get advanced. So nice of you.
 
theres a lot of info, very nice, recently i got new software so i dont have to bother coding sites, i only drag and drop its called 90secondwebsite, and they also have pretty good helpdesk too.
 
I ma de some test when i built a new website (new domain). If you'll do a shop on it selling stuff the best way to have better ranking is to build first (for the first 5/6 months) a content website, then begining a very small backlinking process then after 6 months you keep informational pages (content) on a 2nd plan and start putting products online. With that way of doing your website always rank better than usual shop.

I've tested this several time and works great !!
 
There has been a lot of changes in present SEO, So one should be updated for better results and long term success.
 
Great writeup to get a website for a newbie, thanks to share your time
 
I am a total Newbie to IM. Am i right in thinking that this (very useful) guide is for Wordpress websites only? From what i read. you can start a blog on wordpress but then turn it into a website? Very confused.

I have just purchased the Game clone for a affilate program. and i have no idea what to do with it, now i have it.. is there anyone who can show me how to use my affiliate website from the very first day? many many thanks
 
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