Creating a basic website, or a blog ?

Hustler

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I've been researching my family history for many, many years and it's about time I posted it out there onto the big world wide web for a few other family folk to see.
It will also serve as an additional backup.

The website / blog would simply contain articles including photographs, certificates and family history charts.
Nothing fancy and no moving pictures or you tube required.
Would need links to point to articles about different branches of the family.

Although I mentioned blog in the title I'm not really interested in feedback so possibly a basic website may be a better idea.

Ideally free but certainly inexpensive.

Any hints, tips, links, basic pointers would be most appreciated if possible please.

Thanks very much.
 
I'm a complete amateur but have managed to build a couple of websites using Wordpress (http://brooklands-vmcc.org.uk/ and http://bikerdownsurrey.org.uk/). I use a company called UKCheapest (https://www.uk-cheapest.co.uk/) to register a domain name, and provide the hosting etc. The cost per site is only £25+VAT per year or thereabouts. Don't be put off by the 'Cheapest' name, they're a helpful bunch and the (email) tech support is not fazed by numpty questions. If you take out a hosting package with them you'll find that Wordpress is there ready to install, along with various other site builders, e-commerce packages etc. You also get 50 email addresses for your new domain name.

Wordpress is free and grew from a 'blogging' background. Now there are hundreds of pre-configured themes available for it, many of them FOC plus loads of plug-ins (for events or contact forms for example). You don't need to know anything about coding to build a site.

My advice is to spend some time deciding on your theme, and be prepared to spend a few hours learning through trial and error how to build pages (and sometimes beating your head against a wall...). I use SiteOrigin plug-ins which make page layout a doddle, and are backed up by good tutorials (text and video). I'm typical of most blokes who pile in and start trying to build something before speed-reading the manuals, and I managed OK.
 
I'm a complete amateur but have managed to build a couple of websites using Wordpress (http://brooklands-vmcc.org.uk/ and http://bikerdownsurrey.org.uk/). I use a company called UKCheapest (https://www.uk-cheapest.co.uk/) to register a domain name, and provide the hosting etc. The cost per site is only £25+VAT per year or thereabouts. Don't be put off by the 'Cheapest' name, they're a helpful bunch and the (email) tech support is not fazed by numpty questions. If you take out a hosting package with them you'll find that Wordpress is there ready to install, along with various other site builders, e-commerce packages etc. You also get 50 email addresses for your new domain name.

Wordpress is free and grew from a 'blogging' background. Now there are hundreds of pre-configured themes available for it, many of them FOC plus loads of plug-ins (for events or contact forms for example). You don't need to know anything about coding to build a site.

My advice is to spend some time deciding on your theme, and be prepared to spend a few hours learning through trial and error how to build pages (and sometimes beating your head against a wall...). I use SiteOrigin plug-ins which make page layout a doddle, and are backed up by good tutorials (text and video). I'm typical of most blokes who pile in and start trying to build something before speed-reading the manuals, and I managed OK.

Thank you young Tom, I shall follow this up.

Apologies for not responding before now, but I've only just spotted your reply.
 
my 2 pence: think how big (audience) it could be...get after say 5 years. Build for that. No point doing a simple site for now, then needing to rebuild. Migrate to a new site.
2) buy a domain (reserved space/ your own name etc) that resembles your site. gets you personalised emails etc too
3) know what you want from your site before committing. ( e/g gallery, contact forms, buy options (shopping cart)
My registered site cost me £16 and my hosting costs £30 a year. Worth it as it gives me a proper e mail address, NOT a j.jone@google.sites.etc...
 
Thanks very much Smogbob.

Thanks again for all the ideas folks.

I'll give them all some serious evaluation and report back.

And PS, thanks also adventuredon. Only seen your reply after my reply.
I don't want or expect a big audience as it will be simply for my own family history research.
You never really know of course and I will take your points on board so thank you.
And personalised emails would be good.
 


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