bbqsauceworks.com

We all cook BBQ because we love what it represents.  Its about getting together, really.  We all want to connect through delicious cuisine.  In an attempt to connect with the BBQ community, a lot of BBQ teams are starting there own websites.  I have mine here at BBQ Sauce Works, obviously, but there are a lot of great BBQ websites out there, and they all have their benefits.  Hell, even a Facebook or Twitter page can help you reach people that you want to talk to about BBQ or anything really, but in today’s world there is really no reason to not have a website.  And I, for one, would really love to see more of my barbecue buddies out there with websites that give them a voice.  Ya know, its just great to hear from other people that love bbq as much as we do here at BBQ Sauce Works.  So, I thought I’d give a little input into how to develop a BBQ website.  It’s one of the services we offer at BBQ Sauce Works, but that’s only because we want to facilitate the growth of the community we love to be a part of.  So, here are the steps to developing a BBQ Website.

1)  Decide on a domain name – every website needs an address.  look at the internet as a map where millions of people live.  Like other maps, its best to have an address that is easy to find.  Just like brick and mortar businesses, it can come down to . . . location, location, location!  A website that is easier to find is always better.  That’s why businesses fight over domain names.  It comparable to being called AAA Carpet Cleaning in the yellow pages.  You’ll be listed first.  In websites its a little more complex, but idea is to name your website something catchy and to the point.  So, play with some ideas and find a name that works for you.

2) Purchase a domain name – next you’ll have to purchase your domain.  That makes that name yours for the next year or two depending on your dedication to that name going forward.  Log onto InMotionHosting if you want to check for domain availability.  They have a link right on the top of their home page that will allow you to check for domain availability and give you some decent options should your site name already be taken.

3) Find a host – Every website needs to be hosted.  This is the actual place where you’re going to build your virtual house, so to speak.  A domain is really just the name of your house, now you have to construct the house and need a parcel of land to do just that.  A host sells you a lease on their virtual land for you to build your house.  Again, InMotionHosting is a great place to host your website.

4)Build your site – almost all hosting agreements come with a basic website building application that will allow you to build a basic website.  Just plug in the information that you want to appear on your website in one of the templates that are offered.  Now, you’ve built your virtual house of info for people to come visit, but your house is still being stored in your workshop (home computer or laptop) and you must move the house to the virtual land that you bought from your host.

5) Upload your site – This is really probably the trickiest part.  In order to move your site to it’s address on the web, you need to load it on the truck (upload it to your host’s server).  This requires what is called FTP or File Transfer Protocol.  There are a few FTP apps out there, I use Fetch.  Its pretty simple to figure out, but you’ll probably need a little help from your host’s support to get everything worked out.

Once you’re uploaded, your site will appear on the web for all us other barbecuers to see.  If you want some more help go to BBQ Sauce Works and click on the BBQ Sauce Works Online link or our contact link.  We’ll be able to help you.  We really look forward to running into you on your new website or out at a BBQ Competition sometime.