The first (and very important) decision you will need to make is to choose a domain name. Just remember to keep it short, memorable and easy to spell. I always just have my clients go to Network Solutions to register their domain name.

I have also read a lot about GoDaddy, but I have never used them.

This is where I host
all of my domains.

Once you have your domain name, the next big decision you have to make is where to host your site. There are only about 10,000 different places that offer hosting. Forget about the free sites, unless your site is just for fun. If you just want to get your feet wet with a free site, Bravenet has a new offer I like.

Make sure the company you select can give you the support you need for processing credit cards, shopping carts and security. I think the most important consideration is customer service. When there is a problem or you have a question it is important to be able to pick up a phone or send an email and get timely, competent help. I host all my sites with the Web Wizards.

This is the software I use.

I really suggest you get the proper software to create and edit your pages yourself. There are many companies that will build a site for you, but you will always be at the mercy of someone else to make changes for you. This will limit your creativity and effectiveness.

I use a combination of products from Macromedia. For creating web pages I use Dreamweaver MX and for creating and editing images I use Fireworks MX. They both have more functions and features then I will ever learn to use, but their tutorials and help sections provide me with all the help I need to do what I want.

You can save a lot of time by starting with a template. Customize it with your logo and information. I spent weeks searching for the best ones, and like the offer from Basic Templates the best.

If you want to buy just one book to help you with the learning curve, I suggest you get Web Site Design Made Easy written by Dennis Gaskill (better known as Boogie Jack). It takes you step by step from the bare basics to some of the more advanced techniques in a way that's actually easy to understand. He writes with a sense of humor so it's fun to learn.

This book comes spiral bound so you can keep it open in front of you as you are typing and reading.