You need a website because you're a writer – but what, exactly, must be done to start one? This article explains the basics.

Free websites usually have third-party advertising on them. If you want your site to look professional it is best to buy your own domain name and pay for your web hosting.

The domain name must be renewed and paid for annually. If you forget to renew and pay up, you can lose your domain name forever because scoundrel-entrepreneurs may buy it and hold it hostage, asking you to pay as much money as they desire. This could amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars. So, never forget to renew a domain name! You can pay for more than one year at a time. Do not respond to renewal offers from third parties that you may receive in the mail. Your domain name provider is the only site you should renew at.

Hosting costs are separate, and usually paid monthly through a regular automatic deduction from your PayPal account, or through your credit card company or bank debit card.

The third major issue is design. There are many options – some more expensive than others. You can design your own site, or hire someone to design it, or buy a template design, or find a free template. Whichever way you go, do attempt to achieve a professional appearance for your writing website.

Are you considering a blog? There are pros and cons for blogging. Regular blogging on the front page of a site will increase search engine positioning. On the other hand, the internet is glutted with blogs and websites about writing, so don't expect to become well-known overnight. It would more likely take years of steady blogging to succeed, unless you have a best-selling book.