To start off, one needs to understand the four stages of website production and maintenance.

1. Domain Name Registration

Cost: US $14 per year upwards. Purchase your URL www.yourname.com as soon as possible. Also available: .net, .org, .biz, .info, .lk, and so on.

2. Web Hosting

Cost: US $70 per year upwards. Your website is held on a certain amount of online server space, which must be rented. Charges may vary depending on requirements. Includes email addresses @yourname.com.

3. Web Design

Cost: Setup Charge only (flat fee). Essentially creating the entire website or system. Includes: Requirements Analysis, Concept, Design, Development & Setup.

4. Web Maintenance

Cost: Simple Updates - Free of Charge; Large, Irregular Updates - Individual Charges; Regular Updates - Monthly / Annual Charges. Simple changes to the site are provided free of charge. Maintenance charges apply for regular or larger modifications to your site, and may be included with Web Hosting charges.