I have created approximately twelve websites for family and friends, using Perfect Money to register domains and purchase hosting. However, now I am faced with the dilemma of how to register domains and hosting for strangers who are not tech-savvy, yet I want them to remain autonomous. I do not wish to register anything under my own name, but rather help them become self-sufficient.
Typically, I follow a process for website creation in which I obtain passport information from the individual who will be owning the website and register a domain under their name. I then register their email address and assign all relevant information to it such as hosting, databases, etc. Once this is done, I provide the individual with a printout containing all access data and recommend that they change their email password for security reasons. In some cases, I also show them how to change the password themselves if necessary.
This way, the website owner has all the necessary information on hand and if someone else takes over the website in the future, they can refer to these dоcuments without any hassle.
Hosting refers to a virtual folder on the internet where website content including web pages, pictures, and scripts is stored. Hosting services are provided by hosting companies and prices can vary depending on the company and the type of hosting selected. For instance, "Timweb" offers hosting starting at $1 per month.
Often, hosts will provide free services as a way to promote their paid services. However, the free versions may have restrictions in terms of speed and data volume, may display ads, and typically lack technical support. In cases where large numbers of products are being tested via an online store, for example, website performance may suffer. Likewise, if additional server modules are necessary, technical support may not be able to assist and will offer paid options instead.
For commercial projects, it is advisable to use paid hosting. Despite this, some individuals elect to utilize a free plan even for business purposes. For example, I recently chose a company from India that offers a free tariff. Although registration is similar to what would be expected in a paid plan, the key difference is that no payment is required.
Helping others create their own presense online is such a noble act. First, let's talk about how to keep they autonomy while still giving them support. One option is to educate them about the process. You could create a simple guide or a video tutorial walking them through the steps of registering a domain and purchasing hosting services. This will help them gain confidence and understand the tools they are using.
Another idea is to assist them in setting up accounts in their own names. If they feel unsure, you can walk them through the process together. You could use a screen-sharing application to guide them through it live. This way they are taking the action themselves, but you are there to support them if there are any confusions.
As for payment methods, you can suggest using services that accept more widely used payment options, like PayPal or credit cards, instead of Perfect Money, which might not be familiar to everyone. Once they have their domains and hosting accounts, make sure they know how to manage them, including accessing the control panel, setting up emails, and even managing DNS settings.
Also, post-setup support is crucial. You could offer to be available for a few weeks after they go live, to answer questions or help them troubleshoot any issues that arise. Building a good relationship as a mentor can encourage them to become more independent in the long run.
Encouraging them to dоcument their learnings as they go along could help them internalize the concepts better. They can keep notes about what works, what doesn't, and the process it takes to make updates or change settings.
At the end of the day, the goal is for them to feel empowered and not reliant on you. Your role can be more that of a guide than a doer in the long run, which is not only beneficial for them, but also allows you to maintain your own boundaries.