Quick! Don't get a paper and pencil yet. Really, you won't need it. You just need the internet to keep notes(well hopefully you got the internet if you are reading this tutorial). Okay lets get started on how to start a beginner site. If you can make a site with lots of guides, tutorials, and graphics in one week, you should wait until we get a advanced site tutorial, no offense. But it is required that you know HTML and CSS good. That is a big requirment in owning a site. Don't know HTML and CSS? Try to read our tutorials on HTML or/and CSS. Because it is really important. Alright, got the do's and do not's, let really get started.
For people that are gonna get a paid host: I suggest you keep your money in your pocket for about 3 months. You should be sure that you are gonna keep this site of yours opened. And you need to have a lot visitors a day, so when you use a paid host(some with free domains) you will probably get double or triple the visitors(also depends on the graphics, tutorials, and guides). You see that CLG is a free hosting site, that is because my site isn't so popular like Neocrane(my best partner).
For the people who are getting a free host: Great choice for a beginner. I'll give you a okay. But remember this, you won't get a free domain with a free hosting plan. But when you try to apply for affliates, in the "Site URL" box you don't have to put yoursitename.yourhost.com. Lucky for the free hosting sites, that is FreeDomain.co.nr. This services give you a domain like this: yoursitename.co.nr. It is short and simply for people to type in. And it is free! So there is one helper for your site. I mostly recommend Awardspce.com, that is what CLG uses.
I'll go ahead and tell you that if you are too tired or think you can't make a layout, you can request one from Midnight-Neo. Your will get your layout in 1-4 days(1-2 days if on a weekend). Okay now if you are making your own, you need to know lots of HTML and CSS. By the way you should probably order or get a premade layout first before making your own. I started making my own because I use to just make graphics and layouts for myself, so I have experience on making layouts. But it is your choice if you want to have your own layout if you want to.
Many sites are anime or neopets related. You can see that CLG is Anime and Neopets related. But the bad thing about anime is that some sites wouldn't accept you because you are not neopets related, most do. The bad thing about Neopets related sites that you will only be talking about or making something about Neopets all the time, it gets kinda, let's say boring. And it could be boring for your visitors(your visitors shouldn't be bored if your site is just a guide and tutorial site). So if you want to be a Neopets related site, be one, you pick. Or you can be a anime site. But if you are not sure, try to look at other neopets or a anime site. That is what I did. But if you like anime AND Neopets(like me) be a Neopets and Anime related site.
Okay now you should have your Site Host, domain, layout, and site type. You should look over your work and see if you did everything right. And everything you want it to look like. If you have any questions about this tutorial, email admin.clgraphics@gmail.com. But don't think this tutorial is over. Part two is almost finished, so just do what you need to do now. See ya!
Mikki~