A website is a stand alone product. Some are free and some are not. A website needs to be "published" in order for people to "visit" it. Another term used to describe this is for your website to
"go live".
You can have a published website without purchasing a domain name.
If you do not purchase a domain name your ASG chapter website may not be easily found in search engines and it might contain ads you cannot control. If your website contains advertisements that
are not under your control it will not be approved by ASG under 2018 policy.
ASG policy and documents on creating websites can be found in the ASG Leadership Area. If you do not have Leadership Area access please contact your chapter President and she can provide
you with access or with the files.
Websites can be built in various ways. The most common way is by using a a template offered by a website builder. You can also use a Content Management System (CMS) like Word Press or build
it from scratch.
For most of our Chapters a website builder is the cost effective and time efficient choice so I have created a dedicated page about
website builders.
Website builders are very different. Some offer extensive widgets and can embed your chapter's calendar and interactive maps that provide directions. Some allow you to insert hand coding and SEO
into your pages. Some offer password protected folders or pages. Some have "responsive templates" meaning your website will always look great in any browser and on any size screen,
whether computer, tablet or phone.
Some offer the ability to upload files that your website users can download. Some offer Support using instant robot chats while others make use of phone calls or personally written emails.
Take your time and compare packages to make sure the website builder you select will meet the needs of your chapter.
Word Press (WP) is a system used to build a website. There are two
versions. WordPress.com offers a free version with ads. WordPress.org is a website you can build and host anywhere using open source widgets and templates.
WP is more time intensive than a website builder but less work than hand coding. ASG national uses WP to meet their needs of individual user logins, partitioned areas and storing and delivering
database files. The advantage of a WP site is the ability to make future changes or even rebuild it from the ground up. WP websites can be moved to a different website host.
Some of our chapters have members proficient in WP skills and for them this may be a good option.
Once a WP site is built it needs to be maintained by someone knowledgeable in WP. There are quite a few websites that offer to teach WP either free or for a
nominal cost. There are expansive web forums to help with WP questions.
WP 101 offers a free series of that explain WP and can help you decide if this product is the right choice for your chapter.
To build your website from scratch you will need to know website coding or hire a company that will build one for you. You then pay a hosting company to put it on a server. Your domain
name will be an additional purchase.
The primary reason people opt for this choice is because they need a complex, multilevel website or specific website features and partitions. Some people however enjoy using their website
coding skills and want a unique website or want the ability to move their website in the future to a different host.
