The following steps will show you how to start a website and promote it at minimal cost using free web tools.
Getting Your Domain Name
You may use http://nameboy.com to generate domain names by entering your desired keywords. Another method which you can use to spark your imagination is to visit http://deleteddomains.com and check out those domain names that have been deleted.
When you are ready and have a selection of names in mind, go to Network Solutions and enter your list of prospective domain names to check the availabilty.
Once you have decided on your favorite domain name, you can go to any of the domain registration services to get it register. The price range from US$8 to US$35 per year. If you do not intend to spend more than US$9 then go to either MyOrderBox or GoDaddy. I register my domains with both companies.
If you are on a tight budget, then get a free subdomain. For example, when I registered with Netfirms free web hosting, I also get a free subdomain, mwc.netfirms.com which is a relatively short name and easy to remember.
The other popular option is to register a free website with Yahoo's GeoCities. My free GeoCities' website is http://www.geocities.com/timmguru. Instead of a subdomain, you are given a URL under the main GeoCities domain.
Search for Free Web Hosting
You can search for free web hosting, go to Google or Yahoo! and enter the keyword "free web hosting". You will find plenty of them. As mentioned before, there are Netfirms and Yahoo's GeoCities. They are both simple to use.
I prefer Netfirm as I can use FTP to upload my files and also use CGI scripting. However, you will have sponsored advertisements on your new free website. If you do not wish to have any ad then try Host Department.
You may ask: "Since you can get web hosting for free, why are people paying for it?"
Usually, free web hosting has limited features and functionalities. Most free web hosting providers do not allow you to have script and limit the individual files size that you can upload to the server. These are just some of the limitations. If you decided to do business online then go for paid web hosting. This will tell your potential customers that your are serious about your business and establish your credibility. Well, if you are just experimenting or giving free services and advices then it's ok to use freebies.
Content, content and more content
The most important thing that you have to focus is the content of your website. This is what bring real people. You want people to read what you got to say - so make it interesting, easy and pleasant experience for your visitors. Write on topics that you are passionate about. And keep it simple so that even a 12 year old can read. Focus on a single topic on one page. Keep the layout clean and tidy - nothing turns off visitors more than a cluttered page.