My Journey Behind Creating Websites: A Path to Digital Presence and Branding

Every website that I have ever created stems from a simple need and recognition of gaps in the online landscape. My passion for creating and sharing knowledge led me to build digital spaces that serve various purposes, from personal interests to professional branding. This journey began in the late 1990s with simple pages and evolved into more complex and purposeful websites. Let's dive into the story behind these digital milestones.

Creating Websites for Personal and Professional Gaps

The genesis of every website I have ever built can be traced back to a need that was not met by existing online platforms. It often felt like there were certain resources or communities that were lacking in the digital realm, and I decided to fill those gaps by creating my own.

Website 1: Learn.64bitdragon.ocm and its Home page were created out of a desire to have the kinds of educational resources I wish existed. This personal drive to address this gap led to the birth of these platforms, catering to a specific need in the learning community.

First Digital Presence: Early Online Space with AOL

My foray into web creation began in the late 1990s, when I utilized AOL's hosting service to create two significant web pages. These pages, created in the year 1997 or 1998, were the starting points of my digital journey.

The first page was devoted to an astronomy club I was a part of. Unlike many other club websites, I typed the club brochure as the page content, which was appreciated by the club members. My second creation was a favorites links page for personal use, aiding me in accessing my favorite sites more quickly. This early foray into HTML coding was a self-taught venture, driven by a passion for the craft.

Evolution of Website Creation

My journey didn’t stop there. I continued to build websites for various interests and purposes. For instance, I created a page dedicated to my interest in Babylon 5, and it still exists as an archived site. These early ventures were all hosted on free web hosts, a common practice back then.

First Hosted Website:

My first officially hosted website, , marked a significant milestone in my digital journey. Founder of the Milwaukee Time Lords Astronomical Association, I was proud to contribute to this community by creating a web page that served as a base for our activities.

Creating a Website for Business Expansion

Fast forward to the present day, I created my website because the need for a strong online presence was paramount. In today's fast-paced business environment, customers have no time to ask questions like 'what is your name' or 'your company goal'—they prefer to check the right source of information. My website allows me to expand my business worldwide, providing detailed insights about my company and fostering a digital connection with my audience.

Steps to Create a Viral and Automated Website

For those hoping to create a viral and fully automated website, here are some essential steps:

Identify Your Niche: Determine the area you want to explore and share your knowledge. Choose a Content Management System (CMS): Platforms like Wix, WordPress, or Squarespace offer easy-to-use interfaces and powerful tools. Create Valuable Content: Start by writing blog posts, providing tutorials, or sharing your expertise. Conduct thorough research and include as much relevant information as possible. Optimize for SEO: Use keywords, meta descriptions, and internal linking to improve your website's visibility. Automate Your Processes: Use tools like automatic content creators, email marketing software, and social media schedulers to streamline your efforts.

By following these steps, you can create a website that not only grows organically but also serves as a powerful tool for personal branding and business expansion.

Conclusion

Creating a website is a journey filled with challenges but also immense rewards. Whether you're filling a personal niche or paving the way for a business, the path is clear: start with a need, utilize the right tools, and leverage your passion to create something meaningful. By doing so, you can build a robust digital presence that resonates with your audience and drives your goals forward.