Hey everyone! I recently bought a pub that's currently non-operating and I've got 12 months to get everything up and running, including renovations and permits. I'm beyond excited and eager to dive in! I'm assuming the first step is to buy a domain name? I've seen some sites with crazy renewal fees, so I'm considering purchasing one for 10 years from Porkbun. I'm also thinking of going for a .com.au domain, but I've heard mixed reviews about GoDaddy which makes me a bit wary.
As for website design, I found Squarespace to be user-friendly, but $17 a month feels steep for something long-term. I'm looking for genuine advice and tutorials, but all I find are overly promotional videos.
I'll need my website to manage accommodation bookings (with payment options), dinner reservations, and meeting bookings for functions, along with sections for photos and about us—so pretty standard features. Any thoughts?
5 Answers
I’d steer clear of GoDaddy; Porkbun is a reliable choice for domain registration! I've used them for years without issues. For a website, I suggest looking into a developer who can customize something that fits your needs, especially since you want features like bookings and payments. Good luck with your pub!
Consider using Cloudflare for better website security and a solid foundation. It's important to find a web designer whose style you admire. Just make sure you reach out to them through their site for inquiries. This way, you won’t be bombarded with offers.
Hey mate, I recommend Porkbun for your domain. Instead of Squarespace, you might find it more cost-effective long-term to get hosting for about $5/month and invest in a custom WordPress theme. You can easily manage updates by yourself once it’s set up, and it’s generally better for SEO as well!
For a bustling pub, spending $17/month isn't much when you think about it. You’ll definitely want a reliable booking engine in place, which can cost more. Look into integrated hospitality management systems for a seamless experience.
If $17 a month feels too high, launching a pub website could become stressful. Just to give you a heads up, the commissions from booking sites can really add up. If you plan to go the traditional route, make sure to plan for those ongoing costs and check out options like channel managers for a more structured start.

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