Mark Zuckerberg did it and many others! They build successful websites and applications, and you can do the same! The first and most important thing is the idea. If your idea has potential then why not give it a try! Many people haven’t thought of becoming famous and rich by their websites but they were wrong.

What do you need to start your own website, blog or web application?

The idea - it’s the A and O to be successful! Are there already sites that do the same as yours? Is it possible to make money with your idea (sell premium content, banner advertising) or do you just want to be popular?

The website - do you master (x)HTML, PHP and JavaScript and maybe another language like Java? The point is - make yourself clear what is possible with your capabilities and what not. Maybe hire a professional programmer, but keep in mind that they are very expensive. Also nowadays it’s essential to permanently keep an eye on your sites’ security.

The design/layout - in the internet you find millions of examples of good web-designs. You can also find a lot of guides and tutorials that will help you step by step.

The server - how big is your project? Do you think you need a server right from the beginning? Or is a Shared Plan enough for a few weeks? If you have a heavy-load online application, calculate your budget carefully. Nothing is angrier than having the ultimate website but not the resources to host and operate it.

The breaks - After your project is running and even during the building time - take breaks! Turn off and do anything apart from thinking about your website. It’s a very important, maybe the most important thing you should take care of unless you want to lose the view on the whole.

When to start your website? – Now. Don’t lose time.

Good Blogs and Sites for more information

• OnStartups, Advice for Software Startups. Invaluable guides for entrepreneurs.
• DoshDosh, Internet Marketing and Social Media. Many tips and tricks on how to make the big money with any kind of website.
• Mashable!, The Social Networking Blog. See the ideas of other people and learn from them.