FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to the questions readers ask most often: about this reference and the former site on this domain, about launching and maintaining a site, and about money and the law. The answers are short and general; details are in the guides, comparisons and security sections. If you come across an unfamiliar term, check the glossary.
There's no honest short answer to "how do I make money from a site fast", but there is one to "how do I keep my site safe": backups and updates.
About this reference
Is this the same site that used to write about making money from websites?
No. The domain used to host articles about making money from websites and a forum, and later spam. The current reference has nothing to do with them and does not bring back the old articles or forum posts.
Do you promise income or search rankings?
No. Nobody can honestly guarantee either income or rankings: they depend on many factors. We explain how websites, search and monetisation work, without promises.
Do you sell services or links?
No. This reference sells nothing, places no paid links and is not paid for mentions. We deliberately name no hosting providers or services and publish no rankings.
Can I register on the forum?
No. The forum no longer exists and we are not restoring it. Old thread addresses lead to a reference page on protecting forums and comments from spam.
Launch and maintenance
Does a small website need HTTPS?
Yes. A secure connection protects visitors' data, and browsers flag sites without it as not secure. Free certificates are issued, for example, by Let's Encrypt.
How often should I make backups?
As often as the amount of work you're prepared to lose. A site updated daily needs backups more often than a rarely changing brochure site. For storage, the "3-2-1" rule is a good guide.
Do I have to update plugins?
Yes. Updates often patch vulnerabilities that attackers already know about. Make a backup before updating, and replace plugins their developers have abandoned.
Why think about accessibility?
So that everyone can use your site, including people with visual, hearing and motor impairments. The benchmark is the W3C WCAG guidelines: image alt text, sufficient contrast, keyboard navigation.
Money and the law
Can I run ads on a small website?
Yes, but in Russia online ads have required mandatory labelling under the Law on Advertising since 1 September 2022, and other countries have their own rules. Find out what obligations this creates for you as a publisher.
Do I need to disclose affiliate links?
It's most honest to do so: readers should understand that you earn a commission on a click or purchase. Advertising materials may also fall under ad labelling and disclosure rules.
Do I need a privacy policy?
If your site collects personal data through forms, registration or newsletters, Russia's Law 152-FZ requires visitor consent and a published data policy; elsewhere, rules such as the EU's GDPR apply.
Should I buy links for promotion?
No. Search engines treat buying links as a violation of their rules, and your site may lose visibility. It's more reliable to work on useful content and a usable site.
Related sections
- Security
Threats to a small website: outdated plugins, weak passwords, spam sign-ups, malicious injections, phishing, domain loss.
- Guides
Step-by-step guides: domain and hosting, HTTPS, backups, updates, privacy policy. The article catalogue lives here too.
- Glossary
Glossary of terms: site and hosting, search and analytics, security and law.
Sources
- Let's Encrypt
- W3C — WCAG
- Federal Law No. 152-FZ on Personal Data
- Federal Law No. 38-FZ on Advertising
Information on standards and laws is based on official sources as of the preparation date. Technologies, search engine rules and laws change, so check the current documentation and the laws in force.