Do you need a new website but don't know where to start? Creating a website can be daunting but with this simple guide you won't miss a thing!
Understand the purpose of your website
Consider whether to hire a designer
Research
Choose a domain name
Find a host
Structure your site
Work on a theme
Writing copy
Consider writing a blog?
Tell people about it!
1. Understand the purpose of your website
Think carefully about what you want your website to do. Who are you communicating with and what do you want them to do? Will you need an ecommerce solution (online shop)? Do you want them to contact you? Thinking about what you need upfront can help you make decisions later on.
2. Decide whether to hire a designer
You might like to have a go at designing your website This is a cost effective option if you have the time. If you would like some help, there are different options to consider. Some website designers offer packages depending on the type of website you are looking for. Others offer a bespoke service, working with you to develop a website that reflects you and your business.
3. Do your research
Check out a range of different websites - some for your industry but look at others too. It will help give you ideas of what you do and don't like plus thoughts about what might work for your organisation.
4. Choose a domain name
Your domain name, or web address needs to clearly match up with the name of your organisation. Try to keep it simple and avoid words that are difficult to spell. Also avoid alternative spellings of words as this may make it difficult for people to find your website. A domain name is a bit like a car registration plate - some are already taken so you might need to try a few different alternatives to get the name that you want. Most website hosts (see point 5 below) can provide a domain name for a small fee, or include it within the hosting package, or you can purchase a domain separately to your hosting if you prefer.
5. Website builder or host?
A website host is a company that enables your website to be published on the internet. The host stores your website data on a server. A web builder is a platform that enables you to publish pages without coding. Web builders are a fantastic option for small businesses and they usually include hosting. Having already considered the purpose of your website (see point 1) will help you decide which package to choose. There are lots of comparison sites that help you compare the most popular web builders and hosts.
6. Structure your site
Planning your structure will help you when it comes to creating your website. Think about how many pages you will need and how you will navigate to them from your homepage. Start to think about what information you will include on each page. Try to think from your customer's point of view: what information are they looking for? Then make it as easy as possible for them to find it.
7. Website design
It's time to think about what your website will look like and this includes page structure, colour scheme and fonts. If you already have a logo and colour scheme for your brand, you should include these within your theme to create brand continuity. The colours, fonts and layout that you use will give the visitor an impression of your brand so choose carefully! It's really important to make sure your text is easy to read by using dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background.
8. Writing copy
Think about what your customers want to find out and make sure you provide all the information they're looking for. Words are how Google is able to understand what your website is about so think about your keywords (the words that best describe what you do) and use them throughout your site.
9. Consider writing a blog
A blog isn't an essential element of a website but it can have a variety of uses. Blogs give you an opportunity to write in a bit more detail than on the main section of your website. They can be a great place to share behind the scenes information or to give helpful information and tips which are relevant for your audience. Your blog can help direct people to your website and to your services or products and are easy to share on your social media pages. Blogs also add pages to your site which gives Google more to look at, helping you rank higher for the things you blog about.
10. Get visible!
Once your website has been created and published you need to tell people that it's there! Social media platforms are a great way to direct people to your website through posts and links in your bio or profile information. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is basically the method of helping Google work out what your site is about and pointing people to it. There are lots you can do to improve your website's SEO. Your website host will have a checklist and this is a great starting point.
Have I missed anything? Pop me a message and let me know what you think!
If you would like some help in setting up a new website, give me a shout! I'd love to help you and I offer bespoke solutions so that you get the support you need in a timeframe that suits you.
Helen
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