Here are some concrete steps to follow to help you create a website for your business:
1. Choose a Domain Name
Choosing the right website address is essential for establishing your online presence. A memorable domain that closely aligns with the name of your business can help customers find you online. Having the extension “.com” in your website URL is typically recommended as it is the most recognizable, but other options include “.net” and “.biz”. You should also avoid using numbers and hyphens in your domain if possible. Before deciding on a domain name, check its availability using tools like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Name.com, which allow you to see what’s available and compare pricing. To protect your business, ensure your domain doesn’t infringe on trademarks and consider buying additional domains that are similar to yours, to prevent competitors from acquiring them. You don’t have to necessarily use them, but purchasing close proximities of your domain name can help protect your brand.
2. Decide How You Will Build Your Website
Once you’ve secured your domain name, it’s time to think about how you will build your website. Will you do it yourself using a website builder, or will you hire a professional web designer? Let’s take a look at both options:
- DIY Website Builder: Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress provide intuitive, drag-and-drop tools that allow you to create and manage a website without requiring coding knowledge. These platforms include customizable templates, integrated hosting, and built-in search engine optimization (SEO) features to help improve your website’s visibility in search results. They also offer mobile-friendly designs, making it easier for customers to access your website from any device. If you use a DIY website builder, web hosting is typically included in your monthly or annual fee. This helps to streamline the setup and maintenance of your website while providing you with built-in security features and support.
- Hiring a Web Designer: If you’re seeking a fully customized website or simply don’t have time to go the DIY route, you should consider hiring a professional website designer or developer. A web designer can create a unique website that aligns with your business goals. You’ll need to hash out with your designer where the website will be hosted, and you should also determine whether you’ll need to keep your designer on retainer for regular website updates and maintenance. If not, be sure to receive ample training so you can effectively manage the site after it launches.
3. Understand the Full Cost of Your Website Project
Creating a website requires an initial investment. The cost of building your website will vary depending on whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a designer, how expensive your domain name is, and how large your site will be. If the cost is significant, you should take some time to evaluate your funding options. If you don’t have enough cashflow to cover the cost, you might consider a business credit card, loan, or line of credit. While a website can seem like a large upfront cost, it can have a direct impact on the success of your business, helping to attract customers, drives sales, and foster long-term business growth.
4. Factor In Ongoing Costs
It’s important to remember that beyond the initial setup of your website, there are costs involved with maintaining it as well. Hosting fees vary by provider and level of service. You’ll want to select a provider and plan that includes security updates, so your site is protected from cyber threats. Other hosting options typically include website backups, firewalls, email marketing, and ecommerce add-ons for selling products online. You should also factor in the renewal of your domain name as another recurring expense. Accounting for all ongoing costs during the planning phase will help to ensure that you have the cashflow necessary to maintain your website after it launches.
5. Plan Your Website Content
Give some thought to what content you will showcase on your website. Most website should include essential pages such as:
- Homepage: Your opportunity to make a first impression on your website visitors
- Contact Page: Make it easy for customers and prospective customers to locate your business and/or contact you
- About Us Page: Share your story and mission; explain what sets your business apart and why customers should do business with you
- Product/Services Page: Explain your offerings; detail your products or services and let customers make purchases online, if applicable
6. Design Your Website
Once you’ve determined what content will be shown on your website, you can focus on laying it out. Clear, high-quality visuals enhance credibility and help convey your brand’s message effectively. Whenever possible, consider using original photography to showcase your products, services, or team, making your brand more authentic and relatable. If using stock photos, ensure you have the proper licenses to avoid copyright issues—websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock offer a variety of legally-sourced images at a low cost, and some sites like Unsplash allow you to legally obtain stock images for free. Pair compelling visuals with well-structured, easy-to-read text to create a seamless user experience that encourages visitors to explore your site and engage with your business.
7. Test Before Launching
Before making your website public, thoroughly test its functionality, responsiveness, and user experience to ensure a seamless browsing experience. Check that all links, buttons, and forms work correctly, and verify that your site loads quickly across different devices. Responsive design is essential—your website should adapt smoothly to desktops, tablets, and mobile phones without formatting issues. A well-tested website ensures that visitors can engage with your content without frustration, leading to higher engagement and conversions.
8. Maintain and Update Your Website
Regular updates keep your website fresh and relevant, reinforcing trust and engagement with visitors. Outdated content can harm your credibility, negatively impact your search rankings, and make your business appear inactive. Try to schedule time to update product or service information, refresh blog content, and ensure contact details remain current. Regularly check for broken links, slow loading times, and outdated design elements that could affect user experience. Additionally, monitor security updates to protect against vulnerabilities and keep your website performing optimally.
A well-designed website is a powerful tool for growing your business. By having an idea of what to expect before the build, you can create a professional online presence that attracts customers and drives sales. If you are a business owner in Massachusetts or Rhode Island looking for financing options for a website build, contact us today. We can help provide guidance on a variety of business financing options, including credit cards, loans, and lines of credit.