Hey there, it’s Kev!
Today we are embarking on a journey that will truly transform your small business. That’s developing a website. We are turning this into an entire journey. One that is both as exciting as it is informative.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
Why Does Your Business Need a Website?
Well, there’s usually your answer and my answer:
Your answer is you want to sell something, you’re looking to inform people about your services, you’re looking to let people book your services, etc.
My answer is that your website is your online storefront. But it’s not just your online storefront. It’s the stage where your business performs. And you want that performance to get a standing ovation every single time.
Step One: Planning
This is where you lay your foundation. But this isn’t just any foundation. This is a foundation to your online empire. So you need to do a few things for this:
- Define the purpose of your website. What do you want it to do? What do you want it to achieve?
- Identify your target audience. Who are your customers?
- Plan the content for the website. What information will you provide?
Think of this like starting a house. You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, right?
Choosing a Domain Name
This is your website’s address on the internet. But this isn’t just any address. This is your business’s home in the digital world. Here are some tips when choosing a domain name:
- Keep it short and simple
- Avoid numbers and hyphens
- Make sure it’s easy to spell and pronounce
Your domain name is a key part in your online identity.
Web Hosting Service
Once you have a domain name, you’ll need a web hosting service. This is where your website will live on the internet. But it’s not just a place to live. This is the engine that keeps your website running smoothly.
Your first tip in choosing a web hosting service is to remember all of these are my own opinion. None of this is defamation. Please don’t sue me.
Stay away from EIG, Endurance International Group. Companies like Bluehost and Hostgator are cheap. They’re not that great. Go somewhere else. Stay away from GoDaddy. Go somewhere else.
Some of the hosts I do recommend are:
I’ve used SiteGround before. We’re using Cloudways now. I cannot recommend Cloudways enough. The other three are really great too.
If you want some more information on those hosting services, click any of the links above.
Designing and Building Your Website
Now comes the fun part. This is where you get to be really creative and show us what your business is all about. It’s important that it’s not just creative but effective. This is where we’re creating your digital masterpiece. Here are some tips to get you going:
- You can choose a website builder to do it yourself like Wix or Squarespace
- You can get into WordPress on your own. There’s plenty of free themes and plugins for that
- You can hire a professional
- Or you can hire your 12-year-old little cousin to do it for 50 bucks and see how they do
Next you’re going to want to select a design or a template that best suits your business’s needs. Are you going for luxury or fun? Are you going for more immersive? What are you thinking?
Of course you have to gather all your content, which includes logos, any about us, and copywriting, stuff like that, videos, pictures, you name it. And lastly, customize everything in the design to best match your business. This website is a direct reflection of your business. So you need to make sure it looks professional and it conveys the message and feeling you want it to.
Launching Your Website
Once you’re happy with it, it’s time to launch. But before you launch your website, you’ll want to test it. Make sure everything’s in working order as it should be and looking good on all devices. But just like everything else so far, it is so much more than just a launch. It is the grand opening of your online presence. So make sure your website is ready to impress.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks. Those are the absolute basics of developing a website for your small business. But remember, it’s not just about the basics. It’s about creating an online presence that truly reflects your business and provides value to your customers.
Are you ready to embark on this journey?
We’d love to hear from you. What’s your goal? What’s your plan for building your business’s website? Are you planning to hire a professional, or are you going to try to do it yourself? Feel free to share your thoughts and plans in the comment section below. We’re here to provide guidance and support as you build your online presence.
Remember, building a website is a journey, and every journey begins with a single step. We’re excited to be a part of your journey and can’t wait to see where it takes you.
As always, thank you for reading. We appreciate your support and look forward to helping your business shine online. Until next time, keep striving for success!
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