Establishing a strong online presence is paramount in our digitally driven era. While social media can be effective, owning a website offers additional opportunities to showcase and expand your business. With more customers online than ever, having a website allows you to connect with them more effectively. Follow these steps to build a website you can be proud of.
Step 1: Choose your platform
Start by selecting a platform to host your domain name (more on that shortly). In the past, building a website required coding skills, but today’s website builders handle the technical side for you. This lets you focus on design and content. Here are three popular options:
- Squarespace: Ideal for those who prefer a hands-off approach. Its prebuilt templates make website creation a breeze. With features like online commerce, SEO tools, and built-in analytics, Squarespace offers an intuitive, user-friendly experience.
- Shopify: Best for eCommerce. It provides customizable templates and simplifies payment processing. Shopify even integrates marketing and SEO tools to boost your sales.
- WordPress: The world’s most popular platform, known for its security and flexibility. It’s used by millions and offers robust features.
Choose a platform that fits your technical skills and needs. Ultimately, your website’s content and user experience matter more than the platform it’s hosted on. Most platforms will make your site look great by default, so don’t stress over the details.
Step 2: Purchase a domain
Next, you’ll need a domain name—your website’s unique address. This is what visitors will type into their browser to reach your site, such as journeycapital.ca. Acquiring a domain name is straightforward. Use domain registrars like Google or GoDaddy to search for and purchase your desired name.
Aim for a domain that is short, easy to spell, and closely related to your brand. The .com extension is the most common and memorable, but other options like .net or .ca might be suitable depending on your audience. Some website builders offer a free domain for the first year with their subscription plans.
Step 3: Choose and optimize content
Now that you have a platform and domain, it’s time to populate your site with content. Your website will include several key pages:
- Home page: This is often the first page visitors see, so make it engaging and representative of your brand. It should be clean and highlight key selling points. Consider including testimonials or a strong call to action to encourage visitors to take the next step.
- Product/service page: If you’re selling products or services, ensure they are displayed clearly with detailed descriptions. A seamless payment process is crucial for eCommerce sites, so make transactions as smooth as possible.
- Blog page: While not essential, a blog can significantly boost your website’s SEO and attract more traffic. Regularly updated content can help you connect with your audience and improve your search engine ranking.
- About us page: This page offers a chance to share your business’s story, values, and mission. It’s an opportunity to connect with visitors on a personal level, helping to build trust and loyalty.
- Contact page: Ensure visitors can easily find ways to contact you. List your phone number, email address, and social media links. Good customer service and accessibility are crucial for maintaining a positive relationship with your audience.
Step 4: Launch your website
Before launching, thoroughly test your website. Have someone else review the content to catch any errors or broken links you might have missed. Test the site on various devices and browsers to ensure it looks and functions well across different platforms.
Pay attention to loading speeds, as slow sites can frustrate users and hurt your search rankings. If your site is slow, try compressing images or optimizing other elements. Most website builders handle these aspects, but it’s good to check.
The bottom line
Building a website gives you a true online presence, serving as a central hub for customer interaction. It’s a key component of digitizing your business and can significantly enhance your brand’s reach and credibility. Investing time and resources into building a website now can pay off with increased visibility and customer engagement in the future.