You recently started your own business and you are probably in the process of getting all your ‘ducks in a row,’ maybe you found an accountant, figured out your products or services and how you are going to attract customers but now you need to create your website. If you are new to creating a website, this process might seem a little daunting. In the list below, I have included 3 basic components that you need to start a website, no bells and whistles, just the bones of how to get started.
1. Custom Domain Name
A domain name is your digital address that people will use to find and get connected to your website. For example: www.yourcompany.com. The cost of a basic domain name typically runs about $20/per year. Make sure to choose a domain name that accurately reflects your company and will be easily found by your customers. Simple is best.
2. Website Hosting
Next, you need website hosting. This is a service that allows you to store and direct your website pages to your domain. A web host is a business that provides the services needed for your website to be viewed. Your website is stored on their servers and when someone types in your domain name, they are connected to your server, through the domain and your webpages will be delivered to them through the browser.
Website hosting is provided through some domain hosts as an add-on, or through website development sites such as SquareSpace and Wix. If you are building on Wordpress my recommendation is to purchase hosting through Flywheel. Flywheel provides managed hosting that is VERY user-friendly! They help create back-ups of your site, they have security options, a very simple control panel to manage all your settings and the most amazing 24/7 customer service. If you want to know more about Flywheel, and their affordable plans,for your Wordpress website - check out their site here.
3. Website Design
You have your domain name, you have your server to store the files of your website… now you need to make the website! The most efficient and strategic way to accomplish this is to hire a professional website designer. Professional website designers create a website that is cohesive with your brand, is experienced at creating websites that convert new customers and are strategic in how they position content on your website.
Creating a website for your business is an investment that will pay off. By hiring a professional to create a website that is strategic to the goals of your business, you can take a positive step towards creating a digital marketing strategy for your business. Make sure that first impression counts when customers visit your site.
Once you have your website running, there is so much more you can do to optimize, be found on search results, create a content marketing plan…. just to name a few. It’s important to get online and start somewhere! If you have any questions reach out to Karin Wall at hello@karinwallcreative.com