Posts by Mark Narusson

When you’re running a business, having a professional website is like having a digital storefront that’s open 24/7.

It’s often the first place potential customers go to learn about your products or services. So, it’s not just important; it’s crucial.

But building a professional business website can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not a tech whiz. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got your back.

In this guide, we’re going to break down the process into easy-to-follow steps, so you can have a top-notch website up and running in no time.

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Audience

Before you even think about picking out colours and fonts, take a step back and ask yourself: What do you want this website to achieve, and who are you trying to reach?

Your goals could be anything from showcasing your services to selling products online.

Knowing your audience is equally important.

Are you targeting young professionals, parents, tech-savvy millennials, or maybe even a niche market?

This information will shape the entire look and feel of your website.

Step 2: Choose the Right Domain Name

Your domain name is your online identity.

It’s the web address people will use to find your site.

Ideally, it should reflect your business name and be easy to remember.

Keep it short, simple, and avoid hyphens or odd spellings that could confuse visitors.

Once you’ve got a name in mind, check if it’s available.

There are plenty of domain registrars out there, like GoDaddy and Namecheap, where you can search for and purchase your domain.

Step 3: Choose a Trustworthy Web Hosting Service

Now that you’ve secured your domain, it’s time to find a dependable home for your website.

Imagine web hosting as renting a storefront in the bustling city of the internet.

It’s a pivotal decision, and there’s no shortage of hosting providers to pick from, each boasting its own array of features and pricing structures.

Well-known options include Unlimited Web Hosting, 20i, and SiteGround.

When making your selection, carefully weigh factors like uptime reliability, customer support responsiveness, and how well the host aligns with the unique requirements of your website.

web hosting

Step 4: Pick a Website Building Platform

This step is where things start to get exciting.

You don’t need to be a coding genius to build a website these days.

There are user-friendly platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow that make the process a breeze.

They offer templates and drag-and-drop features, so you can customize your site without writing a single line of code.

WordPress, in particular, is a powerhouse known for its flexibility and wide range of plugins.

Step 5: Choose a Template and Customize

Templates are like the blueprints for your website.

They come in various styles and layouts, making it easy to find one that suits your business.

When picking a template, consider your brand colours, logo, and the overall vibe you want to convey.

Most templates allow for easy customization, so you can add your own images, text, and branding elements.

Step 6: Create Engaging Content

Content is king on the internet and It’s why visitors might come back for more.

Start with the basics: a clear and compelling homepage that tells people who you are and what you offer.

Then, create pages for your products or services, an about page to share your story, and a contact page so people can get in touch.

Don’t forget to include high-quality images and, if possible, videos. Explainer videos are also good for showcasing your skills.

Content that is more visually engaging will keep visitors on your page for longer.

explainer video

Step 7: Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)

Now that your website is taking shape, it’s time to make sure people can find it on Google and other search engines.

SEO is the secret sauce here.

It involves using keywords relevant to your business throughout your content, optimizing images, and ensuring your site loads quickly.

If SEO sounds intimidating, there are plenty of SEO plugins and tools available to help simplify the process.

Step 8: Test, Test, Test

Before you hit that publish button, take your website for a test drive.

Check every link, button, and form to make sure they work as expected.

Test your site on different devices (smartphones, tablets, and desktops) to ensure it’s responsive and looks great on all of them.

A website that functions flawlessly gives a professional impression.

Step 9: Launch Your Business Website

Congratulations, you’ve made it!

Now share your business website with the world.

Most hosting providers have a simple process for launching your site.

Usually, it involves pointing your domain to your hosting account and clicking a “publish” button.

Once you do this, your website will be live and accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Step 10: Promote Your Website

Building the website is just the beginning.

Now comes the part where you tell everyone about it.

Some of the best ways is to use social media, email marketing, and other online channels to attract traffic to your site.

You can also consider paid advertising options like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to give your site an initial boost. That’s it!

You’ve now got the basics of building a professional business website under your belt.

Remember that a website is a dynamic entity, so don’t be afraid to tweak and update it as your business evolves.

And most importantly, have fun with it.

Your website is a reflection of your passion and expertise, so let it shine!

 

NOTE: Unless you create a strategy on how to get traffic to your website then a website is just a website.

My advice is to use social media outreach and content creation with some onsite SEO.

If you need any advice please get in touch.

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