Finally, you've decided to create a website for your business—congratulations! But where do you start? To help you navigate the process and ensure your website launch is a success, here’s everything you need to know, along with a handy checklist to guide you before and after launching your website.
Getting Started: What You Need to Know
1. Identify the Type of Website You Need
Your website’s purpose will dictate its structure and features. Here are some common goals and the corresponding website types:
Selling Products: You’ll need an eCommerce website.
Examples: Shopify, Wix eCommerce
Showcasing Services: A Services page is essential to highlight what you offer.
Sharing Content or Blogging: Consider creating a blog page to post articles, guides, or updates.
Promoting Your Business for Credibility: A well-designed About Page and Landing Page can make your business stand out.
Showcasing Projects or Creative Work: Use a Portfolio page to display photos, designs, or past work.
2. Choose a CMS Platform
A CMS (Content Management System) is essential for building and managing your website. Here are some popular options:
Wix: Great for beginners and small businesses.
Shopify: Ideal for eCommerce.
WordPress: Highly customizable for any type of website.
3. Understand Hosting and Domains
What is Hosting?
Hosting stores your website’s files and makes it accessible online.
What is a Domain?
Your domain is your website’s address (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com). Choose a domain that’s easy to remember and reflects your brand.
Where To Buy Domains
GoDaddy: Offers competitive pricing and a wide variety of extensions (.com, .net, etc.).
Wix: Integrates domain purchasing with its website builder.
WordPress: Simplifies domain setup for WordPress-based sites.
Building Your Website: DIY vs. Hiring a Designer
When it comes to creating your website, you have two main options: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) or hire a professional designer. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
DIY Pros & Cons
Pros:
Full creative freedom.
Cost-effective (no designer fees).
Cons:
Time-intensive, especially if you’re new to website-building tools.
Risk of ending up with an unpolished or disorganized design.
Best for: Small businesses with tight budgets or those who enjoy hands-on learning.
Hiring a Professional Designer Pros & Cons
Pros:
Professionally planned and designed.
Saves time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
Cons:
Higher upfront cost.
Potential communication challenges (solvable with clear discussions and contracts).
Pro Tip: Look for designers who explain their process, provide insights, and are open to your preferences. Good communication is key!
Where to Find a Designer
Local web design agencies.
LinkedIn or freelance platforms like Upwork.
Recommendations from colleagues or friends.
Questions to Ask a Designer Before Hiring
1. Can you work within my budget?
It’s important to be upfront about your budget from the start. Ask the designer:
What are your rates? Understand if their pricing is hourly, project-based, or a flat fee.
Are there any additional costs? Some designers may charge extra for revisions, premium plugins, or third-party tools.
Can you create a package tailored to my needs? If you have a limited budget, see if they can prioritize key features and suggest affordable solutions.
Being clear about your financial limits helps avoid surprises and ensures both parties are aligned on expectations.
2. What is your design process?
A well-organized design process indicates professionalism and efficiency. Ask about:
Project Phases: What are the major steps they follow (e.g., discovery, wireframes, design, revisions, and launch)?
Feedback Loops: How and when will they involve you in the process to review drafts and provide input?
Timeline: How long will the project take, and do they have a clear schedule to meet deadlines?
This helps you gauge their ability to manage the project effectively and deliver results on time.
3. What information do you need from me to get started?
Successful projects depend on collaboration. Ask what you’ll need to provide, such as:
Business Details: Company goals, target audience, and industry specifics.
Design Preferences: Examples of websites you like, preferred colors, and branding guidelines.
Content: Do they need you to supply text, images, or videos, or can they assist with content creation?
Functionality Requirements: Features you want, such as eCommerce capabilities, contact forms, or integrations.
By preparing these materials in advance, you can avoid delays and ensure the designer has everything they need to create a site that aligns with your vision.
4. Can I see your portfolio?
Reviewing their previous work gives you insight into their design style and expertise. When evaluating a portfolio, consider:
Relevance: Have they worked on similar projects in your industry?
Quality: Are their designs professional, modern, and user-friendly?
Functionality: Visit a few of their completed websites. Are they responsive, fast, and easy to navigate?
If a designer doesn’t have a portfolio or is hesitant to share it, this could be a red flag.
5. Do you provide training or a manual for maintaining the website?
Once the website is live, you’ll need to manage updates, content changes, and occasional troubleshooting. Ask:
Will you train me or my team? Some designers offer tutorials or live walkthroughs to show you how to update the site.
Do you provide a user manual? A detailed guide can help you maintain your website independently.
Do you offer ongoing support? If you run into issues, will they be available for assistance, and at what cost?
Having clarity on post-launch support ensures you’re equipped to handle your website confidently.
Additional Questions to Consider:
Do you handle SEO setup? Check if they’ll optimize your site for search engines (e.g., adding meta tags, alt text, and keyword-rich content).
Will the site be mobile-friendly? Ensure they’ll design a responsive website that looks great on all devices.
What tools or platforms will you use? Confirm if they’ll build the site on a CMS like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify, and whether you’ll have ownership of the final design.
How many revisions are included? Understand their policy on changes and revisions to avoid extra costs.
Pro Tip:
Good designers will not only answer these questions but also ask you questions about your business, goals, and preferences. This shows they’re invested in understanding your needs and creating a website that aligns with your vision.
By asking these questions, you can confidently choose a designer who will bring your ideas to life while ensuring a smooth and collaborative experience.
Optimizing Your Website for Search Engines
Once your website is ready, the next step is ensuring it can be found online. This is where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in.
What is SEO?
SEO involves optimizing your website to rank higher on search engines like Google, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
Tools to Help with SEO
Google Analytics: Track website traffic.
Yoast SEO (for WordPress): Helps optimize content.
SEMrush: Provides insights into keyword performance and competitors.
Tips for SEO-Friendly Content
Use relevant keywords in your blogs and articles.
Write engaging meta descriptions.
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
Checklist: Before and After Launch
Before Launch
Decide on the type of website you need.
Secure a domain name and hosting.
Create or finalize your website design.
Test your website’s functionality (links, forms, mobile responsiveness).
Set up basic SEO (keywords, meta tags).
After Launch
Monitor website performance with analytics tools.
Promote your website through social media and email campaigns.
Regularly update content to keep it fresh and engaging.
Continuously optimize SEO to maintain visibility.
Conclusion
Launching a website may seem overwhelming, but with proper planning and execution, it can become one of your business’s most powerful tools. Whether you choose to create the site yourself or hire a professional, the key is to focus on your goals, stay organized, and continuously improve your online presence.
Ready to launch? Let’s turn your vision into a reality!