Step-By-Step Website Starter Guide
Starting a website can seem like a daunting task. Where do you start? What tools should you use? How much is it going to cost? These are just some of the questions that come up when deciding to create a website for yourself or your business.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, and not sure where to begin, I have great news for you - You do not have to be tech savvy to create a website and build your online presence. There are plenty of tools and resources at your fingertips!
Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started with your site:
Define the purpose of your website
Determine the goal of your website. Do you want to showcase your portfolio of works, sell products or services, provide information, or something else? Design your site with this purpose in mind.
Choose a unique domain name that represents your brand or business. You can search availability and register a domain name from several domain registrars such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Bluehost.
You can find domains for as low as $2/year, but the average cost to claim a domain is $10 to $20/year.
Once you have secured a domain name, focus on choosing a web hosting provider. A web hosting service provides a platform for you to make your website accessible via the internet. In other words, a web hosting service allows you to store and publish your website's files on a server that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
When you sign up with a web host, you are essentially renting space on a server. The hosting service provides you with storage space, bandwidth, and other resources that your website needs to function properly.
In addition to hosting your website, most web hosting services also offer a range of tools and services to help you manage your website, such as domains, website builders, content management systems, and security features.
Some popular web hosting options include Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator.
Plan your website's layout, design, and content. Consider the user experience, your branding, and the type of content you want to showcase. Think about the main sections and pages that your website will have and how they will be organized. This will help you create a clear and easy-to-navigate website.
Choose a website builder
There are many website builders available, such as WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify. Choose a website builder that aligns with your website's purpose and your technical skills. Here are some tips on choosing a web builder that is right for you.
Customize your website
Use your website builder to customize your website's design, layout, and content. Add branding elements, text, images, and videos. Determine the visual style, including color scheme, typography, and graphics. Make sure that the design reflects your brand and is visually appealing to your target audience.
Consider functionality
Determine what functionality you need on your site. Will you be using contact forms, e-commerce capabilities, social media integration, advanced SEO tools, or other features.
Launch your website
Once you have customized and reviewed your website, launch it for the public to access. Gain more traffic to your site by announcing your website's launch through social media or email newsletters.
Maintain and update your website
To strengthen your website’s relevancy, make sure to regularly update your site's content and design to keep it fresh and relevant. Monitor your website's performance and security to ensure its uptime and safety.
Creating a website is a valuable asset for your business or personal brand. Taking these steps to get started, you’ll be well on your way to a strong online presence. You can do it!
