Creating your first website can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. The numerous steps in bringing your site to life might seem complex and time-consuming.
This complexity can be frustrating, especially if you’re not sure where to start or how to handle each part of the process. It can feel like a huge task with many details to manage, which adds to the stress of getting your site online.
Fortunately, there are online tools and services designed to simplify the website creation process. This guide will cover why creating a website is important, compare the benefits of doing it yourself versus working with a professional designer, and provide a step-by-step process for building your site.
Why do you need to create a website?
The internet and all its connected devices have transformed how customers find and interact with businesses. Having a professional business website provides you with benefits such as:
- Increasing your visibility. Websites make your business discoverable to a global audience, enhancing your reach beyond local boundaries. Anyone, anywhere, can find your services or products online, effectively expanding your visibility far beyond what traditional marketing could achieve.
- Providing 24/7 accessibility. A website operates continuously, so customers can engage with your content, products, and services at any time. No matter what time zone, site visitors can interact with your brand at their convenience.
- Boosting your credibility and professionalism. A professional website demonstrates that your operation is legitimate and trustworthy. Your online presence acts as a badge of authenticity and reliability, reassuring customers of your professionalism.
- Expanding your markets. A website opens up opportunities for reaching new markets, potentially on a global scale. It breaks down geographical barriers, allowing your business to attract customers from other cities, countries, and continents, who wouldn’t have discovered your offerings otherwise.
- Enabling cost-effective marketing. Your website can effectively showcase your brand and promote your products or services. Unlike traditional advertising, which often involves high recurring costs, a website is a long-term investment that continuously delivers value at a fraction of the cost.
- Gaining customer insights. Websites allow you to collect valuable data on customer behavior, preferences, and demographics to better tailor your marketing strategies. This data can be leveraged to make informed decisions about product development, promotional tactics, and content creation, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Enhancing customer service. With features like FAQs, live chat, and support forms on your website, you can improve service and operational efficiency. These tools help address customer queries quickly and effectively, enhancing the overall customer experience. Plus, you are freeing up resources to focus on other aspects of your business.
- Facilitating sales and lead generation. Utilize your website to conduct eCommerce transactions, book appointments, and generate leads through strategic calls-to-action. This streamlines the purchasing process while also enabling efficient lead management and conversion.
- Securing a competitive advantage. Establishing a robust online presence can differentiate you from competitors, especially those with less online investment. A well-designed website can be a significant competitive edge, as you showcase your offerings in the best light.
- Building your brand. Your website can consistently reinforce your brand identity through aligned visuals and content. A consistent and strong brand helps customers recognize you, making it easier for users to remember and choose your brand over others.
- Creating a content hub. Creating engaging and educational content such as blogs, videos, and whitepapers helps in SEO and establishes your brand as a thought leader in your industry.
- Integrating with social media. Linking your website seamlessly with your social media profiles helps promote your content across platforms, increase your reach, and allow users to share your content easily. This can further amplify your online visibility.
Should you build your own website or hire a designer?
Even if you have no coding experience, building a website that makes a great first impression is easier than you think. But you still may be asking yourself whether making your own website is the right decision or if you should opt for a professionally designed, custom-built website instead.
It’s a significant choice that depends on various factors, including your budget, technical proficiency, and specific needs. To help you make an informed decision, here are the advantages and disadvantages of each option:
Building your own website
Pros
- Cost-effective. Generally, using a website builder or DIY platform is less expensive than hiring a designer. This can be a critical factor for startups or small businesses with limited budgets.
- Full control. Building your own website gives you complete control over the design and content. This can be especially valuable if you need frequent updates or want to experiment with different layouts and features.
- Learning opportunity. Handling the website creation process yourself can provide valuable skills and insights into the digital aspects of your business. These skills can be useful for troubleshooting issues or making quick updates without relying on external help.
- Speed. If you need a simple website up quickly, website builders offer templates and drag-and-drop tools that can get your site running in a matter of hours or days.
Cons
- Time-consuming. Building a website on your own requires a significant time investment, especially if you are learning as you go. This might take your attention from other critical business operations.
- Limited design and functionality. While modern website builders are powerful, they might still limit your design options and functionalities compared to a custom-built site.
- SEO and mobile optimization challenges. Without the proper knowledge, optimizing your site for SEO and mobile devices can be challenging, potentially affecting your site’s visibility and usability.
Hiring a designer
Pros
- Professional quality. A designer can create a unique, polished website that stands out from the competition. Their expertise ensures that the site is both visually appealing and functionally robust.
- Customization. Professional designers can develop custom solutions tailored to your specific needs and preferences, providing functionalities that website builders might not offer.
- Time savings. Hiring a professional frees up your time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business while the web designer handles all aspects of the website.
- SEO and mobile optimization. Designers typically ensure that your website is optimized for search engines and mobile devices, improving your potential reach and user experience.
Cons:
- Higher cost. Professional design services can be costly, especially for custom designs. This initial investment is higher compared to most DIY solutions.
- Dependency. Relying on a designer for updates and changes can sometimes lead to delays or additional costs if you need something changed quickly.
- Communication challenges. If your designer doesn’t fully understand your vision or if there are communication gaps, the final product might not align with your expectations, requiring revisions that can be time-consuming and costly.
How to build a website from scratch in 8 simple steps
Although we’ve mentioned that there are different ways to make a website, there’s a process you need to take note of when making one. We’ll lay down a basic guideline in this section.
Step 1: Determine the purpose of your website
Before starting on your website, you need to clearly define its purpose. What do you want your website to do? Think about whether you want to sell online, publish blogs, gather leads, or display a portfolio. Knowing the primary function helps tailor the design and functionality directly to your needs.
Step 2: Set your goals
Once the purpose is defined, set specific, measurable goals to track your website’s success. This might include targets like achieving a certain number of sales, attracting a specific amount of traffic, or increasing customer engagement by a particular percentage. Break these goals into smaller, actionable steps to help monitor progress and keep motivation high.
Step 3: Identify your branding
Your website should reflect your brand’s identity. Identify your target audience and decide how you want to communicate with them. This includes choosing your website’s tone, color schemes, and overall design aesthetic that matches your brand personality. The goal is to resonate with your audience and distinguish your site from competitors.
Step 4: Choose your domain name
Your domain name is the cornerstone of your online identity. It’s the address people use to find your website, making it a critical component of your branding strategy. A good domain name should be:
- memorable
- easy to spell
- relevant to your business or personal brand
Aim for simplicity and clarity. Incorporate keywords related to your business or niche. This not only helps with branding but also with search engine optimization (SEO). Be sure to avoid words that might be difficult for users to recall or type such as:
- complex spellings
- long phrases
- hyphens
- numbers
Then, check if your chosen domain name is available through domain registration tools, and register it quickly, as popular names can be snapped up fast. Once someone else registers a domain, you won’t be able to use it unless it expires, or the owner sells it.
When registering your domain, choose a reputable registrar that offers good customer support and additional services such as domain privacy protection. Many registrars provide bundled services like web hosting or professional email, which can be convenient.
Step 5: Select a web hosting service
A web host stores your website’s data on servers, making it accessible to users online. Selecting the right web hosting service ensures your website is accessible, reliable, and performs well. Consider factors such as:
- reliability
- customer support
- scalability
- pricing
Look for providers that offer a good uptime guarantee, fast server speeds, and responsive customer service. Check reviews and testimonials to gauge user experiences.
Setting up a hosting account usually involves selecting a hosting plan, registering or connecting your domain name, and setting up your hosting environment, often with the help of an easy-to-use setup wizard provided by the host.
Step 6: Design your website
Designing your website involves creating an engaging and user-friendly experience. A well-designed website not only attracts visitors but also ensures they have a positive experience, which can lead to higher retention and conversion rates.
If you’re planning to use a site builder or content management system (CMS), consider your technical skills and the features you need. WordPress is the most popular choice, known for its flexibility and extensive plugin ecosystem.
But whether you’re using a site builder or letting a professional design your website, you need to consider several design elements, such as:
- Layout. Organize your content in a clear, logical structure. A well-organized layout helps users find information quickly and enhances their overall experience.
- Color scheme. Choose colors that reflect your brand identity and create a visually appealing experience. Ensure that the color contrast makes your content easy to read.
- Navigation. Make sure your site structure is easy to navigate. Organize your website logically so visitors can quickly find what they need. Use clear menu labels and group related content together. Adding a search bar and a sitemap can also help users find information more efficiently, especially as your site expands.
Step 7: Create your content
Content is the heart of your website and plays a crucial role in attracting and engaging visitors, as well as improving your visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). The types of content to include are varied and may consist of:
- text
- images
- videos
The text should be clear, concise, and relevant to your audience. High-quality images and videos can enhance user engagement and help convey your message more effectively.
Writing engaging and SEO-friendly content involves incorporating relevant keywords, providing valuable information, and making your content easy to read. Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to improve readability.
Finally, regularly update your content as it can improve your SEO rankings on search engine results pages and keep your audience engaged.
Step 8: Test and launch your site
Before launching your website, thorough testing ensures that all web pages function correctly and perform optimally for website visitors. Test your website’s functionality, including all links, forms, and interactive elements. Check for broken links and ensure that all content displays correctly across different devices and browsers.
You can create a launch checklist to ensure it covers all the loose ends. Include final reviews of your content, functionality, and design. Confirm that your website is indexed by search engines, set up analytics to track the performance of web pages, and make sure all security measures are in place to protect website visitors.
After launching, continue to monitor your site’s performance and make any necessary adjustments based on user feedback and analytics. This ongoing evaluation helps ensure that the website remains effective and responsive to the needs of your website visitors.
How to build a website with Web.com’s AI site builder
There are numerous website builder options available, some of which offer free plans but require additional costs for domain registration and hosting. Web.com provides an easy and affordable website builder, with domain registration and hosting included.
To get started, we’ll guide you through the process of building your own site in this section:
Step 1: Sign up and choose your plan
Begin by signing up on Web.com and selecting the plan that best fits your needs. Web.com offers various plans that cater to different requirements, such as basic website pages, eCommerce stores, or blogs.
Step 2: Start with the AI builder
Once you have your account set up, start the building process with the AI-powered site builder. This tool asks you a series of questions about your business type, preferences, and design styles. It uses your answers to automatically generate a website template that aligns with your specific business needs.
Step 3: Customize your design
After the AI creates your initial template, you can customize it to further match your brand. Web.com’s AI builder allows you to easily adjust colors, fonts, and layouts, and add new elements with just a few clicks. You don’t need any coding skills to make these adjustments, as the builder is designed with user-friendliness in mind.
Step 4: Add content
Next, add your content to the website. This includes text, images, videos, and logos. The AI builder can suggest content placement and help optimize the layout for the best user experience and SEO performance. Ensure that the content is clear, relevant, and tailored to your audience to increase engagement.
Step 5: Integrate additional features
Depending on your plan and needs, you can integrate additional features such as social media links, contact forms, eCommerce functionalities, and more. Web.com’s AI builder supports a variety of plugins and tools that you can add to enhance the functionality and interactivity of your site.
Step 6: Optimize for search engines
Utilize Web.com’s SEO tools that come with the AI site builder. These tools can help you optimize your site to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), helping you draw more organic traffic. They guide you through adding effective meta tags, keywords, and other SEO best practices.
Step 7: Review and test
Before going live, review your website thoroughly. Check for any design inconsistencies, test all links and functionalities, and make sure the website looks good on different devices. Web.com also offers preview options to see how your site will look on desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
Step 8: Publish your website
Once you’re satisfied with the design and functionality, publish your website. Web.com’s AI site builder makes the process straightforward, usually with just the click of a button. After publishing, your site will be live and accessible to the public.
Step 9: Monitor and update regularly
After your site is live, keep monitoring its performance. Web.com provides analytics tools that help you track visitor behavior, which can offer insights into further improvements. Regular updates to content and design are essential to keep the site fresh and relevant for returning visitors.
How to work with Web.com’s professional web designers
DIY websites are a great starting point for beginners. It’s simple and easy to use. However, as your business grows and your website needs become more complex, there comes a time when working with a professional web designer is essential to achieve specific features, advanced functionality, and a polished look.
Step 1: Initial consultation
Start by scheduling an initial consultation with Web.com to discuss your website needs. This is where you’ll outline your business goals, target audience, and specific requirements for the website. The Web.com team will ask questions to fully understand your vision and needs.
This step ensures that the project starts with a clear, shared understanding of the objectives and scope, paving the way for a tailored strategy that aligns with your business.
Step 2: Design phase
Once your needs are defined, Web.com will present several design templates that match your brand’s aesthetic and functional requirements. These website templates serve as a starting point and are fully customizable.
You’ll have the chance to review these options and select one that best represents your site vision. This sets the visual tone of your website, ensuring it aligns with your brand identity and appeals to your target audience.
Step 3: Development and customization
With a design in place, the development phase begins. Web.com’s developers will construct your site, integrating all the functionalities discussed during the consultation, such as eCommerce platforms, interactive forms, or multimedia capabilities. If your site requires unique features not typically included in standard packages, this is when those customizations are implemented.
Step 4: Content integration
Content is key to any website’s success. Provide Web.com with the necessary text, images, and videos you want included. If you need assistance creating high-quality, impactful content, Web.com offers content development services to help. Additionally, the team ensures that all content is optimized for search engines, which is critical for increasing your website’s visibility and attracting more traffic.
Step 5: Review and revise
After the website is initially set up, you’ll be invited to review it. This review phase allows you to experience the user interface and overall functionality firsthand. It’s your opportunity to provide feedback and request any changes or improvements you feel are necessary. Web.com values client input and will make revisions to ensure the final product fully meets your expectations and needs.
Step 6: Testing and quality assurance
Before launching, comprehensive testing is conducted to ensure the website operates seamlessly across various devices and web browsers. This phase is crucial for identifying and fixing any technical issues, ensuring that your website offers a smooth, user-friendly experience to all users. Web.com’s team will address any bugs found during testing, refining the site to meet the highest quality standards.
Step 7: Launch your website
Once testing is complete and the site meets your approval, it’s time to go live. Web.com will handle the technicalities of taking your site live, ensuring everything is configured correctly for a smooth launch. They can also help coordinate your launch with a marketing campaign to draw immediate attention to your new website, maximizing initial traffic and engagement.
Step 8: Ongoing support and maintenance
After your website is live, Web.com’s commitment doesn’t end. They offer ongoing support and maintenance to ensure your site remains up to date with the latest web standards and technology. This ongoing service includes regular updates, security checks, and the addition of new features as your business evolves. Keep your website current and fully functional as it grows and changes over time.
Post-launch website checklist
- Verify the functionality. Immediately after your website goes live, check all forms, links, and interactive elements to ensure they work correctly. Confirm the site’s mobile responsiveness and secure setup with an active SSL certificate.
- Optimize your SEO and set up analytics. Configure SEO essentials, including meta titles and descriptions. Submit your sitemap to search engines and install Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor and optimize site performance.
- Review content and ensure accessibility. Thoroughly review your website’s content for accuracy and clarity. Ensure accessibility standards are met and update necessary legal pages such as privacy policies and terms of service.
- Implement security protocols. Set up regular backups and install security plugins to safeguard your website. Restrict backend access to ensure only authorized personnel can make changes.
- Announce your launch. Publicize your website launch through social media, email newsletters, and press releases. Check that all social media links and sharing buttons on your site are operational.
- Monitor performance and gather feedback. Regularly check your website’s performance through analytics tools and actively seek user feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Schedule regular updates. Keep your website secure and up-to-date by regularly updating your CMS, themes, and plugins. Continuously refine your SEO strategies based on performance data and evolving best practices.
Launch your own website today
Building a website is a journey that requires careful planning and execution, from selecting the perfect domain name to successfully launching and maintaining your site. With Web.com’s comprehensive tools and features, you’re equipped to create a professional and impactful online presence. Whether you’re flying solo or need a helping hand, Web.com stands ready to support you at every step, ensuring you achieve your digital aspirations.
Ready to make your mark online? Start your journey with Web.com today and build a website that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
