Everyone builds a website for a purpose. What that purpose is varies based on the individual. There are many different ways you can tackle building a website, but there are a few things to consider before you start. Before you even begin, contemplate the reason you are building your website. Is it for personal reasons or business? If it’s for personal use, what will your website contain? Once you are content with the ‘why’ and ‘what,’ you can start planning your site in greater detail. Remember, it won’t happen overnight. Chances are, you’ll need to watch a few tutorials and do your research before even starting. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when building your website.
Getting started
So, you are interested in web development and want to create a website. Depending on how hands on you want your website to be, you’ll need to pick up some HTML and CSS knowledge. Even if you use WordPress, you won’t be an expert right off the bat. Let us backtrack for a second. The very first thing you need, even before purchasing your domain, is a web hosting. The hosting is the space within which your website lives. Without it, your website may as well be floating in space. To get started with a web-hosting plan, you can turn to MutiPrimo. MutiPrimo provides professional, affordable and quality web hosting that is also run on 100% green energy from renewable sources. It’s a web hosting that does not leave a negative impact on the environment!
Once you have purchased your website hosting, you are well on your way to building your website. The next order of business will be putting a lot of time and energy into your domain name. The name of your domain must reflect what the website’s purpose will be. If it’s a photography portfolio, you could simply purchase a domain that includes your name. However, if your goal is an online business, really think about what your name will be. Once you’ve chosen a name, you must be consistent with your branding, so choose wisely. Do not purchase a business domain name on a whim. Put some thought into it! This will not happen overnight, so take some time to think about it and make a list of your options. Once you are satisfied with your list, see if a particular name resonates with you more than others. An idea is to even get the opinion of your family or friends, to see what their opinion is.
Start a business
Is the purpose of your website to have an online business? Even if it is, what is the purpose of your business? There are a number of key steps associated with building your business website. Let’s assume you already decided what your online business is. If you are planning to sell items on this website, you’ll need to add e-commerce to your site and choose an easy to use content management system. If you have picked WordPress, as an example, you’ll need to keep your site organized. For instance, your company branding requires a logo and menu bar for different options. Developing and adding your content is, in fact, sometimes one of the hardest parts of setting up your website. You have a hosting, domain, theme and branding, but now you require images and copy. Not only that, but you need to have a copy that sells to attract visitors. Moreover, your website needs to have a visual impact! If you are building an online store to sell clothes, you need to have images that showcase the attractiveness of what you are selling. Last but not least, be sure to maintain the site. Make a habit of regularly updating your content, thereby keeping your website content fresh and relevant. Nobody wants to see the same items available after several months into it. Updating your website demonstrates to your audience that you care to keep relevant. Meaning, they can check back every little while, and your website will be updated with new and exciting items.
Personal and hobby usage
If you are not using your website for business purposes, you are using it for personal reasons. What is that personal reason? Or a better question is, what is your hobby? Do you enjoy writing, traveling, photography, design amongst various other things? Pick your niche interest and roll with it. Remember to have fun with your site and add some personality to it! It’s your site and nobody else’s. Be whimsical and include content that makes you happy. When it comes to a business website, you need to be aware of your audience as chances are you are selling something. Of course, even personal sites must be mindful at times. However, there aren’t as many thought restrictions when it comes to a personal website.
If your interest lies in photography, perhaps your website will be used as an online portfolio. Although this is still a website that could be used for personal reasons, all of a sudden, you can apply for photography jobs using the site you have built! Use your website to showcase who you are and what makes you, you. Tell a memorable story, whether that’s with images or words. If your interest is travel, there are a variety of online tips for starting an online blog. The same idea as with starting a business, do your research and really think about what the goal of your website is. Who is it that you are trying to reach? Do you even care to reach a target audience?
Have a goal in mind when building your website. Don’t let your site content be comprised of random bits and pieces that no one can understand. If someone goes on your site and is confused by its main purpose, chances are you aren’t clear enough. Your website needs a consistent flow and dividers for the different types of content you can find on it. Every aspect of a website requires some degree of technical skills and research. If you put the time and effort into it, your site will show it!
Hey Chris,
The stuff on your blog quite helpful and informative, keep up the good work.
Thanks