You really can’t run a modern business without an online presence, so there comes a time in every relevant professional career when you have to create a website. This can sound daunting, but don’t worry. These 11 tips tell you how to get started, turn your ideas into a functional system, then attract customers to your site after you launch.
1. What Does Your Business Do?
Hopefully this is something you already know before deciding to start a website! If you’re running a business and are only just opening it up to the internet, you want to develop a solid statement of what exactly you do and why exactly you do it, so open a document and start writing. If your business statement is lacking something, try State Of Writing to create a well considered, professional manuscript.
2. Choose a Domain and a Reliable Host
If you’re new to developing business websites, you need to sort out problems quickly to keep everything running smoothly. There is nothing more frustrating than waiting for your customer support questions to be answered, and then receiving an undecipherable reply. On the web you can find a lot of hosting company reviews from which to choose the most helpful web hosting company (we like GoDaddy). Then search for your domain name on GoDaddy. You need one that’s not too long or obscure, but clearly suggests what you do. Be creative!
3. Your Site Design is Vital
Your clients are more likely to notice the design of your site if it is bad and hard to navigate. So you are aiming for something clear, formal, and easy to follow. Wordpress is the best content management system to use, and is also easy to use, so we recommend finding someone who creates bespoke Wordpress sites. It is in a web developer’s best interest to create a good site for you, as it will double as an online portfolio for their services. Find someone who has created some good sites and has good feedback.
4. Make a Diagram
The site will need structure, and this should be planned before you get in front of a computer with your designer. You can start by writing a page hierarchy, which will be like a block diagram showing how customers will navigate throughout your site. Academadvisor offers help with formatting guides to assist in content structure.
5. Content is Key
Essentially the content has to reflect your passion for what you do. After all, you know what your business stands for. As you tweak and develop the written content (known as copy) for your website, it should sound confident and convincing. Use Boomessays (recommended by Huffington Post) if you want that copy to really stand out to your target audience. Don't forget to create professional content, and use references where needed. Cite It In will ensure your references are concise, displayed clearly, and academically correct.
6. Keep Your Email Classy
It’s surprising how you can be judged for your email address. Generally, using Gmail is considered more contemporary—and more professional—than older online service providers like Yahoo and AOL. Also, try to use an email address containing either your name or your business name. If you don’t have a professional sounding email address, use a contact form. Wordpress has plenty to choose from, and they will automatically forward mail to you.
7. Leverage Your Customer Testimonials
One benefit of creating a website for an already established company is being able to show examples of good customer interactions in an easily accessible place. If your business is new, be sure to keep a list of the people you work with who you can contact for a testimonial. You want to grab the attention of everyone who reaches your site, so don’t be afraid to display this information on the introduction page. Your customers may not write as clearly as you, so get all the grammar and punctuation cleaned up with Via Writing.
8. Be Visually Interesting
You don’t want your page to be too busy. A solid block of text is off-putting. Adding pictures that show elements of your business will give the rest of your content room to breathe. We also recommend using a logo, so if you don’t already have one, choose a designer who can create one for you. If you're having trouble editing your text, try Grammarix.
9. Invite Customers into Your World
People are always more confident to invest in companies that have a human story. How would you discuss your business to a friend? Work how your business stands out among competitors into this account. You’ll want this content to be accessible and easy to read. If you're not a super confident wordsmith, use Mywritingway to perfect this copy.
10. Be Mobile, Be Universal
Potential customers will often get their first impression of your company on a mobile device. Therefore, it is vital for the site to be accessible on a phone. Be sure to mention this to your Wordpress developer early in the process, or you could lose over fifty percent of your clientele!
11. Invest time in SEO
Your competitors will all be using Search Engine Optimization (SEO). When someone types key words into Google, SEO keeps your website high on the search results list—instead of on the 4th or 5th page of search results! You can probably imagine how significant this is. You will need to write content and something called meta tags to maximize your reach. Use Easy Word Count to give you the edge.
By following these tips your business website should be taking shape. Remember to keep developing the site once you go online using Wordpress instructional videos on YouTube to make your own edits, keeping everything up to date. Now prepare for your range to expand, you’ll soon be accessible to the world!
Post by:
Freddie Tubbs is a digital marketer at Paperfellows. He is running Academized blog, and is a regular expert contributor at the Vauly and Australian help blog.
