How to build a business website from scratch

Building a website for business or for a charity can be a daunting task for a startup, but it’s a crucial step in establishing your online presence. A well-crafted website can be a powerful tool for attracting customers, building brand awareness, and generating leads. But how do you know where to start, and how do you know if this is the right route for you? Here’s a blog to help you make the decision on whether to build your own website or not.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get your website up and running:

Define Your Website’s Purpose

What do you want your website to achieve? This is the fundamental question to answer before you start building. Are you aiming to sell products, generate leads, provide information, or a combination of these? Clearly defining your website’s purpose will help you focus on creating content and features that align with your goals.

Choose the Right Platform

There are numerous website building platforms available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For startups, user-friendly platforms like:

Wix: Offers a drag-and-drop interface and a wide range of templates.
Squarespace: Known for its stylish designs and strong e-commerce features.
WordPress: While more complex, it offers unparalleled flexibility and customization options.
Read our blog on the comparison between Squarespace and WordPress here

Consider your technical expertise and the complexity of your website when making your choice, and if you’re like us you may want to consider how ethical the different platforms are.

Domain Name and Hosting

Your domain name is your website’s address on the internet so you’ll need to choose one and then buy it. Choose a name that is relevant, memorable, and easy to spell. Many website builders offer domain registration services, too.

Hosting is where your website’s files are stored. Most website builders include hosting in their plans. However, if you opt for a platform like WordPress, you’ll need to purchase hosting separately.

Design Your Website

First impressions matter. Your website’s design should reflect your brand identity and be visually appealing. Consider these tips:

Keep it simple: Avoid cluttering your website with too much information.
Use high-quality images: Visual content is essential for engaging visitors.
Optimize for mobile: Ensure your website looks good and functions well on smartphones and tablets.
Choose a clear color palette: Consistent colors reinforce your brand identity.

Create Essential Pages

Your website should include the following core pages:

Homepage: This is your website’s front door. Clearly communicate your value proposition.
About Us: Share your company’s story and mission.
Products/Services: Showcase what you offer.
Contact: Provide clear contact information.

Additional pages may include:

Blog: Share valuable content to attract and engage your audience.
FAQs: Answer common questions.
Testimonials: Build trust with customer feedback.

Ensure it’s Secure

Security is paramount for any website, especially for startups handling customer data. Implementing robust security measures should be a top priority. This includes using strong, unique passwords, enabling HTTPS encryption, regularly updating software and plugins, and backing up your website frequently. Consider investing in additional security measures like firewalls and malware protection. Remember, a secure website protects not only your business but also your customers’ trust.

Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)

SEO is the process of improving your website’s visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). Here are some basic SEO tips:

Keyword research: Identify relevant keywords and incorporate them into your content.
Write compelling titles and meta descriptions: These are the snippets that appear in search results.
Optimize images: Use descriptive file names and alt text.
Build backlinks: Encourage other websites to link to yours.

Some more SEO tips can be found here.

Test and Launch

Before going live, thoroughly test your website on different devices and browsers. Check for broken links or images, slow loading times, and any other issues – not forgetting consistency and spelling. Once you’re satisfied, launch your website to the world!

Continuously Improve

Your website is a living document. Monitor website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates to identify areas for improvement. Make regular updates to keep your content fresh and relevant.

Getting just a bit of help

Building your own website for a business or charity can be a really rewarding experience. By following these steps and investing time and effort, you can create a website that effectively represents your startup and drives business growth. But, if you need more help, take a look at our budget-friendly options to help you on your way with a guiding expert hand.