Practical guide to website basics
From Episode 8: Website basics
A website is a vital tool for presenting your brand and building credibility. Whether you're setting up an e-commerce site, a portfolio, or simply a digital landing page, the basics of creating a website are simpler than they might appear. Here’s a breakdown of website essentials to help you get started effectively.
1. Domain vs. Hosting
Domain Name: Your domain is the website address (e.g., yourbusiness.com). It’s essential to have a memorable, brand-aligned domain. Some companies even buy additional domains, like misspellings, to protect their brand.
Hosting: Hosting services (like WordPress, Squarespace, or Shopify) power the presentation of your web pages. Many platforms offer templates that don’t require coding skills, though advanced customizations may need developer assistance.
2. Choosing the Right Platform
Consider the balance of ease of use versus customization. Platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, and Shopify provide templates designed for various industries. If you’re new to web design, templates can be a great starting point. Platforms allow customization of images, colors, fonts, and layouts, making it easy to create a unique look.
3. Mobile Optimization
More than 50% of website traffic comes from mobile users, so it’s essential to ensure your site is mobile-friendly. Responsive design not only improves user experience but also impacts your ranking on Google, which prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search results.
4. Essential Website Pages
Homepage: Think of this as a hub guiding visitors to where they need to go, whether it’s learning about your product, reading a blog, or contacting you.
About/Contact Page: Providing clear information about your business and ways to contact you builds trust.
Privacy Policies: If your website collects data, you may be legally required to disclose information on cookies and data usage, especially depending on your location and annual revenue.
5. User Experience (UX) and Design Consistency
Keep your navigation intuitive and your layout consistent. Each page should have a clear purpose. For example, product pages should be uniform, with a similar layout and design to avoid confusion.
Visual Hierarchy: Structure your pages with clear headings and subheadings, leading the visitor naturally down the page.
Calls to Action (CTAs): CTAs should be specific and action-oriented, like “Explore Products” or “Contact Us,” rather than generic “Click Here” prompts.
6. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Keyword Optimization: Avoid “keyword stuffing”; instead, aim for meaningful, human-friendly content. Google values pages that are informative and well-organized.
Blogging: Regularly updated content, like blogs, news updates, or resources, can improve SEO by signaling to search engines that your site is active and relevant.
7. Web Accessibility
Ensure adequate contrast for visually impaired users, and make your site compatible with screen readers. Some website platforms have built-in accessibility checks, though it's essential to verify that content meets ADA guidelines.
8. Testing and Future Growth
Check your website on multiple devices to ensure it looks and functions as intended. Also, consider future needs, like email or e-commerce integrations. Many platforms allow you to embed code for CRM or scheduling tools, giving you flexibility as you grow.
9. Maintaining Your Site
Regular updates not only help with SEO but also keep your website fresh and engaging. Broken links, slow loading speeds, or outdated content can detract from the user experience and affect your site’s performance.
Creating a website can feel overwhelming, but with today’s intuitive platforms, it’s easier than ever to establish a credible online presence. Start simple, make use of templates, and remember, you can always refine as your business grows.
