Even today most of the people are not aware that search engines actually drive the business. Having a small business is not a good reason for not having a website. Customers of the modern digital world have a different approach for shopping. Gone are the days when people used to take a cab or go for a walk to look for shops, as most of them today prefer online channel.
No longer can you account for not having a website. As of today you can easily build a professional looking website by following few simple steps.
Simple Steps for Creating a Small Business Website
Step 1: Choose & Register the Website’s Domain Name
For example,
www.Smithgrocery.com
The first step is to have a business name and once it is done, the availability should be checked in Bluehost. If the domain name already exists then you should make some minute changes and get it registered with the Bluehost. (Bluehost is a Web hosting company)
Now, if you manage to get hold of .COM version of your website, then you are very lucky. Why? We do have alternate domain names like .NET and .INFO, so why settle only for .COM? Because most of the websites are searched with .COM version, so, the chances of people missing out your website are more if it is supported with other suffixes.
Now, if you manage to get hold of .COM version of your website, then you are very lucky. Why? We do have alternate domain names like .NET and .INFO, so why settle only for .COM? Because most of the websites are searched with .COM version, so, the chances of people missing out your website are more if it is supported with other suffixes.
For any business the domain name is very crucial. Also, make sure that it is easy to read and if possible try adding the area/city name as they attract better customer numbers.
Step 2: Choose the Right Platform
Which technology to adopt? How much to invest? And how you want to shape your website?
A platform is something on which you run your website. In simple words, a platform is nothing but the backend system. Through backend system, one can manage the operations of a website.
WordPress is one of the popular platforms used. We have numerous website builders apart from WordPress including Weebly, Wix, Squarespace and much more. The best thing about using these platforms is you need have to be a coder.
Based on how technologically advanced your concept is, you can decide the platform. Suppose you need the support of multitude plugins, and then choose WordPress. Similarly, you can use Weebly if there is a time-crunch in setting up your small business website.
Step 3: Outline the Website Content
Now you have a website, but what should be included is to be decided carefully. If we break a website’s content we have four main sections to look for. The Homepage, Service page, About us, and Contact us Page. How you design each of them? What you decide to include will keep the essence of your website.
One more thing, make sure that your website content is mobile-friendly. Yes, today a maximum number of people uses SmartPhone to browse the websites and they look for the same experience as they get through desktops.
Step 4: Pick a Logo
Even the world’s most powerful organizations spend hundreds of dollars on their logo, why? When people see your logo they should immediately recognize your business and its services. The best example is the ‘Swoosh’ symbol of Nike and also Apple’s ‘half eaten Apple fruit logo’, both are simple yet powerfully represents their respective organizations.
Every element of your logo should resonate your business values. Be it the color, style or font, everything counts.
For selecting a logo, you can either hire a professional designer or go for the websites like 99Designs.com or Fiverr.com, where you get to make your choice.
Step 5: Design the Website
You have the pieces of a jigsaw with you and now it is time to arrange them and get that final product. The only difference between the actual jigsaw and your website is, in the case of the former you have to arrange in a definite way to get the end product. But for a website, you can arrange the pieces as you wish, but in the end, it should make sense.
The whole arrangement of a website should come out with a clear navigation system, proper CTA positioning, quick web page loading, and finally a simple design.
Getting a website for a small business has become easy and affordable today. So, get one and give people a chance to do business with you.
