How to build your website? Part 1.
If you’re starting a new business or have been in business for a while but don’t have a website yet, and you’re wondering how to build an aesthetically pleasing website on a budget, here’s some guidance for you.
Determine Your Website Goal
First, figure out what you want your website to achieve. Is it meant to be informative, a portfolio, an e-commerce site, a blog, or just a promotional landing page? Your website can also be a mix of these. Depending on your goal, you’ll choose the layout and the number of pages.
Choose Your Target Audience
It’s important to know who your target audience is. While your website should be visually appealing to a broad audience, the content and design should focus on attracting a specific group. Tailor your copy, images, and overall design to the needs and preferences of your target audience.
Decide on Functionality
Think about the features your website needs. For example, if you’re running a small café, should your website include an online booking system? What about online orders or delivery options? Will you accept credit card payments? These decisions will influence the design and functionality of your site.
Plan Your Layout
Grab a piece of paper and sketch out a draft of your website. Many brands use a hero section with a hero image or video at the top of the page. This is often followed by sections that tell your story, highlight your services or products, and include an About/Visit Us section. This layout is typically a winning strategy, grabbing users' attention, guiding them through your brand's story, and increasing curiosity about your products or services. It’s also important to add a clear call to action (CTA) in each section, if possible, and at the bottom of the page.
Here's an example of a website that uses this layout: https://www.henschke.com.au
DIY or Hire a Pro
At this stage, decide whether you’ll build the website yourself or hire a professional (like myself). This can be a tough choice, but it depends on your budget and goals. Website development is time-consuming, and if you’re doing it yourself, you’re investing your time. Remember, it often takes a professional less time to build a website from scratch than to fix mistakes made by someone inexperienced. Advanced features and interactive animations that require coding can be challenging to replicate using CMS platforms.
Explore Your Options
Before diving into the design, explore your options. You can choose open-source platforms like WordPress or paid CMS platforms such as Squarespace, Wix, or Shopify. Keep in mind that with CMS platforms, you’ll pay for the service and the domain registration.
Part 2 will cover the following steps in the website building process: choosing a domain name and checking its availability, selecting web hosting, and some beginner-friendly design principles.
