Having a well-designed website can elevate any business to the next level, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. There is a lot to consider: What platform should you use? What content should you put on your site? What about costs? Daunting as it may seem, building your own website for your small business can totally be done on your own, and we have the guide for you to do it.
The basics of building your website can be summarized into four steps: defining purpose, creating content, building your brand, and functionality. Starting with these four building blocks will set you up for success in developing a high-quality website for your business.
Defining Purpose: What’s your goal? Whether you are trying to educate your audience, generate leads, or showcase your work, knowing what purpose your site will serve will determine how you build it.
Creating Content: There is a popular phrase in marketing that says “Content is King” and it is absolutely true. The content of your website will be what draws in your audience and keeps them interacting with your site. Well-developed content is the stepping stone to presenting a well-developed brand.
Building Your Brand: Your brand will determine the design and feel of your website. You know your purpose, you have generated content, and now it will be presented in a way that best represents your company and what it stands for. Pay attention to the details, such as brand colors and logos, because they will be integral to the design of your site.
Functionality: Call to Actions, otherwise known as CTAs, are the behaviors you want your visitors to take on your website. Whether it is to have visitors sign up for a newsletter or to purchase a product, the functionality and user experience of your website will help your visitors take action.
Figuring out the basics of web design will lay down the foundation for a high-quality, high-functioning website that can elevate your small business. If you want a more in-depth explanation of web design basics, and what to consider when budgeting for your website, watch our full webinar here. If you think you’ve mastered the basics and are ready for the next step, watch our Web 102: Basics of Building an e-Commerce Site here.