A website is now an essential part of business nowadays. People can discover your business through your website when searching for something related to your business's nature.

Providing some information about your business and your contact details is the first step to gaining more prospects and possibly converting them to becoming loyal and returning customers.

People are now always looking for possible solutions to their problems online. If they happen to see your website and learn that you offer certain products or services they need, they will immediately consider and do business with you. It is a win-win situation.

Thus, investing in a website for your business offers more opportunities other than making your business visible online.

If you have finally decided to make a website for your business, here are the steps that you should follow.

STEP 1: Choose Your Website’s Domain Name

Choosing a domain name is the first thing you need when building a website.

It is your website name and address. It should reflect the products or services you offer to find you when they search for you online quickly.

Make your domain name the same as your business name because it will be used in your business email address. A business email address looks professional compared to free email addresses available.

Domain names can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 a year. The usual price tag is around $15. You should remember to renew it every year so it will not expire. Failure to renew your domain name may leave your business susceptible to cybercriminals.

STEP 2: Sign Up for a Web Hosting Account

Web hosting is a service that hosts and stores your website files (content) on a secure server that is always up and running.

You can purchase web hosting from a web host or also commonly referred to as a website hosting provider. Without a web host, your site will not be accessible for others to read and browse.

An affordable and reliable web hosting for new websites usually costs between $3 to $10 a month.

There are two servers that you can choose from.

One is a shared web host, which is less expensive. However, it is less secure because you share a server with other websites. Your website's performance will also be affected and vulnerable to being infected if the other website from the shared server is hacked.

The other one is a dedicated server, which is more expensive, but it would significantly contribute to your website's performance. You get to have a private server and won't have to compete with other sites.

STEP 3: Install a Website-Building Platform or CMS

CMS means content management system. It is a software program or application that lets you edit your website from the domain itself, create and manage your digital content. In simple words, it is a tool that helps you build a website without working from scratch.

Log in to the domain and customize your layout, settings, and content. You can create new posts and pages. You can upload and manage media, like images that you will use on your website.

CMS has two core parts: content management application (CMA) and content delivery application (CDA). Both parts are important to maintain your website.

Content management application (CMA) allows you to add and manage content on your website. In contrast, a content delivery application (CDA) stores your content property and makes it visible to your visitors.

There are website templates that can be used to create and update your website easier and save you a lot of time. Choose the CMS that is designed for your unique needs.

A great website is essential for your business’ success. If you have a business but don’t have a website yet, now is the right time to start working with Brain Box Labs. Check out our website and see for yourself how we can also make one for you.

STEP 4: Customize Your Website Design and Structure

You can customize your website design and structure by simply installing themes.

Themes are built on the basic CMS but are customized to look and function differently. There are available themes built for different businesses. You can choose one that presents your business best.

Get a logo and have it displayed in the top left corner of the site.

Change the website colour scheme and fonts. Website templates have pre-set colours, styles, and fonts. You should consider the background, colours, fonts, and text styles for your website. Make sure that the four areas of the design reflect the personality and values of your business.

You can then add a sidebar and widgets. They can enhance the navigation of your website.

STEP 5: Add Content or Pages to Your Website

Pages are the essence of the website. Most websites have a home page, about page, contact us page, blog, services page, and shop page.

The home page is the first page that the visitors will see when they click your website. The about page is where you tell the readers what your website is all about, while the contact us page is where you put your contact information.

The blog is the page where a list of all the blog posts you have published is found. The services page lists all the services you offer, and the shop page is where you want to launch an eCommerce store.

A website that is well-designed and easy for customers to use will help your business stand out. Use beautiful graphics and easy-to-read fonts.

Step 6: Add an Online Store or eCommerce Page

Putting up an online store/eCommerce is optional. It is not something that all websites need.

However, if your business involves producing products, it is best recommended that you put up an online store/eCommerce page on your website.

eCommerce platforms are beneficial for small businesses that have started making out in the business industry. While most people are going online to purchase everything they need, a website with eCommerce can help them discover your products.

Talk to an eCommerce platform builder who knows their way around. Call Brain Box Labs for advice on how to get it started.

PRO TIP:

“Studies revealed that 55% of website visitors read a blog post for only 15 seconds. Use effective and powerful words on your content to hold your visitor’s attention.”