Many small business owners and freelancers get stuck trying to create their own websites. They fall into the trap of wasting time and spending too much money. Here’s my time and money-saving formula for creating a nice website, fast.
First of all, yes, you need a website. A website will legitimize your business, house your portfolio, give people a place to learn more about you, and allow your customers to spread word-of-mouth efficiently. Of course, the more steps you handle yourself, the more economical your website will be. You can build a starter site in less than a day with basic computer skills. If this is too much for you, contact me to discuss your options for a beautiful and functional new website.
To build your own site, the first thing you’ll need is a place to build it.
Register your Domain Name
Your domain name, website address, or URL is where you’ll direct people. In most cases, you’re looking for a .com that is short, easy to spell, easy to remember, intuitive, and still available. If you’re creating an LLC, you’ll want to check availability there too. That’s not as easy as it sounds! Here’s a site that can help.
You can do a domain name search on most hosting providers’ websites. But you’ll also want to know if your name is available as a username on social media. You can check both at once at https://www.namecheck.com/.
Then, move quickly to purchase your domain. Web crawlers can spot popular searches, pick up the domains in demand, and squat to drive the price on the most desirable URLs.
Register your domain name with a reputable hosting company. I prefer GoDaddy or HostMonster. The domain name should cost you $30 or less per year.
Then choose a hosting package. GoDaddy currently has specials starting at $6.99/month. For someone on a budget, you should be able to find hosting for $200 for the first year. After that, you’ll increase your savings if you purchase a multi-year plan. Start with something basic; you can upgrade later if you buy another domain name.
Select a Website Theme or Template
The theme or template provides the overall aesthetic of your site. Start with the website builder included with your hosting to keep costs low. GoDaddy’s site builder is straightforward.
Pick a template that looks close to your desired website. You can swap out the text and pictures, but site builders limit how much you can edit the site, so find one that already looks like your brand.
Warning: It’s easy to get caught up here and waste a lot of time. If your goal is to get it done and get it done on a budget, you’ll need to just pick one! Scroll through and pick three that catch your eye and look like your brand. Right-click and open them in new tabs. Look a little closer. Can you envision your content in the layout? Does it make sense for your business? Choose the one that looks and feels the best for you.
If you’re interested in more options than your free or low-cost site builder provides, consider WordPress. Free WordPress themes exist, but the learning curve is more significant than the website builders.
Remember that being done is better than being perfect. Any website is better than no website. In the future, when you’re ready to upgrade to a more custom site that looks great and converts visitors into customers, I usually recommend WordPress. There is a range of possibilities from simple to robust, from affordable to a fully customized, one-of-a-kind site that makes you look like a national brand.
What to Put on Your Website
When it comes to website content, start with the basics. Your website is a digital business card or brochure. It should contain, at a minimum, your contact info, who you are, and what you do.
Make your Home page short and simple. Address your customers’ pain points, tell them how you can help, and ask them to do something. Whether you want them to call you or send an email, make it easy.
Then flesh out who you are on your About Us page. Explain why you started, where you are now, and why you’re the right person for the job. Include a few personal details so they know you’re a three-dimensional human being.
Your Services or Shop page should highlight your offerings. Don’t forget to include several ways they can get in touch with you on the Contact page and link to your professional social media profiles.
Create a Professional Email Address
Set up an email address at your domain name. This is an optional step that further legitimizes your business.
Most hosting companies will give you yourname@yourdomain.com with their free email tool. Unfortunately, most free email tools are not very good, so you’ll want to forward it to your Gmail or set up an account at https://workspace.google.com. Google will get you a fantastic email program at a reasonable rate. You can also integrate all your other work stuff there.
Ok, you’ve purchased your domain name and hosting, chosen a theme, and included all the information your website visitors need. You even set up a professional-looking email address. You’re well on your way to marketing your business! Be sure to watch for more tips on my blog here and in my book “Flex Your Marketing” which is due out later this year.
Did you stick with me? I’d love to see the site you built. Email the link to me at terra(at)fletcherconsulting(dot)com. Mention this blog and I’ll be happy to provide feedback on your site. If you’d like me to build a website for you, contact me directly.