Websites reflect the stories, businesses want to tell. It is simple enough to think of having a business website but have you even wondered how it’s really done? As someone who doesn’t know much about creating a website, I know exactly how you feel. Actually, I’m not great at anything program related.
So when I decided to find out how to make a website, it wasn’t exactly easy for me. It was only when I had carried out my research that I figured that it’s not really that hard. You just need to make sure your ideas are really clear in your head, before you execute them.
Here is my step-by-step guide on how to make a website.
Step 1 – Choose a platform for your website
A Content Management System (CMS) is a platform that allows you to create content and manage it in an organized fashion. This is what you absolutely require for publishing a website especially if you want to include a blog in your business website.
The host will have to install the software on their server. Once this is done, you can upload text, images and other content. The content can be used to create blog posts and articles.
To make your website unique, you will need to give it the appearance that you find most suitable for your business story. This can be done through a design effort. You might have to engage someone to help you with a logo and other brand elements that will complete this look.
There are three kinds of platforms that are most commonly used by bloggers and small businesses. These include WordPress, Drupal and Joomla.
Out of these, WordPress is relatively simple and more than often, the most obvious choice for beginners. Now once you have decided a platform, you can move on to the next steps.
Step 2 – Pick out an apt domain name (website name) and a reliable host
Before you choose a domain name, you need to be sure of the niche of your business website. By selecting a niche, you can focus on a certain audience. This gives you an edge as you will be talking about a specialized area and people will find your website when they are looking to find information about your specialty.
A great example of a niche blog is pro-blogger.com and ProPakistani.pk where you will find information on specific topics.
Make sure you do your research when you look for your domain name, preferably something that is relevant for your niche and that you don’t pick a very long name.
You can select any domain name. But when you register the name, the extensions are important.
Business website
When making a website for your business, choose a domain name with the same name as the company’s. Examples of domain names are as follows: www.cupcakecouture.com or www.footballfrenzy.com
Personal website
When you are looking for a domain name for a personal website then the extension should be .com or .co.uk.
Hobby/ interests website
Well, anything goes here. Pick any name with any domain name extension. The world is your oyster.
There are so many file extensions out there. (.com, .com.pk, .biz, .net, .org). When setting up a website for the first time, its best to stick with .com, .com.pk (for Pakistani websites) and .net.
You need to pick the right domain name for your business. Here are some pointers to help choose the right domain name:
Shorter is better, as it is easier to remember short words.
Go for those names which will be memorable for first time visitors.
Pick a name which rolls off the tongue.
Easy to type words will have more chances of being searched online
Use unique keywords to make your website easier to access (SEO)
Don’t forget your niche as you select a name. It should be self explanatory.
It is best to go with a host who can give you 24/7 support and one that has good references.
Step 3 – Set up and customize your website
Once your website has a domain name and you have picked out a host, the fun can begin. Now it’s time to set up and customize your website. This is definitely my favorite part.
You can pick a theme and customize your website. By selecting a theme you can make your website as unique as you want. So go to town! There are a number of things you can change.
Themes
Widgets
Menus
Background
Addition of plug ins
Addition of pages
Comments
Content: posts, categories, tags and media
Your profile
Once you have made all these changes and set up your website, the real work begins which is to keep your site looking good, updated and attracting the right people.
I hope this step by step guide on how to make a website will make things easier for you. As I went about my research I found these steps the most important which is why I thought it would be great to share them with you. If you have any additional suggestions, do share them. Happy weekend!
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