You’re finally carving out time to create and launch your own website. It’s about time since your business is taking off, and it’d be nice to have a website as well.
But setting up a website seems like a huge undertaking, and you’re not sure where to start.
Before proceeding, take a deep breath. Launching your website shouldn’t be stress-inducing. Here are some tips that’ll make the process go easy peasy!
1. Get a Web Host, Domain Name, and CMS
First thing’s first, you’ll need a web host, domain name, and finally, a CMS.
Web Host
The job of a hosting site is to host all your files and, of course, be reliable.
There are all sorts of web hosts on the web. A few are Bluehost, GoDaddy, and SiteGround. Check them out and compare costs before moving forward.
A few things to make special note of are whether the hosting site is reliable, fast, and has good customer service.
Domain Name
Next, it’s time to decide what your domain name should be. After making a decision, check and see if it’s available. It’s a good idea to have a few names in mind in case your main one is already taken. Your domain name needs to match up to your business name if you have one.
CMS
CMS stands for Content Management System, and it allows you to edit your site from the domain itself. You can keep your files on the hosting site, but it’s more time consuming and not as easy as doing everything on a CMS.
There are tons of CMSs out there. A popular one is WordPress, and it’s very user friendly and makes an excellent blogging platform. If you decide to go with this widely used CMS, you will need to get WordPress hosting. Such hosting will ensure that your site runs smoothly without any issues.
Creating content on your website should be a top priority. With it, you can attract new clients and establish yourself as a professional on the web.
A CMS will help you accomplish these goals. It makes it possible for you to create and maintain high-quality content.
2. Find a Killer Theme or Hire a Website Designer
After picking out a Web Host, Domain Name, and CMS, it’s time to create an awesome website! If you went with WordPress, you’re in luck because there are many themes to select from. Many of them are free if you’re on a budget, and they still look quite nice!
Say you want your site to look unique and showcase your work in a particular way. Then consider hiring a website designer. If you go with this option, be sure to work closely with the designer to achieve your ideal website. You’ll need to effectively communicate what look you’re going for and what your objective is.
Having a trendy theme or custom website build will give you an edge over your competitors. So do your best to create a site that you’re proud of and reflect the person you are.
3. Promote Your Site
After launching your website, it’s time to promote it! There are many different ways to promote your site. A few are through social media, telling your friends, and giving the link to clients.
Social Media
One of the easiest ways to promote your website once it is live is through social media. If you already have a following on a site like Twitter and Instagram, then share your link.
As you publish blog posts, share links to the articles as well. On Instagram, there isn’t an option to have a clickable link except on your profile. As you publish posts, you can update the link on your profile to get the word out.
Friends and Clients
Tell your friends and clients about your website too! Word of mouth is a fantastic way to advertise your website. And it’s a free form of advertising! If enough people spread the word, you may gain new clients.
Speaking of clients, with your link, they can refer their friends to your services. It’ll be a lot easier for potential clients to learn more about you now that you have a website.
Conclusion
After your website is up and running, you’ll have a home base. It’s the perfect place for you to keep people up to date on your business. And you can impress them with your knowledge in your industry.
There are many things to include on your site. A few are blog posts, client reviews, and listing your services.
Keep your site active and current. It’ll enhance your business, and if all goes well, you’ll snag more clients!