If you’re a small business owner, you must be looking to build your website.
Or you have a website but it needs improvements. And you are not sure where to start or what to improve.
No matter what state your website is in, here are the most important factors to consider when building a website.
Get a domain name and web hosting
To build a website, you have to register a domain name. A domain name is a web address to help customers find you online.
Why is a domain name important?
You should find a proper domain name for your small business. Here’s why:
- Your customers can find you online.
- You appear professional and competitive.
- It helps strengthen your online presence.
Few tips to get the best domain name for your website:
- Domain name should be simple.
- Avoid symbols or numbers.
- Use proper domain extension (e.g., .com).
- Check if the domain name is available.
- Check the price plans for registration and renewal.
Getting a domain name is simpler than you think! Have a look at how to create and register your
domain name.
After choosing your domain name, you will need a web host.
What is Website hosting?
When building a business website, you will need a place to store your website’s files. For example, images, texts, videos, etc. To do this, you will need a good web hosting service.
A web hosting service provides you with a storage space called a server. A server is where you store all your website’s files. It also helps connect users to your website.
What to look for while choosing a web host provider?
Good web hosting can either make or break your business. Choosing the wrong host can cost you a lot of money. It can give your users a bad experience. Some even cause a security risk to you and your users.
Six tips for choosing a web hosting for your business:
Uptime:
Go for a host that offers uptime above 99%. A high uptime percentage suggests that the web host’s server runs well and is available. This means, your website will run well nearly all the time without much trouble.
Many web hosting services offer high uptime. Example: HostGator, DreamHost, and Media Temple.
Features:
Find a web host that provides additional features and inclusions. Example: free domain, business email, SSL certificate, etc. This helps you save time and lower the cost.
Round the clock support:
Your website may meet unexpected issues such as crashes or lags. These issues will need fixing. Make sure that your hosting service provides 24/7 customer support.
Storage:
Small to medium business websites require less storage. Choose cheaper plans to avoid paying for needless space.
Web hosting services such as Hostinger, HostGator, and BlueHost are ideal choices for home improvement businesses.
Type of hosting
The efficiency of your business website depends on the type of web host. There are four types of web hosting:
a) Shared
b) VPS
c) Dedicated
d) Cloud
Let’s have a closer comparison:
Cost:
Sometimes, cheaper plans could end up being costly in the long run. Some paid plans could have services you don’t want. Therefore, focus on the services you need before deciding on the cost.
Choose a sound Content Management System (CMS)
Developing a proper website requires a Content Management System (CMS). A CMS is an application that lets you manage your website content.
A good CMS lets you be in control of your website. It provides great customer experiences and makes work easier. It also helps:
- Organize your work by letting you build and design pages.
- make changes and update without disrupting your website.
- manage roles for multiple users to publish and edit content.
- reduce the maintenance cost of your website.
Choosing the right CMS for your small business.
With the right CMS, your website will be hassle-free and easy to use. Your CMS should have these features:
- A proper content editor and drag-and-drop build.
- Allows changes to the layout and the design.
- Allows many users while keeping control of the website.
- Access to third-party resources such as themes and plugins.
- Marketing features such as email marketing and social media.
Website function and design
Website functionality is essential for user experience. Speed, content, navigation, etc. are all basics of good website function. They should be visually pleasing and available in a few clicks.
One of the best ways to design a website is by balancing design and functionality. Good design helps attract customers. Good functionality ensures a smooth user experience.
To improve functionality and design, make sure your website has:
- Easy-to-use and helpful navigation.
- Responsive and fast-loading pages.
- Distinct and visible call-to-action buttons.
- High-quality content with visuals.
User experience and website usability
A website could face many issues. Example: broken links and page errors. These factors result in a bad user experience. To avoid them, focus on usability while developing your website.
Website usability is a part of the user experience. It refers to how people learn about your business and services. It focuses on ways to provide the best experience for users.
Your website should incorporate all elements of website usability. This ensures a pleasant user’s journey on your website. It also helps build a lasting impression. Incorporate elements of usability while developing a website. This helps you avoid issues once it is online.
Must-have website pages
A website will have many pages. Each with its own goal. No matter how you plan it, your website design plans must include four essential pages. They ensure the customer understands who you are and what you do.
Homepage
The homepage is the first impression of your service business website. The goal of this page is to provide a quick view of your business. Avoid cluttering the homepage with too much information. Create clear and concise content to help visitors understand your business.
About us page
This page helps users understand you and your business. Describe the history of your business and your experience here. Showcase your successes and awards. This will make you more reliable and influence customers to choose you.
Service page
Allow a page to showcase your services on the website. Include clear descriptions of each of your services. Add call-to-action buttons to encourage viewers to use your services.
Contact page
The contact page is the lead generator of a website. Visitors will be able to reach you with the information on the page. A typical contact page includes your phone number and email address. You can add contact forms for consultations and social media channels.
Website cost and maintenance
Your website will need maintenance from time to time. The maintenance cost of your home improvement business website depends on many factors. Basic expenses for a website include domain name, web hosting plans, and SSL certificate. Your website may also require additional services. These services drive traffic and improve your website. The expenses include Search Engine Optimization (SEO), plugins, etc.
Tips to maintain your website
- Choose a website builder ideal for your business
- Update regularly
- Review your content for errors
- Make your content SEO-friendly
Content for your website
Visitors learn about your home service business from your website. Creating cluttered content drives visitors away. It also affects your site’s ranking in search engine results. Therefore, content should be a vital part of your website design considerations. Provide clear and up-to-date content to help your audience understand your business. Good content generates leads and ranks your website higher in search engine results.
Consider these tips for your website content
- Before creating your content, determine its purpose.
- Find your competitors and the type of content they are producing.
- Find out what customers are looking for.
- Keep it clear, without misspellings or grammatical errors.
- Avoid jargon and end with a solid call to action.
- Make sure to revise and edit.
Your business personality and messaging
Business personality describes your brand as if it were a person. It makes your brand familiar to customers. And it impacts how people see you. Brand messaging is what you communicate to your customers.
To incorporate brand personality and messaging on your website
- Understand your customers and their goals.
- Use proper language.
- Focus on fonts and colors.
- Focus on what your customers demand.
Your website should mirror your brand’s personality and message. Together, they help build an emotional connection with your customers. This connection directly impacts your sales and your business. It also increases customer loyalty.
Website tracking and analytics
Once your website is online, you need to get people to visit your page. To do so, you will need the assistance of website analytics. These are digital tools that track your website’s performance.
Popular tools such as Google Analytics provide data-driven insights into users’ behaviors. Example: What are they looking for? When are they active online? Which online channels do they prefer? With the results, you can improve your website for users. You can also monitor your website’s progress as you proceed.
Website marketing
With so many businesses competing in the market, customers have a wide range of options. Therefore, it is essential for small businesses to invest in online marketing.
Online marketing can help you stand out in the crowd. It can establish your presence in the market. Unlike traditional marketing, it won’t cost you much but it gives you wide exposure.
Online marketing strategies for your small business
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO helps get more traffic to your website. Through Keyword Planning, you can create efficient content for your business website.
Content marketing
Content marketing helps build trust. You can connect to your audience and generate leads. You can establish your brand and get people to learn about you.
Social media
Social media allows personal interaction with your users. You can get feedback, post your stories, successes, etc. This provides customers with a chance to know you better.
Email marketing
Email marketing can help generate leads. It has a larger reach and delivers your message to your customers. You can connect with them in real-time and build relationships.
Conclusion
Remember, your website is the online gateway to your business. So, no matter how you decide to build it, tailor the above things to consider while building a website as per your business website need. It will ensure effectiveness and efficiency at all times, making it the perfect recipe for an excellent business website.