There are so many businesses out there that still need to put their businesses online. Yes, there are social media channels like Facebook and Instagram that let them connect with their customers, but these options have limited capacities because you cannot establish your brand’s unique marketing identity thoroughly. With websites, you can.
When you have a piece of internet real estate, like a website, you own your own space, and you can do whatever you want.
Now, you want to pursue the high road. You want your own website. You are ready to go to the next step, congratulations. But, what’s the next step?
We start from square one: Whether you’re going to do it on your own, DIY-style, or maybe have someone to guide you or do it for you, you should know what the steps are. We are going to take you there, step by step.
Name your Website
It’s the most obvious! The first step is naming your website. Most of you who have businesses already have an idea of what their website names should sound like. Isn’t it just a matter of putting a .com after your business name? Good question. Well, considering that the whole world is your playing field now, you have to check whether your business name is available or not, and then the next step will happen which is to…
Buy a Domain
Now that you have a name, you have to buy a domain to make your name internet-official! The most popular domains (.com, .org or .net) costs about $10-15 per year when you use a name registrar like NameCheap.
Look for Web Hosting Services + CMS Platform
What is a web hosting service? Simple. It allows your website to be accessed via the World Wide Web (not just the Intranet or your local network). Without it, the world can’t access your website! For choosing the CMS (Content Management Service), we at AA MKTG recommend that you use the WordPress platform here as it is the best, most professional-looking (compared to, say, Blogspot) and it is very user-friendly. It is easy to work with WordPress but it can get complicated because of things like plugins and security updates. It can also work in mysterious ways sometimes (so mysterious you don’t know what to do) so it really helps when you have a trusted partner that you can depend on when this happens. Remember, WordPress changes a lot so make sure to not leave your website unattended, especially if your data is vulnerable.
For some of the best website hosting services, I recommend AA MKTG. We have our own servers and they have 24/7 technical support via chat, Skype, email, and even WhatsApp. For a small monthly service fee that we get your WordPress up-to-date, secure and updated, so you don’t have to worry about your website at all (plus we can also install your customised emails)!
Grab a Theme
What do users look for in a website? Style, function, stability and speed are the things that really matter. To actually design your website, you need to have a theme – or a framework – and there is no better theme than Divi from Elegant themes.
Divi is one of the most popular themes in the market since it’s attractive, responsive, versatile, easy to use, has great support and really affordable. To get started, purchase Divi Theme and go back to your hosting service and install your theme there. Then, you can actually style your website with your own brand.
Get some Plugins
Remember, plugins are not Pokemon – you don’t have to collect them all. Now, I recommend these plugins that you should have on your site: Yoast SEO and Monarch Social Shares. Only two for now because Divi has got it all in their theme anyway (more bang for your buck, I tell you). Your business might have different needs, though, so you might have to purchase special plugins like a menu uploader for your restaurant or WooCommerce for your online shop.
Start Working
Finally, you have a workable website. That’s just a beginning. It’s been a long process but now, the real work starts. WordPress is really easy to master, and it’s easy to publish posts, as well as edit and add information. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us with any question that you may have and we can have a chat.
Good luck! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you decide to focus on your business and delegate website making to us.
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