1. Choosing the Right Domain
Regardless if you choose .com, .net, or .biz, it is extremely important at this point to pick a name that matches your business and has relevant keywords. It will be a lot easier to rank a domain EliteDogTrainingServices.com than it will be to get anyone to find TamiLovesDogs.com on the web. Think long-term, too, because this domain name will be something connected to the business for years; get it right now so potential customers can quickly associate the two.
2. Planning the Website
Think in terms of your potential buyers’ needs. Will you be selling a product, will you be providing information, or will you build a website that encourages interaction between the guests? Choose the right design platform carefully and utilize a template that will enhance the customer experience. One thing to consider here, too, is consistency. If you have a logo and color theme already in use at your brick-and-mortar store or on your
business stationery, make sure to use them throughout the website design to tie everything together and strengthen your brand.
3. Outline the Website Content
Don’t make the mistake of rushing to get your website online without having a clear outline in place. Regardless of the platform, the website is going to need basic components like an eye-catching homepage, information about-us page, relevant products or services page(s), and an easy-to-find page that has all of your contact information.
4. The Importance of a Navigation Bar
There are thousands of newly listed websites that do not make use of a navigation bar, making it challenging for any visitor to quickly find the content they need. The sad truth is you have less than five seconds to convince a visitor to stay on your website, and without a navigation bar, you make it easy for them to hit the back button and disappear forever. Create an informative navigation bar that gets the visitor to the content in the least possible clicks.
5. Choosing the Right Website Builder
The website-building programs available to the first-time designer are plentiful, you really don’t need to hire a costly design team to bring your idea to life online. Check out some of the top website builders and get a feel for how they work by checking the live samples. Regardless of your design skill level or whether you are familiar with coding, these platforms allow you to get maximum value for the dollar by giving you a chance to create a website that is fully functional, visually appealing, and ready to go live after your make your personalized changes to match your branding.