We’re days away from entering 2021, and yet, 36% of small businesses still don’t have a website.
If you’re guilty as charged, you might wonder if a small business website is really necessary. Perhaps you’ve always relied on word of mouth. Or maybe you’re intimidated by the idea of building your own website.
Whatever the case, you’re going to need a website if you want to remain competitive into 2021 and beyond. Here are the basic steps you need to take to design a successful small business website.
And don’t worry — we’ll keep it simple!
1. Know Your “Why”
There are countless reasons why your small business needs a website, some of which you can view here. Suffice to say, an online presence is now essential for any business to succeed.
However, it’s not enough to build a website just because everyone is telling you to. Just like you did when you launched your business, you need to figure out why people should use your product or service. Then you need to think of how to best convey that message into your new website.
2. Get Your Domain Name
Now that you’re clear on the goal of your website, it’s time to buy your domain name. If it’s available, keep it simple by matching your domain name to the name of your business (“www.bobscommercialcleaning.com” or “cateringbycindy.com”).
If your chosen domain name isn’t available, you have to get creative. Bob’s Commercial Cleaning could become www.commercialcleanerschicago.com, while Catering by Cindy could become www.cindyscateringcompany.com.
3. Choose a Hosting Provider & Website Builder
Just like renting a physical property, you need to pay a virtual “landlord” to host your website.
Common web hosting companies include BlueHost, GoDaddy, and HostGator, but there are others. Compare their current specials and offerings before you make your decision.
Next, you need to choose which builder you’ll use to create your site. WordPress powers 35% of the internet, making it the most popular choice. Depending on your business, you might also consider Wix, Weebly, Shopify, or Constant Contact.
4. Optimize Your Site for SEO
You’ve bought your domain name and secured a hosting provider and theme to build your site. Before you start writing content or loading pictures, you need to think about SEO.
This stands for “search engine optimization.” It’s crucial if you want Google and other search engines to rank your site well.
We don’t have time to go in-depth into SEO best practices here. But, at the very least, you should brush up on the latest trends in keywords, backlinks, and other important SEO factors.
5. Build Brand Recognition
You’ve built and launched your site — congratulations! Now it’s time to share it with the world.
If you haven’t already, set up business accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. This is the ideal place to share your latest news, blogs, specials, and other content from your site.
The more people like and share your posts, the more recognizable your website (and your brand) will become.
Set Up Your Small Business Website for Success
Building a small business website might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow the steps above to create your own website, and you’ll be one step closer to a thriving business.
Now that you’re equipped to build a website, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more informative reads!
