Everything You Need To Know About Building a Website

Key takeaways:

• Website builders let you create a website with no coding experience required.
• A professional website provides various benefits like visibility and accessibility.
• Building a website yourself is cost-effective.

Having a website is a great way to improve your business’s online visibility and allow customers to access your products and services even outside office hours. However, creating one can be a confusing and overwhelming experience.

Fortunately, online tools and services are already available to simplify website creation.

In this guide, we’ll go over the importance of a website, compare the benefits of doing it yourself versus working with a professional designer, and things to avoid when making one.

How to build a website from scratch in 8 simple steps

Building a website doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s a simple roadmap to guide you from idea to launch.

Step 1: Set a clear purpose for your website

Before building your website, take time to plan its foundation. Think about what you want your website to do. You can create a website for purposes such as:

• To sell products
• To showcase your portfolio
• To share blog posts

Having this in mind will help you set specific, measurable goals.

Also, align your website with your brand by identifying your target audience and choosing a tone, color pallet, and design style that reflects your brand.

Step 2: Get a domain name

Your domain name is a key part of your online presence. It serves as a digital address that people can use to find your website. So, get a good domain name that’s:

• Memorable
• Easy to spell
• Relevant to your business or personal brand

Aim for simplicity and clarity. Use keywords related to your business or niche. This not only helps with branding but also with search engine optimization (SEO).

Avoid words that might be difficult for users to recall or type, and refrain from names that come with issues such as:

• Complex spellings
• Long phrases
• Hyphens
• Numbers

Then, check if your chosen domain name is available through domain registration tools, and register it before someone else takes it. If someone owns your desired name, you can’t use it until it expires or the owner decides to sell it.

When registering your domain, choose a reputable registrar that provides customer support and additional services such as domain privacy protection. Many registrars provide bundled domain tools services like Domain Search and Registration or Domain Expiration Protection, which can be convenient.

Step 3: Select a web hosting provider

Selecting the right web hosting service ensures your website is accessible, reliable, and performs well. Consider factors such as:

• Reliability
• Customer support
• Scalability
• Pricing

Look for providers that offer a good uptime guarantee, fast server speeds, and responsive customer service. Check reviews and testimonials to gauge user experiences.

Setting up a hosting account broadly involves three steps:

1. Selecting a hosting plan
2. Registering or connecting your domain name
3. Setting up your hosting environment

Step 4: Choose a website builder

A website builder makes website creation accessible and easy even for beginners and those without experience with code.

But how do website builders work? Think of it like playing with building blocks. You choose your desired text, images, and buttons, then place them (usually by dragging and dropping) where they belong or wherever you want.

It’s simple, fast, and beginner friendly. While website builders are simple, it’s also important to choose the right one.

When selecting a website builder, look for one that includes features such as:

• Easy-to-use tools
• Wide range of templates
• Mobile-friendly design options
• Customization features
• Accessible support functionality

Step 5: Design your website

Now that you’ve found a place for your website and a good name to go with it, it’s time to decorate it. Designing your website involves creating an engaging and user-friendly experience.

A well-designed website goes beyond attracting visitors. It also creates a smooth and enjoyable user experience, encouraging them to stay and take action.

If you plan to use a site builder or content management system (CMS), consider your technical skills and the features you need. WordPress is the most popular choice, and users prefer it for its flexibility and extensive plugin ecosystem.

But whether you’re using a site builder or letting a professional design your website, you need to consider several design elements, such as:

• Layout. A clear and structured layout helps users navigate your site and find what they need quickly.
• Color scheme. Colors that represent your brand and create a visually cohesive look help build brand recognition with your customers. Ensure that the color contrast makes your content easy to read.

Step 6: Create content

Content is the core of how you connect with your audience and get discovered online. Focus on creating clear, helpful, text that explains your business and services. Naturally incorporate relevant keywords to improve your search engine rank.

Don’t know what to write? Consider these types of content:

• Product descriptions
• How-to-guides
• Stories

When writing content, look for ways to break up long sections with headlines, bullet points, and short paragraphs. This way, you’ll make it easier for both visitors to read content and search engines to crawl your website.

Start creating content that continually stays relevant for extended periods. These contents typically address common problems and questions people have. For instance, this article doesn’t need to be updated on a specific holiday.

Another tip to keep users engaged is to support your text with high-quality visuals like images and videos.

Step 7: Test and publish

Before launching your website, thorough testing ensures that all web pages function correctly and perform optimally for website visitors. Test your website’s functionality, including all links, forms, and interactive elements.

You can create a launch checklist to cover all loose ends. Include final reviews of your content, functionality, and design. Ensure that search engines index your website, set up Google analytics and Google Search Console to track web page performance, and install security measures to protect website visitors.

Once your site is live, keep an eye on how it performs. Use analytics and feedback to identify areas to improve. Regular updates help keep your site effective and aligned with what your visitors need.

Step 8: Maintain and promote your site

Now that you’ve built your website, it’s time to keep it running smoothly and help people find it.

Start with regular maintenance. Check your site often to update content, fix broken links, and ensure everything loads quickly. Fresh content gives search engines the idea that your site is still active. It also shows your visitors that your business is current and still running.

Another part of maintaining your website is expanding your audience. So, promote your site. Remember, even the best website needs a little push to reach the right customers.

While SEO is a great way to show up online often, you can also consider other ways to bring your business to new heights. This includes:

• Promoting on social media platforms
• Sending special letters and reminders through email marketing
• Using Google’s pay-per-click ads.

Why do you need to create a website?

The internet and all its connected devices have transformed how customers find and interact with businesses. Having a professional business website provides you with benefits such as:

• Increasing your visibility. Websites make your business discoverable to a global audience, enhancing your reach beyond local boundaries. Anyone, anywhere, can find your services or products online, effectively expanding your visibility far beyond what traditional marketing could achieve.
• Providing 24/7 accessibility. A website operates continuously so customers can engage with your content, products, and services anytime.
• Boosting your credibility and professionalism. A professional website demonstrates that your operation is legitimate and trustworthy. Your online presence acts as a badge of authenticity and reliability, reassuring customers of your professionalism.
• Expanding your markets. A website opens up opportunities for reaching new markets on a global scale. It allows your business to attract customers worldwide.
• Enabling cost-effective marketing. Your website can effectively showcase your brand and promote your products or services. Unlike traditional advertising, which often involves high recurring costs, a website is a long-term investment, continuously delivering value at a fraction of the cost.
• Gaining customer insights. Websites let you collect valuable data on customer behavior, preferences, and demographics to tailor your marketing strategies better. You can use these data to make informed decisions about product development, promotional tactics, and content creation, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Enhancing customer service. Features like FAQs, live chat, and support forms on your website can improve service and operational efficiency. These tools help address customer queries quickly and effectively, enhancing the overall customer experience. Plus, you are freeing up resources to focus on other aspects of your business.
• Facilitating sales and lead generation. Your website helps you conduct eCommerce transactions, book appointments, and generate leads through strategic calls to action. This streamlines the purchasing process while also enabling efficient lead management and conversion.
• Securing a competitive advantage. A robust online presence can differentiate you from competitors, especially those with less online investment.
• Building your brand. Your website can consistently reinforce your brand identity through aligned visuals and content. A consistent and strong brand helps customers recognize you, making it easier for users to remember and choose your brand over others.
• Creating a content hub. Engaging and educational content such as blogs, videos, and whitepapers helps with SEO and establishes your brand as a thought leader in your industry.
• Integrating with social media. Social media integrations help with discoverability. Linking your website seamlessly with your social media profiles helps promote your content across platforms, increase your reach, and allow users to share your content easily.

Should you build your own website or hire a designer?

Even if you have no coding experience, building a website that makes a great first impression is easier than you think. But you still may be asking yourself whether making your website is the right decision or if you should opt for a professionally designed, custom-built website instead.

It’s a significant choice that depends on various factors, including your budget, technical proficiency, and specific needs. To help you make an informed decision, here are the advantages and disadvantages of each option:

Building your own website

Pros

• Cost-effective. Generally, using a website builder or DIY platform is less expensive than hiring a designer. This is an important factor for startups or small businesses with limited budgets.
• Full control. Building your own website gives you complete control over the design and content. This can be especially valuable if you need frequent updates or want to experiment with different layouts and features.
• Learning opportunity. Handling the website creation process yourself can provide valuable skills and insights into the digital aspects of your business. These skills can be useful for troubleshooting issues or making quick updates without relying on external help.
• Speed. Launching a website is quicker with the help of website builders. If you need a simple website up and running quickly, website builders offer templates and drag-and-drop tools to get your site up in a few minutes.

Cons

• Time-consuming. Building a website on your own requires a significant time investment, especially if you are learning as you go. This might take your attention away from other critical business operations.
• Limited design and functionality. Creating a distinctly “you” website can be challenging for a website builder. While modern website builders are powerful, they can limit your design options and functionalities compared to a custom-built site.
• SEO and mobile optimization challenges. Forgetting SEO considerations can severely impact your website visibility. Without the proper knowledge, optimizing your site for SEO and mobile devices can be challenging, potentially affecting your site’s visibility and usability.

Hiring a designer

Pros

• Professional quality. A designer can create a unique, polished website that stands out. Their expertise ensures that the site is both visually appealing and functionally robust.
• Customization. Professional designers can develop custom solutions tailored to your specific needs and preferences, providing functionalities that website builders might not offer.
• Time saving. A website designer can build your website without your direct input. Hiring a professional frees up your time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
• SEO and mobile optimization. Designers typically ensure your website is optimized for search engines and mobile devices, improving your potential reach and user experience.

Cons

• Higher cost. Professional design services can be costly, especially for custom designs. This initial investment is higher compared to most DIY solutions.
• Dependency. If you hired a third-party developer to build your website, you might not have the experience to troubleshoot problems on your own if you ever encounter site issues. Relying on a designer for updates and changes can sometimes lead to delays or additional costs if you need something changed quickly.
• Communication challenges. If your designer doesn’t fully understand your vision or if there are communication gaps, the final product might not align with your expectations, requiring revisions that can be time-consuming and costly.

How to build a website with Network Solution’s AI website builder

There are numerous website builder options available, some of which offer free website builder plans but require additional costs for domain registration and hosting. Network Solutions provides an easy and affordable website builder with domain registration and hosting.

To get started, follow these steps.

Step 1:  Sign up and choose your plan

Begin by creating an account. Then, choose the plan that best fits your needs. Network Solutions provides three website builder plans:

• Website
• Website + Marketing
• eCommerce

Each plan caters to different requirements, such as basic website pages, online stores, or blogs.

Note: Prices listed above are current as of this writing. Please refer to our website builder pricing page for the most up-to-date information.

Step 2: Choose a template and start building with AI

After you set up your account, start the building process with the AI-powered site builder. This tool asks you questions about your business type, preferences, and design styles. It uses your answers to automatically generate a website template that aligns with your specific business needs.

Step 2: Customize your site

It always helps if you choose a website builder that allows customization. This way, you can further personalize your website and get closer to your business needs.

After the AI creates your initial template, you can customize it to further match your brand. You can easily adjust colors, fonts, and layouts, and add new elements with just a few clicks. You don’t need any coding skills to make these adjustments, as the builder is designed with user-friendliness in mind.

Luckily, Network Solutions’ templates are customizable. The drag-and-drop feature makes it easy to rearrange and remove blocks or elements.

Step 3: Add content

Next, fill your website with content that tells your story. This includes writing text, uploading images, and adding videos that reflect your brand’s purpose.

If you’re unsure what to write yet, Network Solutions’ built-in AI copywriting tool can help you get started.   We also give you access to over 2 million royalty-free images. This way, you can use the free ones if you aren’t ready to purchase images yet.

Step 4: Integrate additional features

Depending on your plan and needs, enhance your site by adding features that improve its performance. For example, SEO tools and social media integrations are great ways to maximize your site’s reach.

Step 5: Review your site

Before going live, review your website thoroughly. Check for design inconsistencies, test all links and functionalities, and double-check to see how it looks on different devices. Consider using a website testing tool to test features and website updates without affecting the live set.

Step 7: Publish your website

Once you’re satisfied with the design and functionality, you’re now ready to publish your website. Network Solutions’ AI site builder makes the process straightforward, usually with just the click of a button.

Once published, your site becomes accessible to the public.

Before you go live, make sure you leave no stone unturned with this website launch checklist.

Outsource your website building to the pros

DIY websites are a great starting point for beginners. They’re simple and easy to use. However, as your business grows, your website’s needs could become more complex. Or you simply don’t have the time to DIY.

Working with a professional web designer helps achieve specific features, advanced functionality, and a more polished look.

Step 1: Initial consultation

Start by filling out the contact form to schedule a call with the Network Solutions team and discuss your website needs. This is where you’ll outline your business goals, target audience, and specific requirements for the website.

This step ensures that the project starts with a clear, shared understanding of the objectives and scope, paving the way for a tailored strategy that aligns with your business.

Step 2: Designing your website

Once your needs are defined, we’ll enter the copywriting and designing phase. Our team will conduct keyword research, write compelling content, and design your new website based on your business goals.

Step 3: Review your website

After building your site, our team will reach out for a final review. The team will walk you through the site, capture any feedback, and show you how to publish.

This review phase lets you experience the user interface and overall functionality firsthand. It’s your opportunity to provide feedback and request for changes or improvements.

Step 4: Launch your website

Once you approve of the website’s design, it’s time to go live. Our designer team will publish the website and make it accessible for public consumption.

But that’s not where our work ends. Network Solutions offers continuous support and maintenance to ensure your site remains aligned with current web standards and technology. This ongoing service includes regular updates, security checks, and the addition of new features as your business evolves.

Post-launch website checklist

1. Verify the functionality. Check if everything works properly. Confirm the site’s mobile responsiveness and secure setup with an active SSL certificate.
2. Optimize your SEO and set up analytics. Configure SEO essentials, including meta titles and descriptions. Submit your sitemap to search engines and install analytics tools to monitor and optimize site performance.
3. Review content and ensure accessibility. Thoroughly review your website’s content for accuracy and clarity.
4. Implement security protocols. Set up regular backups and install security plugins. Restrict backend access to ensure only authorized personnel can make changes.
5. Announce your launch. Publicize your website launch through social media, email newsletters, and press releases. Check that all social media links and sharing buttons on your site are operational.
6. Monitor performance and gather feedback. Regularly check your website’s performance through analytics tools and actively seek user feedback to identify areas for improvement.
7. Schedule regular updates. Keep your website secure and current by regularly updating your CMS, themes, and plugins. Continuously refine your SEO strategies based on performance data and evolving best practices.

Common mistakes to avoid when creating a website

Even with the best tools, small businesses sometimes overlook key details when building their websites.

Here are some common mistakes to look out for:

• Skipping a clear goal
• Ignoring mobile design
• Poor product descriptions
• Using low-quality images
• Writing weak content
• Forgetting about SEO
• Not securing their website
• Leaving out calls to action

Avoid committing these mistakes to ensure your website works smoothly, looks professional, and drives results for your business.

Build your website today

Building and launching a professional site requires careful planning and execution, from selecting the perfect domain name to successfully launching and maintaining your site. With Network Solutions’ comprehensive tools and features, creating a professional and impactful online presence will be smooth. Whether you’re flying solo or need a helping hand, Network Solutions stands ready to support you at every step, ensuring you achieve your digital aspirations.

Ready to make your mark online? Start your journey with Network Solutions today and build a website that exceeds your expectations.

Frequently asked questions