So, you want to build a website but have no idea where to start?

Okay, so you want to start a website from scratch and you have absolutely no idea where to begin. Well, that’s why we’re here to help!

We decided to break down and simplify the process for you, in order for you to understand how simple it really is to start your website from scratch.

Things you need in order to build a website:

• Decide on the purpose or goal of your website

• Domain name (example, ourmindfulmarketing.com)

• Website hosting (server that hosts your website)

• Website Design/SEO

To build a fully functional website, you’ll need a few things that you want to have set in place to ensure that your website is fully accessible to your clients.

1. What is the purpose or goal of your website?

A business website generally serves as a space to provide general information about your company or a platform for e-commerce. Whether you build a basic informational site or a more complex site such as an e-commerce website-- the most important thing for you to do is to state what your business does! And preferably on the Home Page! Don’t make your visitors have to search through your site to figure out what your business provides or sells.

2. Domain Name.

Your domain name is probably one of the most important features of your website. This is the URL that you will provide to potential clients and promote on social media, for example, ourmindfulmarketing.com. Therefore, you want this to be fun and catchy, yet, descriptive and memorable and you don’t want it to be too difficult or too lengthy. Try to keep it short and simple, and stay away from abbreviations or words and letters that may cause confusion to clients. Most domain names cost anywhere from $10 to $50 a year. A typical domain name may cost you about $15/year, however, most web hosting sites will provide the first year for free with the purchase of a premium hosting site.

3. Website Hosting.

Every website needs a host-- a server where all of your data is stored that is accessible to your visitors.

The type of host you choose will depend on your business model. For instance, a shared web host is one server which hosts multiple sites. A dedicated web host, which is significantly more expensive, ensures that you have your own dedicated server and you do not have to compete with other sites.

Click here to read more about hosting.

Once you decide on which hosting your business requires, you will need to decide on which platform to use.

Here is a list of some examples:

a. Wix (this is what we utilize)

b. WordPress

c. GoDaddy

d. BlueHost

e. Square Space

f. Host Gator

g. DreamHost

You may come across sites that offer free web hosting, which is true and you may utilize these options, but know that nothing is really free, and hosting a website is not free for the hosting company. Therefore, you will notice that they will use your website space for their banner ads to compensate for the free hosting.

Prices of web hosting premium plans can vary and it also depends on the type of website that is required for your business. For instance, is your site an e-commerce platform or will you need a place for your clients to book your services? Maybe your site is a basic one-page informational landing page. So, depending on the type of website that your business will require will help you to decide which web hosting premium plan to choose.

Since we utilize Wix, we included some images of examples of what it would cost you to host your website through Wix. (the business premium plan will include e-commerce)

4. Website Design/SEO Your website design is so important! 75% of users make judgments about a company’s credibility based on visual design alone.

When it comes to the design, first and foremost, you want to state what your business does or provides, simply and clearly, but most importantly, immediately-- get to the point! Don’t make your customers search for information. Keep it simple.

When it comes to your website design, keep in mind everything that it entails-- color scheme, fonts, branding, content (written, images & photos), logo, theme, templates, and so much more!

And to expand your brand awareness and presence in your industry, invest in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to help improve your website’s search engine key rankings, thereby increasing traffic and new leads to your site. But more on this in our upcoming blog, so stay tuned!

Yes, you can definitely learn to design and develop your own website, but to save yourself time (and let's be real, the headache), contact us at Our Mindful Marketing for all of your website necessities! 

- Hannah & Adriana 🍃