How To Start a Website: 10 Powerful Tips for Small Business Owners
You’re ready to join the online revolution and start your website, that’s great! But where on earth do you begin? It’s no secret that the web industry is pretty rife with jargon, computer geeks and tech-talk, so don’t worry if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Seriously, who wouldn’t be?
Here are some tips on how to start a website that will actually make you a profit:
Choose a good domain name.
Try and register one that has your keywords in the title if possible, it will help you with Google.
Create your website's strategy.
Don’t dive right into the design, create your plan of attack first. Download our Website Starter Kit.
Choose the right web designer.
Shop around, get quotes, ring references, check what results their clients are getting. Compare apples with apples (which is not always easy!)
Make sure you're in control.
One client of ours was charged over $11,000 for changes over a 2-year period. Make sure you can make your own changes by investing in a Content Managed System (CMS) website.
Research your keywords first.
Before writing your content and creating your site structure, do your keyword research first to see what opportunities there are for good traffic. Structure your site around your keywords - don't let it be an afterthought.
Determine 'Calls to Action'.
What do you want people to do on your site? You have to guide them through and tell them what action you want them to take. Be blunt.
Write compelling copy.
We certainly recommend you leave this to the pros but if not, research how to write for web.
Make sure your web design captures leads.
Most designers make ‘pretty’ websites that don‘t do anything for your bottom line. Make sure you have tactics in place to capture potential leads like a newsletter or free eBook opt-in box. Capture then nurture.
Establish credibility and build trust.
Can you offer some kind of guarantee? Have you been featured in any magazines? Won any awards? Got any great testimonials? Gather them together and publish them on your site.
Promote. Promote. Promote.
Don’t expect that once you go live, your job is done. You must now tell the world!
