Creating your website can seem like a daunting task. However creating your website does not need to be scary, with these simple steps you can know what you need to do.
1 What is your niche?
Decide what topic your website is going to cover. Depending on the topic, you may want to drill down to a smaller subject. Dogs is a big category, instead narrow down to a specific breed or topic such as training. You could narrow further by choosing a type of training. If you have a business then you already know your niche.
2 What are you going to do with your website?
Some websites simply provide information. Other websites provide information and have advertisements on their site for additional income. Then there are sites that sell services while other sites sell products. Perhaps you want to start an art or photo website. It is a matter of knowing your niche and what you want from your website.
3 What will your website be called?
Your next step in website creation is purchasing a domain name. This is your web address. Typically it is good to pick something related to your niche or business. Remember to keep the name relatively short and relatively easy to remember. You do not want to use hyphens.
4 Who is hosting your website?
The next step to create your website you need a web host. A host is the company that provides access to your website on the internet. A web host rents a space to you on their server so others can find your website online.
5 What web format are you going to use?
You could use a program to develop your web site. Some require knowing html, others require knowing how to upload to your web host. Many people and companies are switching to using WordPress. WordPress is an easy to use blog format but can quickly be converted to a website.
6 What is do you want your readers to know?
Now it is time to add content. You want content related to your niche. Depending on the purpose of your website you will to provide information in assorted formats. An information website is going to be different from one that sells a product or services.
7 How will you stay in touch?
Adding an autoresponder helps you stay in touch with subscribers. This is known as email marketing and by offering your readers a digital gift they may join your email list. You can then mail them newsletters and let them know when you have website updates.
8 Do you need a shopping cart?
If you offer products for sale online then you probably need a shopping cart or at least a buy now button. Paypal offers buy now buttons. Some people use E-Junkie or One Shopping Cart as shopping carts. E-Junkie is the cheaper of the two.
9 Is your website search engine friendly?
This is an important step to creating your website and getting a traffic naturally. You want your website to be easily read and indexed by search engines. WordPress is a very search engine friendly website.
10 How will you promote your website?
A very important step to creating your website is promotion. A simple way is by word of mouth, telling all your friends and family and asking them to tell others. You can also use various forms of advertising. Add your website address to your business cards and other stationary. Another great way to promote your website is by adding it your email signature. Provide information on forums so you become an expert.
Is that it?
A website is an ongoing process, however from here it will be an easier process. Write regular newsletters to keep visitors coming back to your website. New content will help bring old visitors and new. Search engines also like new content. Your online business also needs ongoing work. This ongoing work will help your website continue to grow.
