Choose and register a domain name
The process starts with the domain name, which is the unique name of your website. It normally matches the name of your company because that ensures branding consistency. It also impacts how the site ranks in search engine results. A well-chosen domain name can help you rank higher, and more people will visit your site, meaning more potential customers.
Make sure it’s easy to spell and include keywords relevant to your niche or industry. The domain should be as short as possible so it’s easy for visitors to remember. Avoid acronyms, abbreviations, numbers, and hyphens.
You can choose any extension you want but aim for traditional ones such as .com or .net. Make sure no one else is using the domain.
Pick an all-in-one provider
Ownership of the domain ranges from $10 to $20 per year. What’s more, you’ll need to find a platform to host the address (URL) of the website. To make things as simple as possible for you, choose a company that provides web hosting and domain registration.
Pick a content management system
So, how do you make a website? It begins with picking a CMS. As of 2024, 67% of websites worldwide use a CMS, up from 30% in 2012. WordPress holds the lion’s share of this market, with just over 64% of all websites having a CMS. Shopify comes second with a share of only 6.3%. Wix and Squarespace are third and fourth with 3.4% and 3% respectively.
All-in-one options like WordPress and Wix are excellent for someone without a technical background. Wix is also free. Other free website builders include Yola for very basic websites and GetResponse for email-focused companies. You can also opt for Google Sites for a rudimentary site without SEO.
WordPress dominates the industry because it’s accessible to laypersons of website building and because of its high customization level.
Themes and plugins
The next step is to choose a theme. It will determine how your website appears and what you can do with it. The theme is essentially the focus of business website design.
The type of website you are building is also a factor. If you have a tutoring or landscaping business, your website will be static. Choosing a theme that focuses on that design is critical. You’ll need a theme relevant to commerce if you plan to run an online store.
Static websites don’t necessarily need plugins. For instance, you don’t need a plugin if you plan to have a one-page website with only pricing and contact information. WordPress’s default tools are more than sufficient. In other cases, you will need plugins. You’ll need a contact form plugin if you expect customers to contact you through your website.
The importance of an intuitive website
In 2023, 71% of all US businesses had a website, an increase from previous years. People conduct just under 30% of all business activities online. 43% of small businesses planned to invest in their websites’ performance.
First impressions are crucial. Users need just 0.05 seconds on average to form an opinion about a website.
On a final note, consider your site’s mobile-friendliness, as mobile devices account for 45% of web traffic in North America.
FAQ
What is the hardest thing about building a website?
Getting started is the hardest part, but as you can see, building a website doesn’t have to be hard. You don’t need a technical background to make a basic yet intuitive one.
How long does it take to make a business website?
Typically, a small business website takes one to two months to build. On average, people spend a month for every five web pages. That means a ten-page website will take two months, and a 15-page website will take around three months to make.
How much does running a business website cost?
The initial investment in a small business website is only about $250. After that, maintenance can cost as little as $5 a month. For complex websites like ecommerce stores, it can go up to $50 per month.