Web Design Tips: Step By Step Guide To Build A Website
At present, it's harder to find a business without a website than with. Building an online presence is just as important as setting up an office to connect with your target audience. It's also simple, thanks to tools like WordPress, Wix, etc. You can also hire a professional to build a custom web design in Denver CO for your firm. But whether you hire a professional or DIY, you need to follow a few steps in proper order to build your company site. For starters, there's no point in building a site if you can't host it on a server once you're done.
How To Build A Website
1. Get A Web Host
You need a server to store your website and all its content so that others can access it online after you launch it. No one can access it as long as it's only on your laptop. Web hosting services offer shared or dedicated servers based on what you pay them. Think about their uptime reliability, speed, maintenance and security when you choose a host.
2. Register Domain Name
Your domain name is the part of your site's URL that other users will recognize your site by. You can go with your brand name if it's not already in use. Once you decide on a name, you need to register it with a domain broker. Most hosting services let you register a domain name making the process easier.
3. Choose A Web Builder
A web builder is a software that lets you build your site. WordPress and Wix are some of the most popular web builders. They also double as content management systems (CMSs) and let you edit your web content. Compare their features before choosing one.
4. Choose A Web Design Theme
Most web builders offer a variety of responsive themes for different types of companies. You can get some themes for free and need to pay a premium for some. You can also hire a professional to build a customized web design in Denver CO to set your site from other sites using ready-made themes.
5. Add Webpages
Most websites need a similar set of webpages with minor variations. Start with the homepage, about us, contact us, products, services and T&C. As your business grows, you can add a testimonial, FAQ, blog, newsroom, and other web pages later.
6. Add Content
Start with your brand logo, make sure it matches your theme. Include a short and relevant text on all your web pages. Include images, graphics and videos if necessary. You can include keywords for search engine marketing in Denver once you launch your website.
7. Install Analytics
Analytic tools let you analyze your web traffic, clicks, sources, etc. You can use them to analyze the results of your digital marketing strategies. While some web builders come with a built-in analytics dashboard, you may need a third-party tool for some.
8. Install Plugins
Plugins are apps/extensions/integrations/codes that let you add additional features that may not be available with your theme, e.g. a chat box or a cart. Choose your plugins based on the type of website you want to run.
9. Test Website
Test it for compatibility and speed on various browsers and devices. Make changes if needed. Check if you have any broken links.
10. Launch Website
Once you are convinced that everything is perfect, make a copy of your site on your system and transfer the original to your webserver to make it available online. You can conduct an A/B test to compare different versions of your website.
11. Create SEO/SEM Strategies
Once your website is up and ready, you should start developing strategies for search engine optimization and search engine marketing in Denver. SEO is the organic strategy to boost your website's traffic and increase conversions. SEM is the paid strategy to increase conversion. You should also use social media marketing to build your brand.