Do you have an established business you need to get online? Or maybe you’re launching an online start-up. Either way, creating a website for your business is one of the most rewarding things you can do.
But the process can feel daunting, and there’s more to it than just building a website. That’s why we created this easy-to-follow guide to help you out. We’ll start by answering a couple of common questions, then we’ll show you how to start a website in 7 steps.
Let’s get started…
Is Creating a Website for Your Business Hard?
No – it really doesn’t need to be. Registering a domain name and taking out web hosting is very simple. And modern tools have made web design quick and easy too. By following the 7 steps we’ve set out below, you’ll be able to create a website without code.
This article is an introduction to the subject. As you work through the steps below, you’ll see that we’ve provided links to more detailed articles. These explain individual points in more depth. There are also links to all of the products, services and online resources you’ll need.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Wesbsite?
To work out the total cost of starting a website, just add together the domain name registration fee with the cost of website hosting. Of course, if you need professional help with web design, SEO or content creation, that will increase the cost.
Throughout this guide, we’ve focused on affordable options. Some of the tools and resources we’ve recommended are completely free. We’ve also explained how you can build your own website and handle SEO and content writing yourself.
How to Launch a Website
Ready to begin? Great – let’s look at how to start a website in 7 steps:
1. How to Register a Domain Name
Your domain name is your website’s address. Your choice of domain name will influence the way people think of your website. You should try to choose a name that’s linked to your business – or to the products or services you sell. Try to come up with a few choices – your first choice might already be registered.
Learn More: For more advice, check out our guide to picking a domain name.
Once you’ve chosen, you’ll need to register your domain name with a domain registrar. Look for a registrar that offers web hosting too. It’s easier to buy both services from one provider.
Get Started: At tasjeel.ae, we offer both domain registration and web hosting.
2. How to Choose the Best Website Builder
Online website builders are the easiest way to make your own website. Many of the best website builder plans come with hosting built in. You can use a website builder via your web browser, so you won’t need to install any special software.
Get Started: Our own Website Builder is easy to use, and our plans include website hosting. Alternatives like Wix or Squarespace are also popular. But one drawback is that these companies don’t currently offer .ae domain registrations.
If you prefer an alternative website builder, you can always register a .ae domain with us. We can still connect your domain to your new website – even if it’s hosted elsewhere.
Another option is to use a Content Management System (CMS), like WordPress. A CMS is a lot like a website builder. The difference is that you’ll need to take out a web hosting plan first, then install the CMS to your server. This isn’t as complicated as it sounds! Just read on to learn more…
3. How to Buy a Web Hosting Plan
Are you setting up a large and complex website? Or maybe you just want total flexibility to make your own website exactly how you want it. If so, the simple solution of using a website builder with hosting included may not be best for you.
Instead, you could buy a web hosting plan that supports content management systems like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal or Magento. WordPress is the most popular CMS, and some web hosting plans are specially designed to power WordPress websites.
Get Started: Our shared web hosting plans are perfect for most websites, while our WordPress hosting is purpose-built for WordPress sites.
4. How to Plan Your Website’s Structure nd Design
Even if your website will be small, take the time to create a written plan first, before you start creating your content. The best website structure needs to be simple and easy to navigate. Think about how to group related content together onto pages. Then think about which pages relate to which other pages.
Web design is the part most people like best! The best website builders and CMSs make it easy to design your own website. You can start by choosing a theme or template. This will give your website a consistent style across all your pages. Then you can tweak elements like colours and images one by one.
Learn More: We recently wrote an article on making your own website. This should help you decide whether a website builder or CMS is best for you. For practical tips on using a website builder, simply follow this guide: How do I build a website?
5. How to Perform Search Engine Optimisation
There’s just one step left before you start creating your content: Search Engine Optimisation (aka SEO). SEO is all about presenting content so that it’s easy for search engines to understand.
A great way to do this is to use keywords. Keywords are short terms that people use when they search for content. You can optimise your content around certain keywords related to what you do or sell.
Get Started: Don’t just guess which keywords people use – try a keyword research tool instead. You’ll usually need to pay a monthly subscription, but Ubersuggest is a free alternative – making it great if you’re on a budget.
Learn More: To learn more about SEO, just follow our guide: How to start SEO.
6. How to Create Website Content
Did you follow our advice on website structure and SEO? If so, you’ve already laid the groundwork for a winning website content strategy. Now it’s time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and start writing compelling content.
The key to good website content writing is thinking like your customer. Imagine what information they’ll want to know about your business, products or services. Then think about how you can present that information in a way that’s clear – but also persuasive. Finally, don’t forget to include those all-important keywords you identified earlier!
Get Started: Big blocks of content can be intimidating for readers, so add images for variety. You can source royalty-free images from websites like pixabay.
7. How to Promote Your Website
Congratulations: Your new website is up and running! But the work doesn’t end there. Next, you’ll want to promote your website to start attracting visitors.
Do you use printed marketing material? – like flyers or business cards – be sure to include your website address. If you have social media accounts for your business, then share links to your website. If you have the budget to support it, you could consider using pay-per-click ads to attract visitors from Google.
Learn More: A website without visitors won’t deliver any benefits for your business. Our guide on how to increase website traffic includes helpful tips on attracting new visitors.
Now You Can Start Building Your Website
We’ve shown you how to start a website in 7 steps. Now it’s over to you to put it all into action. Good luck!
