Did you know there are now more than a billion websites on the internet? That’s a staggering statistic that just shows how crucial a website is for you or your small business. We recently urged small businesses to build a blog to help grow their company. It’s great advice, and it’s now easier than ever to create and build your own. Unfortunately, many still seem quite daunted by the process. Today, we’re going to show you that it’s simple and easy to get started. Don’t worry, we’ll take you through the process step-by-step. Let’s dive straight in.
1. Domain name
The domain name is the address at which people will find you. For example, ours here is www.prowblogger.com. Yours can be www.my-website.com. We recommend choosing something short, specific, and highly relevant. Remember, Google will use this information to help rank you in its search results. Once you’ve chosen a brilliant address, head to a domain name website like GoDaddy or 1-2-3-Reg. Check to see that your domain is available, and purchase it!
2. Web hosting
Bear with us, because web hosting is the trickiest part of the journey. In simple terms, everyone needs a small corner of the internet to build their site. It’s the web hosts that rent that small piece of internet land to you. A lot of people choose the cheapest web host option, but that’s not always the best plan. Your web host is responsible for the speed and security of your website, so choose carefully.
3. CMS platform
This jumble of letters might sound confusing, but it’s all very simple. CMS stands for ‘content management system’. It’s a simple tool that you’ll use to build and design your website. The best options are WordPress and Drupal, though some bloggers love Tumblr. It’s all based on templates and drag and drop screens. So don’t worry, you don’t need to know any pesky code!
4. Design
Web design is much more important than it appears at first glance. Now, most CMS platforms give the the simple option of using templates. You simply choose your favourite design, and tweak it to your liking. However, it’s quite easy to spot a template website, and it doesn’t always look the most professional. If you’re looking to make a strong first impression, consider hiring a web design agency. A good web design expert will actively design the site around sales, conversions, and targets. With the right design, you’ll sell more.
5. Content
You’re all set to go! By now, you’ll have the skeleton of your website finished. You’ll have your design and layout. All that’s left to do is fill the site with content. Choose your headlines and explainer copy carefully. Again, it makes a very big first impression. After that, you’re free to start experimenting. Start blogging, and unleash your thoughts and opinions!
That’s all there is to it, folks. You’ll learn plenty along the way. But trust us, it’s much easier than you’re expecting. You’ll be up and running in no time at all.
Image Source: Flickr
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