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How to Build a Website: 10 Things You Need to Build a Successful Website

posted by CAPTIVATEDESIGNS.COM // January 08, 2010 // Build Your Website

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So you have decided that you absolutely need a website. Before you dive in, consider these 10 things you need to know on how to build a website in order to ensure the success of your website project.

1. Website address (or URL): Your website address is the location at which customers will find you. Ideally, you will want to use your business name (www.yourbusinessname.com). If your name is not available, then try using keywords that relate to your business. For example, a lawyer in New York might use www.NewYorkLawyer.com. Ensure that your web address is easy to remember. If your web address is something that is commonly misspelled, be sure to purchase the URL for the misspelling of the address as well.

2. Web hosting: In order for your files to be live on the internet, you will need a web host. A website is comprised of files, and a web host is able to make those files live on the internet by hosting them on a web server. Look for a web host that provides 24-hour support.

3. A plan: You need a plan before getting started. It’s important to understand the goal of your website and your expectations in order to get there. A well-devised plan will save you a lot of time and money.

4. Logo: Do you have a business logo? If you don’t, it’s time to make one. A logo is one of the ways to brand your business, and should be used on your website and all of your marketing materials so your customers will recognize it.

5. Images: Images help to tell a story as well as help you communicate with your target market. You can either use stock images or your own images. If you are a photographer, wedding planner, interior designer, or are in a visual industry, you’ll want to use your own images. If not, you’ll want to select stock images that will powerfully relay your message.

6. Website content (text): Your website needs to look good, but it also needs to get your message across. The content of your website should do two things. 1) Sell your products and services and communicate your message. 2) Be search engine friendly by including keywords that are relevant to your business. If you are a bakery in Boston, and your prospect is searching for “bakery in Boston,” keyword-rich web content will help these prospects find your site. A professional copywriter can write content that both communicates your message and is search engine friendly.

7. Professional website design: What would a website be without a beautiful design? There are many designers to choose from. However, not all website designers are created equal. Pay attention to the web designer’s portfolio to review the professionalism of their work. In addition, see how helpful they are in answering your questions and giving you the information you need to make a well-informed decision.

8. Content Management System (CMS): If you plan on updating information on your website on a regular basis, then you will need a content management system that allows you to make changes to your website on your own, without having to go back to the designer. Most businesses out there won’t need a CMS, but if you are a large online retailer or have ambitious growth plans, then considering a CMS might be a good idea. It will make your website updates much easier and more streamlined.

9. A blog: Blogs are an amazing way to build a long-term relationship with your prospects and customers. Blogs are truly interactive and are updated frequently, so it gives you a great forum for interacting with the very people that will buy your products and services. It’s also a great way to build your list for frequent email communications. If you are interested in starting a dialogue with your target market, then adding a blog to your website is a great idea. It’s also a great tool that will help bolster your search engine optimization efforts.

10. Commitment to marketing: If you build it, they won’t necessarily come -- unless you commit yourself to marketing. It’s important to build it well, stay committed to keeping the information accurate, and know that marketing is going to be of utmost importance if you want your site to generate leads and bring results to your business.

Nicole McCullum is the founder of Captivate Designs, a web design company that provides small and mid-sized businesses with custom website design solutions including business web design, e-commerce web design, graphic design and internet marketing. Ms. McCullum has been featured on Inc.com as a Web Design Expert, and her web design tips and articles have been published in NY Enterprise Report and Strategy Magazine. For more information, visit www.CaptivateDesigns.com.