Creating a Website: Make your Business Convenient

Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine a time when you had to call a store to learn its hours of operation. When you had found it using only an address you saw on a flyer, or a verbal description of it being just past the Blockbuster. Now we’re living in an age of convenience, where all the information you need is at your fingertips. With how accessible everything is, it might even be considered sketchy if your business doesn’t have a website or a business profile on Google. Though what happens when you’re not technologically inclined, what are you meant to do?  

Your Options 

To outsource or to DIY? That is always the question. When it comes to website creation, you can spend the money to hire someone to design and create a website for you. It’ll cost more than creating one yourself, but you’ll save a lot of time. You’ll have a professional who understands how to create a website that brings traffic to your site and helps you get more business.  

The other option is to do it yourself. This might seem like a lot to take on, but website designers can make you feel like an expert. Websites like Squarespace, Wix Studio, and WordPress are simple to use, with dozens of tutorials online to guide you through the process. Many of these website designers charge a monthly subscription but also offer free versions, though they may include the company logo on your site.  

After you decide on who is creating the website, it’s time to get brainstorming on how you’d like it to look and feel. We included some tips below to make the process easier.  

The Hidden Elements 

Before designing your website, there are a few things you need to have in place. Think of them like the mechanical parts inside a machine. You may not see them as much, but they’re important for getting it all working.  

1. Domain Name 

You need to get a domain name to act as the address for your website. For example, “BestCakes.com.” It’s recommended not to get a domain through your web designer or through a contractor. This is something you want to control. Some examples of where you can get a domain name are Namecheap or IONOS. 

2. Web Hosting 

For a website to work and be accessible, you not only need an address, but a place to store all the files. If the address tells the machine where to go, then imagine web hosting to be like the building where your things are stored. While you technically can host your own website, it’s not recommended unless you’re technically savvy. Most subscription web designers provide free web hosting for a certain amount of data, with prices increasing as you need more space. Companies like IONOS and DreamHost also provide these services. 

The Fun Part – Design Tips 

1. Make sure the fonts are readable. The stylized font may look amazing, and might make the text pop, but it’s important that it’s easy to read. A variety of people will be visiting your website and viewing it on many different platforms. Someone who can’t read the text may just get frustrated and move to the next site. To be professional, it’s recommended to stick to two fonts, one for the headers and one for the body. You're welcome to have a stylized logo.  

   
   

2. Make sure it looks right at every size. Some editors, like Squarespace and Wix Studio, allow the user to view their website in different sizes, such as a mobile or tablet version. If this isn’t an option with the web designer you chose, then you should be sure to check on your own. Nothing looks more unprofessional than missing text or buttons that get cut off.  

   
   

3. Be straightforward. Your website should immediately tell the user what they’re looking at, so they know they’re in the right place. Ensure you have relevant photos on the home page, talk about your services, or show off your merchandise. You can go into more detail on other pages if it’s needed.   

   
   

In the beginning, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but you can get through this! If you need support or would just prefer someone else to create your site for you, then you can contact the Silverlight Technology Group to help out.  

What color scheme are you thinking about using for your website? Let us know below, and stay supported!