So you heard about how people like you make a lot of money off the internet and decided that it is time to take your business online. How do you go about it? What is a website even? It can be stressful, especially as this isn’t your area of expertise. But not to worry, this is why we are here. To help you with important information so you can rest easy.
In this article, I will tell you about the things you should look out for, what you should have and the steps involved in setting up your first website. Grab your pens and papers because class is in session.
Get a logo and branding
One of the first things web developers want to know about your business will be if you have a logo and branding. What this does is set your business apart from other businesses on the internet. So if you do not have a logo, it is best you get one. A logo should be simple and classy, no complex text or weird combination. When you have a lot of options to choose from, going with the simplest is almost always the right choice. Branding is basically an extension of your logo design, how do you want your website to look? What colours do you want on the site? What kind of pictures do you want on the website? This merges with the next item on our list!!
Content:Â
This describes EVERYTHING people see when they look at your website. From your logo, to pictures, to information and so on. Now this is where it gets dicey because a lot of people who want to build websites do not know they have to get content. Content is basically information about your brand a.k.a when customers visit your website, what do they see? What do you want them to see? Content is one of the most integral parts of building a website, no matter how amazing the web design company is, they cannot do anything to give you a responsive web design if you do not have content.Â
Now because I am nice, I am going to give you a simple list of the kind of content you should be looking for: For a normal website you will need:
About information:Â
This just tells people who you are, and the history of your business. It should include information like your mission and vision. Make it short and classy. Nobody has time to be read story!!!
Services:
Basically: What can you can offer your customers?
Pictures:
The more the merrier, pictures add authenticity to your business, especially as this is the internet and people have no way of physically confirming anything you say!
Portfolio:
This is basically a short summary of projects, sales or clients you have worked with in the past. It is not necessary but a great value to have.
Testimonials:Â
This is where you get short reviews from some of your best customers to co-sign your services and confirm that you can indeed deliver. Testimonials are super helpful and important, try to get them if you can!!!
Contact information:
Address (if necessary), phone number, email and social media accounts.
Product information:
If you want to make sales directly on the site like Konga or Jumia, you will need this. This includes: name of products, images and additional information, size, colours etc.
Buy Domain and Hosting
Now we’re about to get a bit technical. But don’t fret, just breathe and listen!! A domain name is basically a name used on the internet to identify your business. But the problem with domain names is that it is possible that the one you want is taken because like it or not, you are not the only Ayomide that sells perfumes on the internet. So it might be necessary to get a little bit creative with the naming. You can buy a domain name by yourself or get the web developer to do it. On the other hand, hosting is like your piece of land on the internet. Depending on how much information will be on your website, you can buy different plans which coincide with the size of your land! Your web development agency will also help out here.
We hope this article has been of help to you in case you’re thinking of setting up a simple website for your business.Â
Now if you’re looking for a tried and trusted web design company to give you a mobile responsive design, check out Astract9 Designs (https://astract.com/). For a bit over 4 years now, Astract9 has been providing business owners such as yourself with solutions in custom website design, software development, graphics and content development for your branding and content needs. Send them an email at [email protected] today and get yourself that website you’ve been dreaming about.
