8 Key Things You Must Know When Creating Your Website

A website is more than just an online presence – it’s the digital face of your business. As the first point of contact for many potential clients, your website can make or break their impression of your business.

With millions of sites vying for attention, a generic, poorly constructed website can get lost in the vast expanse of the internet. On the other hand, a well-crafted, purpose-driven website can elevate a brand, foster trust, and drive business growth.

While many businesses have a basic website, not all are optimized to achieve their primary goals. If you’re planning to create or revamp your website, here are eight crucial things you need to consider:

1. The Budget

You can have a website designed at nearly any price range, but the popular phrase “you get what you pay for” often rings true. While searching for web designers, be sure to prepare a clear budget.

Your designer will be able to determine the scope of the project that fits within your budget.

• Invest Wisely: While it’s possible to get a website at various price points, remember that quality often correlates with cost. A higher budget can provide a more customized and professional-looking site.
• Transparent Communication: Clearly communicate your budget to potential web designers. This ensures that both parties have aligned expectations and can work within the set parameters.

2. The Purpose

When building a website, you must get clear on it’s purpose. Do you want to sell your services/products? Grow your email list? Or, simply inform the public? Whatever the goal – you must keep it at the forefront of your web building process.

The purpose will guide your web designer, developer, and all of the content on your site.

• Define Your Goals: Whether you aim to sell products, grow your email list, or provide information, your website’s purpose should be crystal clear.
• Consistency is Key: Every element on your website, from design to content, should align with and support your primary goal.

3. The Target Audience

Being aware of your target audience is a key factor in any business. They are the group of people whom you wish attract to your website. Once you know the purpose of your business, you can easily understand your target audience. 

Knowing this information allows you to customize your website to exactly what they are looking for.

• Know Your Audience: Understand the demographics, preferences, and behaviors of your ideal customers.
• Tailored Experience: Design your website to cater to your audience’s specific needs and preferences, ensuring a more personalized user experience.

4. The Design

Web design trends often change, but a well-designed website lasts forever. Once your web designer understands the purpose of your website and your target audience, they can design a site that meets both you and your audience’s needs.

• Timeless Over Trendy: While it’s essential to be aware of current design trends, prioritize a timeless design that resonates with your brand and audience.
• Feedback Loop: Regularly gather feedback from users to ensure the design remains effective and user-friendly.

5. The Navigation

Usability is a key factor in how long visitors remain on your website. Let’s face it we are living in an impatient time. If someone clicks a button on your site, and it doesn’t lead where they thought – they are likely to exit the entire site.

Be sure that your website is designed to take users where they expect to go, with as few clicks as possible.

• User-Centric Design: Prioritize user experience by ensuring intuitive navigation. A user should find what they’re looking for with ease.
• Mobile Optimization: With the rise of mobile browsing, ensure your website’s navigation is seamless across all devices.

6. The Content

All of the information, or content, on your website is essential in helping visitors find your business. Search engines, like Google, scan this information regularly to help rank websites.

Be sure to include keywords and phrases that your target audience would search.

• Quality Over Quantity: While it’s essential to have relevant content, prioritize quality. Well-researched, engaging content can set you apart from competitors.
• SEO Best Practices: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally, ensuring your website ranks higher on search engines and reaches your target audience.

7. The Method

After you’ve decided on the content that will fill your website, the next step is to choose which method you will use to build it. There are many do-it-yourself website builders on the market, but if you’re not skilled in the industry it will likely show.

Hiring a web designer and developer can ease the stress of creating a beautiful and functional website.

• DIY vs. Professional: While DIY website builders offer convenience, a professional web designer can provide a unique, optimized, and tailored website.
• Continuous Learning: The digital landscape is ever-evolving. Stay updated with the latest tools and methods to ensure your website remains current.

8. The Marketing

You’ve finally achieved a website that you want to show the world, but the world isn’t exactly waiting around to see your site. Make your business website known by including the web address on your social media, print marketing materials, and in areas that your target audience is likely to be.

• Promote Everywhere: Share your website link across all marketing channels—social media, email signatures, business cards, and more.
• Engage and Interact: Engage with your audience through regular updates, blog posts, and interactive content to keep them coming back.

Final Thoughts

Building a successful website is a journey, not a destination. Once you’ve got a grasp on the crucial steps your website needs to accomplish your goals – you’re on the right track and you’ll be well on your way to creating a website that not only looks great but also achieves its core objectives.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember that resources like my Website Launch Roadmap are here to guide you every step of the way.