How Do I Build My Business Website? Do This First!
How Do I Build My Business Website? Do This First!
I vividly recall starting my first business at the ripe age of 11 or 12, crafting Vera Bradley-inspired quilt bags with my mom’s help. Each new business venture fueled dreams of millionaire interviews and empire-building, with my focus fixed on designing eye-catching websites using any free platform available.
Fast forward to my photography business, where I discovered a vital
piece missing from my approach: user-centric design. After gaining some education and consulting with numerous business owners, I learned that, beyond the allure of platforms like Squarespace and Wix, or the perfect business name, the key to success lies in prioritizing the user experience.
Here’s a checklist to ensure your website maximizes its chances of success:
01
Identify Your Target Audience
Before fretting over web hosts or business names, understand who your audience is and where they spend their online time. Consider their device preferences—desktop or mobile. Research the online habits of your potential clients based on factors like age and gender. If you’re a new website, select a target audience and study the websites they find successful before diving into yours.
02
Craft a Comprehensive Brand Guide
A brand guide is more than just picking your favorite colors. Your website’s colors, fonts, and tone convey the values your brand represents. Choose design elements that align with the image you want to project. For instance, if your site is for a spa retreat, opt for calming colors like blues and greens. While creativity is essential, users are less likely to trust a layout that seems unfamiliar. Being conscious of this from the outset sets the stage for success.
03
Consistently Follow Your Brand Guide
While change can be enticing, consistency is key. Stick to your chosen font size, color palette, and tone of voice. Repetition might seem monotonous, but it enhances accessibility and helps users quickly find the information they seek. Avoid distracting changes that could drive users away.
04
Develop a Sitemap
Don’t rush into design without a plan. Creating a website solely to achieve a visually pleasing layout might compromise functionality. Write a sitemap first to determine the logical flow of your website. Consider the user’s needs; for instance, if quick communication is vital, place the contact form prominently instead of burying it behind an extensive “about me” section.
I vividly recall starting my first business at the ripe age of 11 or 12, crafting Vera Bradley-inspired quilt bags with my mom’s help. Each new business venture fueled dreams of millionaire interviews and empire-building, with my focus fixed on designing eye-catching websites using any free platform available.
Fast forward to my photography business, where I discovered a vital
piece missing from my approach: user-centric design. After gaining some education and consulting with numerous business owners, I learned that, beyond the allure of platforms like Squarespace and Wix, or the perfect business name, the key to success lies in prioritizing the user experience.
Here’s a checklist to ensure your website maximizes its chances of success:
01
Identify Your Target Audience
Before fretting over web hosts or business names, understand who your audience is and where they spend their online time. Consider their device preferences—desktop or mobile. Research the online habits of your potential clients based on factors like age and gender. If you’re a new website, select a target audience and study the websites they find successful before diving into yours.
02
Craft a Comprehensive Brand Guide
A brand guide is more than just picking your favorite colors. Your website’s colors, fonts, and tone convey the values your brand represents. Choose design elements that align with the image you want to project. For instance, if your site is for a spa retreat, opt for calming colors like blues and greens. While creativity is essential, users are less likely to trust a layout that seems unfamiliar. Being conscious of this from the outset sets the stage for success.
03
Consistently Follow Your Brand Guide
While change can be enticing, consistency is key. Stick to your chosen font size, color palette, and tone of voice. Repetition might seem monotonous, but it enhances accessibility and helps users quickly find the information they seek. Avoid distracting changes that could drive users away.
04
Develop a Sitemap
Don’t rush into design without a plan. Creating a website solely to achieve a visually pleasing layout might compromise functionality. Write a sitemap first to determine the logical flow of your website. Consider the user’s needs; for instance, if quick communication is vital, place the contact form prominently instead of burying it behind an extensive “about me” section.
Launching a successful website involves more than securing a web host. Invest time in these foundational steps to ensure your online debut leaves a lasting impression. Remember, meticulous planning upfront leads to a smoother and more prosperous online journey.
Launching a successful website involves more than securing a web host. Invest time in these foundational steps to ensure your online debut leaves a lasting impression. Remember, meticulous planning upfront leads to a smoother and more prosperous online journey.
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