Don’t do a Hoover!
When you start a new business, one of the first things you will probably think of is getting a website. It’s a business essential these days, but it can be a minefield if you are not really sure what you’re doing.
Here are five things you need to think about before you launch yourself into cyberspace:
- Choose your web domain carefully. You may have thought of the best business name ever, but is this web domain already taken? How long would the web domain be? www.thisisthenameofmybusiness.co.uk might describe you perfectly, but can you imagine having to fit that on your business card or type that as an email log in over and over again?
- Buy your own web domain. Don’t leave this to anyone else, especially not a web designer if you use one. You need to buy your own domain so that you own it. If a web company buys it then they may put it in their name and if things go sour or they go bust, you could well lose everything. Companies such as 123-Reg and Go Daddy are reputable online places to buy a web domain.
- DIY websites. If you have some basic design and IT skills then you can access a wealth of online resources to help you build your site. Platforms such as WordPress and Moonfruit offer loads of templates to help you with layout and styling.
- Employ a web designer. If you have a budget to spend on your website then you can get a web designer to craft web pages for you. A web designer will have skills and knowledge of various platforms and also be able to advise you on what works for the viewer and what doesn’t. It is worth considering using a professional as your website is your calling card and needs to properly represent your brand.
- Start blogging and using social media. Writing a blog will ensure your web content is kept fresh and interesting. This will really help your search engine rankings and give your readers a reason to come back to the site.Add social media links to your site so people can follow you on other platforms: this will also give you a place to encourage people back to your website to purchase your products or services.
Your website is very important, so spend a bit of time planning to make sure you get what you want and need.
Related posts
