What You Need to Know About Building a Web Site
There’s no doubt that the Internet is a vital part of today’s society, and businesses of all types use the cyber world to market themselves. A user-friendly Web site can help current or prospective clients quickly find useful information, such as contact information or a list of services, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. Web sites also remove geographic barriers, which can help expand your market on a global scale.
Below, we outline some of the basic fundamentals you should consider when designing your Web site, or when revamping your current site. Before designing it yourself or hiring a professional, it’s crucial to check your company’s compliance regulations.
Purchasing a domain name and hosting services
You will need a domain name to begin your Web site. For example, www.yourcompanyname.com is a domain name. You can purchase a domain name through a registrar, a company accredited to manage and reserve domain names. The registrar does not need to be the same company as the host, which is a company that provides space on its server for individuals to host their Web sites. GoDaddy.com, HostMonster.com and MediaTemple.net are all popular Web hosts, and there are many more. Your registrar will provide information on how to set up hosting or direct to your hosting provider. Your hosting company will provide the necessary instructions for uploading your content. Costs vary for hosting.
Organizing content
Before you begin designing, you likely will want to create a content list that establishes what information will be included on your Web site. Some ideas for sections or content types include:
• About Us
• Services/Approach
• Blog
• Frequently asked questions
• Documents/Photos
• News
• Contact information
• RSS feed
Beyond the basics
After you have gathered the necessary information for your Web site, purchased a domain name and found a host, you can decide whether you would like to design the Web site yourself or hire a professional. If you want to design it yourself, your hosting provider may offer some design templates. Even if you want to design it yourself, which can prove to be a daunting task without Web design experience, you also may want to consider hiring a writer or proofreader to create or improve your content.
Once you have your basic site up, you might want to consider adding other types of content to improve its visibility online.
Linking from your site to others, or to social networks
You can increase your Web search visibility, as well as expand your professional network, by linking your Web site to other Web sites or to social-media sites like LinkedIn or Twitter. Perhaps you also want to include a blog or a link to an industry video you posted on YouTube. All the links will help get your Web site better traction online. (You also can hire someone to help you with search engine optimization or marketing—to make sure your site shows up closer to the top of search results.) Of course, you will need to check with your company about social-media compliance rules.
Updating your site
It is important to update your Web site regularly to show that you are an active company, as well as to provide people with new information (search engines also like when sites are updated). If you do not have time to update your site, consider hiring a professional to do so.