STARTING OUT AND SETTING UP: Where to Start with a Web Presence

**Collaborative post**

With the current climate posing a challenge for businesses to trade, as usual, it is a wise time to transfer into an online business. You don’t need extensive knowledge to begin, so let’s take a look at some options available and how to navigate into a web presence.

A Little Thought = a Successful Transition

It’s important to think of how you communicate your business to a customer ahead of starting a website. Time spent looking at how other websites successfully communicate vision and practices to visitors is a valuable asset. 

Remember, you are as much telling people about your business as much as you are informing them why they need it.

Securing a URL

The first step when you are ready, to begin with, your website is identifying if your ideal domain name is available. Using Wix or GoDaddy searches will let you know if your intended web URL is available and will not be a clash. If your domain is available (ie bettieschocolates.com), it is also worth registering additional domains such as .co.uk or .net.

This will reduce the risks of another business taking those suffixes and causing client confusion.

Find the Right Web Host

Where to store your data is something that should be researched in order to ensure the server is right for your business needs. Usually, businesses secure an external hosting service as there is going to be a lot of data over time.

You need to look into the levels of security as well as how much speed available within each provider. There are many that offer cheaper pricing but that is not always a reliable resource and could prove unresponsive if your website has problems and downtime which will affect your business.

Read reviews to better gauge the best provider for what you require.

Website Options

Web Development professionals are the choices of many businesses to give a perfect representation of their online presence. These come with built-in web hosting as well as programming and design which you will not get with a free online web development option.

It is important when looking for a web developer to not go with the simple cheap option to save a few pounds. A reputable web developer may have a set price, but what you pay for is also additional features such as support and updates which may happen frequently. Look into what you get from the set-up fee and monthly charges to ensure you get fully covered.

Look to provide content such as your own photographs instead of stock photos to give your brand its own identity. Customers feel more in tune with a company that is relatable. Get feedback from other businesses you know and work with on what your values and standout features of the business is. They use you for a reason.

Are you Selling Online?

You have a few options if planning on selling your products online. If you are thinking of it as an extra to your website then the ideal solution would be looking into shopping cart software.

If your focus is purely selling products online then it is more preferable to look into an ecommerce solution, such as GoDaddy or Shopify. Research into the best solution and get recommendations around how you look to trade effectively in this area.

Also, look into how complicated some solutions can be for the client base to navigate before making a decision.

Be Happy with your Site Before Publishing

Always get someone to review and test your website before going live, taking in a fresh pair of eyes on how it comes across to a potential client. Be sure that all spelling, layout and functionalities are ready to be showcased and no area is left looking unprofessional.

Remember, presentation is everything and you don’t want something being pulled up by a potential customer.

Make sure that it has no problems navigating between pages and that it flows as expected before publishing to the web. This saves you having to make repairs and alterations later.

Link to Social Media

Now you have a functioning website you need to attract traffic to it. Promoting on social media through business pages and groups is essential to build an audience, and ensure that any promotional materials have your new URL for all to see.

This will be the biggest help to build a client base and ensure your website is getting enough attention and visitors wanting to fully explore what you can provide. Now you have a website and are on your way to further developing your business online.

Another option is to look at Search Engine Optimization (SEO) which Stockport website design companies have extensive success in deploying as well as responsive web design.