How to Set Up a Website: 10 Steps to Get Online
A blank page. The blinking cursor. The empty domain.
Your website does not exist, but it could. It should.
In the world of now, when attention is on the new currency, having no website is like having no business card. Worse, it's like having no voice.
But here's the thing: setting up a website isn't about perfection. It's not about having every bell and whistle from day one. It's about starting. It's about putting your stake in the digital ground and saying, “I'm here. This is me. This is what I have to offer.”
Ten steps. That's all it takes to go from digital silence into your online presence: ten steps to turn your ideas, passion, and business into something tangible, something shareable.
Will it be perfect? No. Will it be finished? Never.
But it will be yours. And that's the point.
Let's start work.
Why Set Up a Website?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of setting up a website, let's look at why you might want to set one up in the first place.
Your Digital Storefront
In the modern world, your website is your shopfront that never closes. It's always open, ready to meet and greet visitors and represent you or your brand. Yet, unlike the physical shopfront, your website can reach people across the globe, breaking geographical barriers.
Establish Credibility
A professional website gives one a legitimate business or personal brand. It showcases that you mean business and are serious about what you do; one more channel for potential customers or employers to know about you.
Highlight Your Work
Whether you are a graphic artist, writer, photographer, or creative employee, a website will provide you with the right spot to show your portfolio. This is your gallery, which is open to the world.
Connect with Your Audience
The website allows you to go directly to your audience. You can engage your visitors through blog posts, contact forms, or social media integrations, building a community around your brand or interests.
Control Your Narrative
Unlike social media platforms, which put you at the mercy of algorithms and platform rules, your website is your domain, pun intended. You have complete control over how you present yourself and your content.
Having briefed on the ‘why', we will now explain ‘how'. The setup of a website is based on several basic steps, which we shall discuss one by one.
Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name
Your website’s domain name is the location of your webpage online. People will enter this into their browsers to get to your site, so it is critical to think it through. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect domain name:
Shorten It
The shorter the domain name, the easier it is for people to remember and type it. Look for a phrase that is brief yet captures the nature of your brand well.
Build It Unforgettably
The domain name should be “oh-that’s-a-cool-name”, which is catchy and easy to memorise. Never jumble up letters or numbers that could potentially confuse people.
Add Keywords
If you are running a business website, integrating appropriate keywords into your domain name can be very helpful in improving your position in search engine results pages.
Verifying the Availability
Once you list some names, the first action you take is to check for their availability. Many domain name registrars in the market offer domain name search tools.
Get the Perfect Ending
Consequently, although .com is the most familiar domain suffix, you should still look at other top-level domain extensions like .co.uk, .org, or .net that may suit you better.
Step 2: Select a Web Hosting Provider
Once your domain name is sorted, you'll need somewhere to host your website. Think of web hosting as renting space on a computer (a server) that's always connected to the internet. When someone types in your domain name, this server sends your website files to their browser.
Types of Web Hosting
There are several types of web hosting to choose from:
- Shared Hosting: Your website shares server resources with other websites. It's the most affordable option and is suitable for small websites.
- Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting: Offers more resources and control than shared hosting but still shares a physical server with other websites.
- Dedicated Hosting: You get an entire server to yourself. It's the most expensive option but offers the most control and resources.
- Cloud Hosting: Your website is hosted on multiple servers, offering scalability and reliability.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Web Host
- Uptime: Look for providers that guarantee at least 99.9% uptime.
- Speed: Fast loading times are crucial for user experience and SEO.
- Customer Support: 24/7 support can be a lifesaver when issues arise.
- Scalability: Can the host accommodate your website as it grows?
- Price: While important, don't sacrifice quality for a lower price.
Step 3: Design Your Website
Now comes the fun part – designing your website! This is where you can unleash your creativity and bring your vision to life. But remember, while aesthetics are important, functionality should always come first.
Choose a Website Builder or Content Management System (CMS)
Unless you're a web developer, you'll probably want to use a website builder or CMS to create your site. Popular options include:
- WordPress: Highly customisable and great for blogs and content-heavy sites.
- Wix: User-friendly drag-and-drop interface, suitable for beginners.
- Shopify: Specifically designed for e-commerce websites.
- Squarespace: Known for its sleek, modern templates.
Select a Theme or Template
Most website builders and CMSs offer a range of pre-designed themes or templates. Choose one that aligns with your brand and the purpose of your website. Remember, you can usually customise these templates to make them unique.
Customise Your Design
Once you've chosen a template, it's time to make it your own. This might involve:
- Changing colours to match your brand
- Adding your logo
- Customising fonts
- Uploading your images
Create Your Pages
Every website needs a few essential pages:
- Home Page: This is your website's front door. Make it welcoming and informative.
- About Page: Tell your story or explain what your business does.
- Contact Page: Make it easy for visitors to contact you.
- Products/Services Page: If you're selling something, showcase it here.
Optimise for Mobile
With more people browsing on their phones than ever before, it's crucial that your website looks good and functions well on mobile devices. Most modern website builders and themes are mobile-responsive by default, but it's worth double-checking.
Step 4: Add Content to Your Website
Content is king, as they say, in the digital world. It will keep visitors returning to your site and help you rank in search engines. Here's how to create compelling content for your website:
Write Clear and Engaging Copy
Your website copy should be easy to read and understand. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and subheadings to break up text and make it scannable.
Use High-Quality Images
Images can make or break your website design. Use high-quality, relevant images that enhance your content. If you don't have your own, there are many stock photo websites where you can find professional images.
Create Valuable Blog Posts
If you're including a blog on your website (and you should!), focus on creating content that provides value to your readers. Answer their questions, solve their problems, or entertain them.
Incorporate Videos
Video content is increasingly popular and can boost engagement on your site. Consider adding product demos, explainer videos, or behind-the-scenes footage.
Update Regularly
Keep your content fresh by updating it regularly. This keeps visitors returning and signals to search engines that your site is active.
Step 5: Implement Essential Features and Functionality
Depending on the purpose of your website, you might need to add various features and functionalities. Here are some common ones:
Contact Form
Make it easy for visitors to contact you by adding a contact form. Most website builders offer this as a built-in feature.
Social Media Integration
Link your social media profiles to your website to increase your online presence and engage with your audience across platforms.
E-commerce Functionality
If you're selling products or services, you must set up e-commerce features like a shopping cart and secure payment gateway.
Search Function
A search function can help visitors quickly find what they want for content-heavy websites.
Newsletter Sign-up
Building an email list is a great way to keep in touch with your audience. Add a newsletter sign-up form to capture visitors' email addresses.
Step 6: Optimise for Search Engines
You want people to find your website. That's where Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) comes in. Here are some essential SEO tips to get you started:
Use Relevant Keywords
Research keywords related to your content and incorporate them naturally into your copy, headings, and meta descriptions.
Create Quality Content
Search engines love fresh, original, high-quality content. Focus on creating valuable content that answers your audience's questions.
Optimise Your Images
Use descriptive file names and alt text for your images to help search engines understand what they're about.
Build Quality Backlinks
Encourage other reputable websites to link to your content. This signals to search engines that your site is trustworthy.
Improve Site Speed
Fast-loading websites rank better in search results. Optimise your images, minify your code, and choose a good hosting provider to improve your site speed.
Step 7: Ensure Your Website is Secure
In today's digital landscape, website security is more important than ever. Here's how to keep your website safe:
Install an SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate encrypts data transmitted between your website and its visitors. It's essential for e-commerce sites and also helps with SEO.
Use Strong Passwords
Use unique, complex passwords for your website admin area and hosting account. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
Keep Software Updated
Regularly update your CMS, plugins, and themes to patch security vulnerabilities.
Back-Up Your Website
Regular backups ensure you can restore your site if something goes wrong. Many hosting providers offer automatic backup services.
Step 8: Test Your Website
Before you launch your website to the world, it's crucial to test it thoroughly. Here's what to check:
Cross-Browser Compatibility
Test your website on different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) to ensure it looks and functions correctly on all of them.
Mobile Responsiveness
Check how your website looks on various mobile devices. Does it adapt well to different screen sizes?
Functionality Testing
Test all your forms, links, and interactive elements to ensure they work as intended.
Loading Speed
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site's loading speed and get suggestions for improvement.
Proofreading
Carefully proofread all your content for spelling and grammatical errors. Consider asking someone else to review it as well – a fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.
Step 9: Launch Your Website
Congratulations! You're now ready to launch your website. Here's what to do:
Double-Check Everything
Do a final review of all your content, design, and functionality.
Set Up Analytics
Install Google Analytics or another analytics tool to track your website's performance.
Submit Your Site to Search Engines
While search engines will eventually find your site independently, you can speed up the process by submitting your sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.
Announce Your Launch
Share your new website on social media, email your contacts, or consider a press release if appropriate.
Step 10: Maintain and Update Your Website
Launching your website is just the beginning. To keep it performing well, you'll need to maintain and update it regularly:
Monitor Performance
Use Google Analytics to track visitor behaviour and identify areas for improvement.
Update Content
Keep your content fresh and relevant by updating it regularly.
Perform Regular Backups
Make sure your website is backed up regularly to prevent data loss.
Stay on Top of Security
Keep your software updated and regularly scan for vulnerabilities.
Gather Feedback
Ask your visitors for feedback and use it to improve your website.
Conclusion
Setting up a website might seem complex, but it becomes much more manageable by breaking it down into these steps. Remember, your website reflects you or your business, so take the time to do it right.
Feel free to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and continually improve your site based on feedback and analytics.
Whether you're a small business owner, a freelancer, or someone passionate about sharing with the world, having your website can open up opportunities.
As you build and develop your website, it is well worth considering how integrating technology will improve operational efficiency and user experience.
For example, in healthcare, companies like Jelvix have been in the vanguard, providing software solutions that meet the requirements of health practitioners and further everything from keeping patients' data to telemedicine platforms.
Developments like these remind us that, depending on one's industry, expert software development houses can develop applications that can smooth the day-to-day workflow, enabling your organisation to match its competitors in a lightning-speed world.
So, what are you waiting for? It's time to stake your claim in the digital landscape and make your voice heard!
How to Set up a Website FAQs
How much does it cost to set up a website?
The cost can vary widely depending on your needs. An essential website might cost as little as £50-£100 per year for hosting and a domain name, while a more complex site could cost thousands. Website builders often offer all-in-one packages from around £10-£30 per month.
How long does it take to set up a website?
You could have a primary site with a website builder in a day or two. A more complex, custom-built site might take several weeks or even months.
Do I need to know how to code to create a website?
Not necessarily. Many website builders and CMSs allow you to create a website without coding knowledge. However, understanding some basic HTML and CSS can be helpful for more advanced customisation.
What's the difference between a domain name and web hosting?
A domain name is your website's online address (like www.yoursite.com). Web hosting is where your website's files are stored, making them accessible online.
Can I set up an online shop on my website?
Yes, many website builders and CMSs offer e-commerce functionality. Platforms like Shopify are specifically designed for online stores.
How often should I update my website?
It depends on your type of website, but generally, you should aim to update your content at least once a month to keep it fresh and relevant.
Is it better to use a website builder or hire a web developer?
It depends on your needs and budget. Website builders are great for simple sites and those on a tight budget. For more complex, custom sites, hiring a developer might be better.
How can I make my website appear in Google search results?
Implement good SEO practices, create quality content, build backlinks, and submit your sitemap to Google Search Console. It can take some time for a new site to start ranking.
What's the best platform for blogging?
WordPress is considered one of the best blogging platforms due to its flexibility and extensive plugin ecosystem.
How do I make my website mobile-friendly?
Choose a responsive theme or template, use a mobile-friendly website builder, and test your site on various devices. Also, consider implementing AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) for faster loading on mobile devices.
What's the difference between http and https?
HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP. It encrypts data transmitted between the website and the user's browser, providing better security and privacy.
Can I change my website design after it's launched?
Yes, you can change your website design at any time. However, it's best to plan your layout carefully to avoid confusion for regular visitors.
