How to Start a Website: 10-Step Guide for Non-Techies

How to Start a Website: 10-Step Guide for Non-Techies

So, you want to create a website? Amazing! It’s the biggest leveller online. 

With just a couple of clicks, your beautiful thoughts will be read by people worldwide. But where do you even start? Don’t worry. Let me guide you through the step-by-step process of how to start a website, even if you are as knowledgeable in tech stuff as I am in quantum physics.

Why Having A Website Will Change The Game

It is no longer a luxury but a necessity to have an online presence in this era that is filled with digital devices. When was the last time you bought or made any decision without googling? I thought so, too. Here are some reasons why:

• It allows you to reach a ridiculously huge audience (billions!)
• Establishes credibility and trust among your brand followers
• Lead generation and increased sales (money talking!)
• It enables you to tell your unique voice and story
• Open for business 24/7, every day of the year

Isn’t it wonderful? However, how does one get started with this magical door into the internet? Well, my friend, continue reading and let us find out.

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Website You Want

Websites come in all shapes and sizes these days. Are you looking to sell products online? Share your photography skills. Start a saucy blog? Define your primary goal upfront, as it will dictate which type of website you need:

The Main Website Categories

• E-commerce Site: To sell physical or digital products (t-shirts, courses, art, etc.)
• Portfolio Site: To showcase your work (designs, writing samples, photography, etc.)
• Blog: To share your thoughts, musings, expertise (news, opinion pieces, how-tos)
• Business Website: For companies to establish a professional online presence
• Personal Website: An online hub for your brand and story

Of course, you can always branch out and blend categories. However, starting with one core focus will make the setup process smoother.

Step 2: Choose a Descriptive Domain Name

A domain name like google.com or myawesomesite.com represents your unique internet address. It is how people will be able to locate you among the countless other websites in existence, so it is necessary to choose well.

Which Domain Name is a Good One?

• Concise and clear: Shoot for 6-14 characters. Shorter is punchier (and less often misspelt).
• Directly descriptive: The website’s purpose should be evident from its name alone (e.g., blogbysarah.com or chicagoplumber.com).
• Memorable: Avoid numbers, hyphens, and weird spellings that might confuse people later on.
• Includes keywords: Having a keyword in the domain related to what you’re writing about can help with SEO and recognition.

Don’t worry – finding an available domain name that fits doesn’t require being some kind of creative genius. There are plenty of generators out there which can give suggestions based on your keywords.

Pro Tip: If possible, go for .com/.net/.org – they’re the most trusted/recognisable. But if the .com is taken, hipster extensions like .io or .co can also work.

Step 3: Find a Web Host (Or Go Hostless!)

Every website requires a hosting service to store and maintain its files online. In the past, hosting was considered a total hassle and an expensive one at that. 

However, nowadays, due to website builders like Wix Squarespace or even Weebly, which are simple drag-and-drop tools where you can create your site easily without any coding skills required, launching an essential website on a budget or even for free is possible. 

What has made this possible is these platforms have included hosting services plus giving away free domains when users sign up with them.

Content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress.com, Blogger and Tumblr offer bundled website-building tools with free content hosting through their subdomain if used (example: yoursite.wordpress.com). 

Later on, when you want more customisable options along with growing your site, premium web hosting will likely be needed, but until then, these freebies are perfect for getting started.

Step 4: Pick Your Platform Carefully

How you build your website comes down to two main options: an all-in-one website builder or an open-source CMS like WordPress.org.

The User-Friendly Route: Website Builders

Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, and Strikingly are the easiest ways for newbies to get a site up and running fast.

Pros:

• Absolutely zero coding is required
• Simple drag-and-drop editors
• Tons of stylish templates
• Hosting and domain registration included
• Great for basic websites

Cons:

• Limited customisation freedom
• It can get pricey with add-ons
• Sticking with the same builder long-term
• Not great for complex sites

Website builders are like riding a bike with training wheels – they'll get you rolling immediately but limit how far you can go. They're perfect if you just want to share essential info or an online portfolio. But for more advanced business needs down the road, you'll likely outgrow them.

The More Powerful (Yet Complex) Path: WordPress

WordPress.org is the world's most popular platform, powering over 40% of websites. This free, open-source CMS gives you near-total customisation freedom, minus the code headaches of building from scratch.

Pros:

• Remarkably flexible and customisable
• Seamless scalability as your needs grow
• Massive ecosystem of themes and plugins
• A large community offering endless support
• Ideal for complex business websites

Cons:

• There is a steeper learning curve upfront
• Need separate web hosting
• More hands-on website management
• Not an all-in-one solution like builders

WordPress has a higher startup difficulty but quickly becomes the gift that keeps giving. Once you learn the ropes, creating anything from a primary blog to an enterprise e-commerce store is incredibly versatile. The plugin library alone is mind-boggling, with add-ons that can extend your site's features endlessly.

WordPress is worth the extra effort for significant projects, as you'll never be boxed in. But website builders provide a faster, easier liftoff for smaller, more straightforward sites.

Step 5: Design a Stunning Website

With your domain and platform picked out, it's time to make your website vision a reality. You'll use its templates and tools if you're on a website builder. For open CMSs like WordPress, you'll need to find a theme.

Choosing a Theme/Template

Your theme (also called a template) determines your site's overall look and layout. Good ones load quickly, are mobile-responsive, and have a clean, modern aesthetic. Don't pick anything too gimmicky or cluttered with needless bells and whistles.

Some top places to find WordPress themes:

• WordPress.com (free and paid options)
• ThemeForest (affordable premium themes)
• Astra and GeneratePress (free and lightweight)

Most website builders have ample template libraries built right in. Just keep in mind that over-customizing can get tricky compared to open-source CMSs.

Website Design Best Practices

When designing and laying out your all-important website, keep these tips in mind:

• Focus on User Experience (UX): Make navigating and finding what they need simple for visitors.
• Use Ample White Space: Cramming too many elements looks sloppy and overwhelming.
• Be Purposeful With Colors: Stick to 2-3 colors max and ensure good contrast.
• Prioritise Mobile-Friendliness: Over 60% of web traffic is mobile now—design with those tiny screens in mind.
• Incorporate Visuals: Images, videos, graphics, icons, and illustrations make pages more engaging.
• Optimise For Speed: Unoptimised media and plugins can tank your load times (and hurt SEO).

Remember, at the end of the day, the overall design should support your goals and work for your specific audience. Don't try to reinvent the wheel – keep it clean, simple and user-focused.

Step 6: Write Compelling Content

Okay, your website is looking prettier than a fresh-faced prom queen. It's time to fill it with content that intrigues visitors.

Whether it's product descriptions, blog posts, or about pages, great content accomplishes a few key things:

• Provides Value: Educate your audience. Answer their questions. Solve their problems. Give them a reason to keep reading!
• Connects on a Human Level: Use conversational language, personal stories, and humour to inject some personality!
• Guides Them Towards Action: Have a clear call-to-action like subscribing, buying, sharing, etc. Don't just give fluff.

The Essentials For Every Website

At the very minimum, make sure your website includes:

• Homepage: Your digital storefront that quickly conveys your purpose
• About Page: Share your mission, story, and why visitors should care
• Contact Page: Make it stupid-simple for people to get in touch
• Products/Services Pages: Highlight your offerings with persuasive copy
• Blog (optional but recommended): Consistently updated content builds authority

Of course, the specifics will depend on your website's particular goals. An e-commerce store needs detailed product info, while a freelancer requires an impressive portfolio section.

Either way, put on your most reader-friendly hat and aim to connect with your audience honestly. Treat them like friends, not faceless browser statistics.

Step 7: Optimise For Search Engines (SEO)

You've got a swanky new cyber-home to welcome visitors. But how will anyone find it amidst the gazillions of websites out there? That's where search engine optimisation (SEO) comes in.

SEO optimises your website to rank higher in search results for relevant keywords. Do it well, and you'll drive a ton of free, passive, targeted traffic to your site.

While entire books are dedicated to “cracking” SEO, some core on-page strategies include:

• Do Keyword Research: Find topics/phrases your audience is searching for
• Use Keywords Naturally: But don't go overboard (a.k.a. “keyword stuffing”)
• Optimise Meta Titles & Descriptions: These snippets determine how your pages display in results
• Use Header Tags Properly: Break up content into H2 and H3 subheadings for clarity
• Add Internal/External Links: Make it easy for search engines to find and index content
• Optimise Media: Compress images/videos and use descriptive names/alt text
• Prioritise Loading Speed: Fast pages keep visitors happy (and search engines love that)

Off-page SEO, like link building and local listings, are essential, too. But nailing on-page basics first gives you a rock-solid foundation to build.

Step 8: Stay Secure With an SSL Certificate

In today's web, privacy and data security are paramount. Implementing an SSL certificate keeps your site secure and safeguards any sensitive information.

See those URLs that start with “HTTP” vs “HTTPS”? The S stands for “secure” – indicating all data between the browser and server is encrypted to prevent hackers and snoopers.

SSL certificates used to be pricey and complex. But now, many web hosts offer free SSL out of the box or let you install one in a few clicks.

Not only does an SSL certificate protect visitors' data, but it's also a crucial trust signal. Most browsers now label HTTP sites as “Not Secure”, which could scare away skittish web users.

In short, get that SSL certificate installed pronto! Cyber-safety first, friends.

Step 9: Promote Your New Online Hub

Launching your website to…cricket sounds is the ultimate anti-climax. Once your digital homestead is ready for virtual visitors, roll out the welcome mat with promotion.

Some tried-and-true ways to drive traffic and spread awareness include:

• Leverage Social Media: Post teasers, share blogs, interact with your audience
• Try PPC Advertising: Running some paid ads can kickstart momentum
• Focus on Email Marketing: Build an email list to nurture leads directly
• Guest Post on Other Sites: Trade insights for exposure to new audiences
• Optimise Local Listings: Ensure your NAP is consistent across listings
• Network, Network, Network: Attend local events, meetups, seminars and more

Don't just “set it and forget it” post-launch. Commit to consistent marketing so your site stays visible, valuable and buzzing with activity. Stagnant, lifeless websites are sadder than balloon animals at a cemetery.

Step 10: Scale, Grow and Update Regularly

Congratulations! Your five-star website is polished, promoted and live to the world. But as Billy Mays once shouted, “THAT'S NOT ALL!”

You must continually improve and adapt your site to keep visitors returning and appease search engines.

Make it a point to update content regularly – nothing screams abandonware like a blog last updated in 2013. Routinely track and improve SEO issues. Stay on top of security patches.

As your web presence grows from a humble homestead into a booming metropolis, you'll likely need more robust hosting, additional software/tools, and new employees to support the more significant needs.

The world of websites is an ever-evolving journey, not a quick destination. Think of your site as an infinitely adaptable living organism instead of a dusty, static digital brochure.

The Door to Worldwide Opportunity is Open

Whew, we covered a lot of ground! From web hosts to WordPress themes, writing tips to SEO tactics – launching a website involves several plates to keep spinning.

But always keep sight of the monumental rewards that await you once that digital door is open. An engaged audience eager for your message, new business opportunities around the globe, and most importantly, the freedom to share your passion with the entire internet!

So bookmark this trusty guide, roll up your sleeves, and start crafting your little slice of the World Wide Web. Who knows, you may be the next internet icon!

Till we meet again in cyberspace… cue Airwolf theme music

How to Start a Website (FAQs)