12 Steps to a Small Business Website
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Step 4 – Choose Your Content Management System
12 Part Series for a Small Business Website
As we have discussed, a robust online presence is crucial for small businesses. A well-designed website can help you reach new customers, showcase your services, and build credibility. But where do you start? The first step is choosing a content management system (CMS) that suits your needs.
A CMS is software that helps users create, manage, and modify content on a website without needing to write code. Let’s explore some of the most popular CMS options (top website builders for small businesses) and how they can benefit your small business.
WordPress - The World's Most Popular CMS
Why Choose WordPress?
WordPress is free and open-source, making it accessible to anyone. Its enormous user base has contributed to a vast library of plugins and themes, allowing you to add specific functions and customize your website’s appearance effortlessly.
Key Features:
- Flexibility: Customize your site with thousands of themes and plugins.
- Ease of Use: Even without coding knowledge, you can create a professional website.
- Community Support: A large user base means plenty of forums, tutorials, and resources.
- Ownership: You truly own your site, as it doesn’t depend on a third-party service.
Is WordPress Right for You?
WordPress is ideal for small businesses that want a custom, professional website with minimal coding. It’s the platform of choice for many web designers due to its flexibility and comprehensive support options.
Alternatives to WordPress
While WordPress is a fantastic option, it’s not the only one. Here are some other popular CMS choices:
Wix
Wix is known for its beautiful templates and ease of use. With a drag-and-drop builder, creating a website is straightforward. However, it lacks some of the functionality that other CMS platforms offer.
Key Features of Wix
- User-Friendly: Drag-and-drop builder makes customization easy.
- Design: Great templates for visually appealing websites.
- All-In-One: Hosting is included, simplifying the setup process.
Squarespace
Squarespace offers more features and customization options than Wix but comes at a higher price point. It may be suitable for businesses that need a sleek, professional look with more advanced functionalities.
Key Features of Squarespace
- Customization: More design options and features than Wix.
- Professional Templates: High-quality designs suitable for various industries.
- Integrated Hosting: No need to purchase separate hosting.
Google Sites
Google Sites is a simple, user-friendly platform that integrates seamlessly with other Google services. However, it lacks the advanced features and customization options found in other CMS platforms.
Key Features of Google Sites
- Integration: Works well with Google Workspace.
- Simplicity: Easy to set up and use.
- Cost: Often free or low-cost, making it budget-friendly.
Important Considerations
Ownership of Your Website
When using website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or Google Sites, your site resides on their platform. This means you don’t fully “own” your website. If you stop using their service, your website could disappear. WordPress, however, allows you to own your site independently, making it a preferred choice for many small business owners.
Ease of Use vs. Functionality
Consider what matters more to you – an easy setup with limited customization or a bit more complexity with greater control and ownership. Each CMS has its strengths and weaknesses, so weigh them according to your business needs.
Choosing the right CMS for your small business is a vital decision that can impact your online presence and success. WordPress offers flexibility and true ownership, making it a strong contender for many businesses. However, platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Google Sites provide simplicity and ease of use, which might be more suitable for others. As we pointed out, with these platforms, you do not fully “own” your website
Ready to get started? Whichever path you choose, ensure it aligns with your goals and provides the features you need to connect with your audience effectively. If you need assistance, feel free to book a FREE website consultation with one of our experts who can guide you through the process and help you make the best choice for your business.
Get started on your CMS journey today and watch your online presence flourish!
Step 1 – Get a Great Domain Name
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Step 2 – Create an Outline of Your Small Business Website
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Step 3 – Write Compelling Content for your Website
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Step 5 – Select Web Hosting for Your Business
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Step 6 – Create Your Branding Guide
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Step 7 – Design Your Small Business Website Frontend
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Step 8 – Test Your Responsive Website Design
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Step 9 – Connect Your Domain Name to Your New Website
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Step 10 – Security Measures for your Small Business Website
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Step 11 – Local SEO: Tell Search Engines about Your Website
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Step 12 – Establish a Website Support Plan
Let’s take a look at what a domain name is, what a URL is, how to get a website domain name, a bit of
Simple Website Service
Simple Website Service is an affordable, turn-key, custom professional website service for small business owners. Our website design solution comes with full ongoing support for updates, maintenance, security and backup. Our customers speak with a REAL person. With over 100 customers, our singular focus allows us to keep costs down for our customers. Small business websites are ALL we do. For over 17 years, we’ve listened to our customers – small business owners who need help creating professional websites that truly represent their brand. But, traditional options are expensive and time consuming while templated do-it-yourself solutions fail to capture the essence of what makes their businesses unique. That’s why we created Simple Website Service for small business owners who don’t have the time to wade through the complexities of a web project.