12 Steps to a Small Business Website
We explain the complex topic of website development in easy to understand terminology. We explain what goes into building a website, who builds websites
Menu
Step 1 – Get a Great Domain Name
12 Part Series for a Small Business Website
The first step in creating a professional small business website is to get a unique domain name for your business. A domain name is like your home address. This unique identifier makes sure that if someone needs to get directly to your website they can do so easily. A domain name can also be called a URL, an abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator.
Make Your Domain Name Memorable
Most people will type your web address into their browser without thinking about it, so you want something that’s easy to remember and spell. A domain name that matches your business name or product name exactly is usually the best (and most obvious) choice (e.g., www.SimpleWebsiteService.ca). If this isn’t available, you may need to get a bit creative, such as adding a city or region name to the domain.
Check If Your Preferred Domain Name is Available
You don’t want to spend time and money designing your small business website only to find out that someone else already owns the domain name you wanted. Go to a reputable domain registry service (called a “Registrar”) website such as GoDaddy.com and see if the domain name you have chosen is available for purchase.
If the domain name is available, you can purchase it for a one-time fee, typically ranging from $20 to $30 per year.
Be Wary of Domain Scams!
Watch out for scams where companies, not your original Registrar, send domain owners emails or letters warning them their domains are expiring and asking domain owners to pay a fee (sometimes as high as $300) to “renew and protect” their domains. Do not fall for these scams. Once you’ve registered your domain with a reputable company, deal ONLY with that company regarding your domain name.
Own Your Domain Name for the Long Term
Once you purchase the domain, you will continue to own it for as long as you continue to pay the annual renewal fee. Whenever someone types your domain name into their web browser, they will be taken to the computer where your website is hosted (more on that later).
Securing a great domain name is a crucial first step in establishing your small business website. Ensure it’s memorable, easy to spell, and free from potential confusion. Always check the availability of your desired domain name through a reputable Registrar and beware of scams. By following these guidelines, you’ll set a strong foundation for your online presence.
Take the first step towards a successful online business by selecting the perfect domain name today!
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 4 – Choose Your Content Management System
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.