You’ve made the first step in considering starting your own website, we can all agree that this step is typically the hardest. But you are already halfway there, the rest is just an adventure of learning. In today's age, having a website, or simply a social media presence (combining them is even better) can be the catalyst between you succeeding, and potentially taking longer to get where you want.

Whether you just want to start your own blog, a website for your small business, or even if you want to sell your homemade crafts to a bigger audience, these are seven of the things that can help you start your own website. If you are still unsure about creating your website, Forbes has an informative article on how having a website can save you both time and money, as well as increase your credibility.

A clear aim

The fact that you’re already considering starting your own website means that you have already considered it and have an overall aim, this is great. Bear in mind though that we often get wrapped up in the idea of creating, of new things, the excitement surrounding this new endeavor. 

So think logically, clearly define what your goal is, and stick to it. Don’t keep adding more and more to your aim, especially in the beginning. Get yourself started and once everything is running smoothly, then consider expanding.

Research 

Once you’ve defined your goal(s) and have your aim, it is highly suggested to look at other websites, whether they be random websites or your competitors. Take note of how they do it because whatever your plan is, there's a good chance that someone else is already doing it.

Another thing to keep an eye on is how frequently the other websites post fresh material or products for sale. What techniques have you, and haven’t you considered? Are there any gaps that you can fill with your endeavor? 

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Skills

Ok, so don’t assume here that we mean that you must have a background in coding to be able to do this. There are plenty of website builders like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace out there that make it incredibly simple to create your own website. A simple browse online will reveal thousands of tutorials on every aspect of building your own website that will guide you along the way.

When we say skills, we mean you need the skills of creativity, patience, and dedication. You also need to understand how your site visitors work. Not everyone is happy to casually browse your website and stumble upon what they need. Many want to be able to quickly find what they came for and get out of there. Hence, investing some time in learning the skills of creating a fluid and user-friendly homepage for your website is something everyone needs to do. Having a natural feeling and friendly interface creates an exceptional user experience.

It’s worth mentioning here though that hosting through any of the various websites available is most probably suitable for your needs. However, issues arise when your business/website becomes bigger, too big for such hosting services. In this case, you need to run your own server, but this is a topic for a future article.

A memorable name

Now, this may seem simple, but it is deceptively so, for many people it is the hardest part. Coming up with a name for your new website isn’t like naming your newborn child where you can choose from a plethora of names. No, you first have to check what names are available, and whether or not you want it to end in .com, .blog, or any of the others available. The best choice is a name that is similar to your business, or what it is you do. Having a travel blog called “Building My Future” is misleading, naming it “Lost and Exploring” is rather more informative of what it is about.

Consider names that are easily memorable, don’t have weird spelling (this only makes it harder to remember,) and are relatively short. Make a list and consult your friends and family, but don’t wait too long as your domain name may be snatched up while you are deliberating. It’s worth noting that your website name and domain name don’t have to be the same, it only makes it easier for repeat visitors. You can quickly and easily register your domain name through websites like GoDaddy, or Namecheap.

Web hosting

We previously mentioned two such web hosting services (Wix, and Squarespace,) but there are many others. Things to consider when choosing who to host your website with are: customer service, security, server speed, and of course cost. The rest is really up to you, depending on what you use your website for, you may not need so much security if you’re just blogging. If you’re selling things or processing clients' personal data, you definitely want to invest more in site security.

Most hosting services also offer the registering of your desired domain name, getting all this done at the same time saves the hassle of doing it all yourself. If you want your own website email account, to include on your website, as well as to look more professional, many hosting services offer this for a nominal fee. Shop around and see what best suits your requirements, and remember, cheaper is not always better.

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Beautiful and user-friendly design

We’re all quite familiar with using the World Wide Web, but how many of us actually consider the effort someone has put into designing the websites we visit? I’m sure many of us have visited a website that has just been clunky, all over the place, and everything but simple. This is why design is so important.

Consider what it is you’re doing with your website. If you’re blogging, consider how to categorize your content, and make it simple to understand. Is it for your small business? How will they know what you do? Are you going to provide proof of work? These amongst many other questions are the difference between functionality and user-friendliness, and on the other side, the exact opposite.

Creating a website that is beautiful to behold is wonderful, we can all appreciate beauty, but what is beneath, how it works, and how it behaves is much more important. This is how we here at AH-Design can assist you. We have over six years of experience in professional website development and programming. We will guide, assist, and consult with you throughout the entire planning and development process. If you want to save time and money, we offer a ready template to build your website on top of.

Online marketing plan

We did previously mention that combining your website with a social media presence is a great idea, and we meant it. Because no one will visit your website, buy your products, or read your content if they aren’t able to find your website in the first place. 

So you’ve come this far, your website is created, but how do you get people to visit. Simple, social media. The likes of Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and whatever else is currently in are some of the best ways to reach a large audience. Most social media platforms offer paid promotion services that you can use to ensure people see your advertisement, promotions you’re running, or simply to get your name out there. 

Posting short little videos on IG Reels, or YT Shorts can also bring organic traffic to your fresh new website. Posting a quick and intriguing reel with a link to your website will catch the attention of people scrolling by, visitors will quickly come to see what it is you do.

Another worthwhile investment is in Google Ads to promote your website. Lastly, spending the time finding a good copywriter for your website, who can write engaging and SEO-friendly copy will also increase your visibility as search engines (Google, Yahoo) will have an easier time finding you.