After completing the foundational steps of launching a business — like drafting a business plan and securing necessary licenses and permits — it’s time to establish your online presence with a business website.
In today’s digital world, consumers expect to connect with businesses on their own terms, whenever and wherever they choose. Your website serves as a central hub for customers to learn about your business, engage with your offerings, and even make purchases. In fact, many customers research businesses online before visiting in person, making your website a crucial tool for shaping your brand’s story and building credibility.
Wondering how to create a website that stands out? Ready to get started? Here are eight steps to help you create an impactful business website:
1. Register your domain
If you’re creating a small business website, the first step is to secure a domain name. Many website-building platforms allow you to claim a domain directly, or you can purchase one through a domain registrar. Ideally, your domain should reflect your business name, if available, or align closely with your brand, products, or services.
A strong domain name is short, memorable, and easy to share. Steer clear of numbers, hyphens, underscores, or symbols, as these can make it harder for people to remember or type. Ensure your domain name connects clearly to your small business. If your exact business name isn’t available, consider alternative domain extensions like .info, .nyc, or .pizza, or incorporate your location, such as your city or neighborhood.
Before finalizing your choice, make sure to search online and consult legal counsel to avoid selecting a domain name that might conflict with another business’s brand. This is a key step when learning how to create a website for your business.
2. Choose a website style
When creating a website for business, there are countless approaches to consider. From DIY self-hosted options to user-friendly eCommerce platforms, it’s easier than ever to build a professional site without any coding expertise.
An online store builder can help your business thrive by enabling you to create a sleek, functional website. With an intuitive interface, you can sell products online, offer curbside pickup or local delivery, and even integrate with platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Plus, it syncs seamlessly with your point-of-sale system, keeping online and in-person orders, inventory, and items perfectly aligned in one place.
Here are some tips inspired by successful business websites to help you craft an engaging, customer-focused design:
- Highlight your product front and center.
- Showcase your product in action.
- Simplify the process of shopping or booking appointments.
- Share your brand’s story in a compelling way.
- Optimize the online customer journey for ease and satisfaction.
- Use white space effectively to avoid clutter.
- Embrace color to reinforce your brand identity.
- Let your design reflect your brand’s personality.
- Create a lifestyle connection to resonate with your target audience.
- Stay consistent with your core message.
By focusing on these elements and learning how to set up a website effectively, you can create a platform that not only looks great but also drives business success.
3. Build your website pages
Every business is unique, but if you’re looking to create a website for your business, there are essential pages that can benefit most companies. Here’s a guide to get you started:
- Homepage: Instantly communicate who you are, what you offer, and what makes your business stand out.
- Menu/Store/Services/Appointments: Make it easy for customers to engage with your business. Whether it’s an online store, a detailed menu, professional service offerings, or appointment schedules and pricing, ensure everything is clear and accessible.
- About page: Share your story, mission, and what sets your business apart.
- Contact page: Provide your location, hours of operation, phone number, email, social media links, and any other vital contact details.
- Blog: Keep your website fresh and relevant by posting updates about your business, industry trends, or community insights. Regular blog posts also help improve your search engine ranking.
- Press and reviews: Showcase testimonials and media coverage to build trust and credibility.
- Privacy policy & terms of use: Clearly outline how customer information is used and the rules of engagement for your site.
- FAQ: Offer a convenient place for customers to find answers to common questions about your business.
4. Connect your POS system
Make it easy for customers to interact with your business on their terms. When considering how to make a website for a business, linking it to a point-of-sale (POS) system is a crucial step. This ensures seamless integration of online and in-person orders, inventory, and services. Such a setup supports features like order-ahead options for restaurants or streamlined appointment scheduling for service-based businesses.
5. Optimize for SEO (Search engine optimization)
SEO helps customers find your website and enhances your credibility. Here are some tips to boost your rankings:
- Choose a short, memorable domain name.
- Conduct keyword research to identify the best terms to target in search results. Use search engines or free keyword tools to guide your strategy.
- Create descriptive, keyword-rich URLs for every page to improve link-sharing and navigation.
- Write custom title tags for each page, incorporating relevant keywords.
- Craft compelling meta descriptions that summarize your page content and include key terms like brand names.
- Use an internal linking strategy to improve site navigation and build authority.
- Set up and optimize your Google My Business listing. Tools like Square’s integration with Google can simplify this process.
By following these SEO tips, you’ll improve your website’s visibility, attract more visitors, and build trust with your audience. If you learn how to create a business website, these SEO tips will be even more valuable.
6. Develop a content plan
A content-rich site is key to engaging your audience and improving search rankings. Here’s how to get started:
- Publish fresh, engaging content regularly. Aim for 400- to 500-word blog posts three to five times a week.
- Focus on topics that matter to your current and potential customers. Pay attention to trends on social media and questions customers commonly ask.
- Create content that addresses questions your audience may type into search engines.
By developing a consistent and well-thought-out content plan, you’ll not only attract more visitors but also build trust with your audience over time. When considering how to make a business website, remember that valuable content is the backbone of your online presence.
7. Promote your website
Once your website is live, let people know about it! Share it across your social media platforms and consider running special promotions for early online customers. Use your customer directory to send an email newsletter announcing your site. Additionally, leverage word-of-mouth marketing — mention your website in conversations with customers, display signs with your URL, or use QR codes that direct customers to your site. If you’re wondering how to start your own website, these tips can help you promote it effectively from the start.
8. Monitor your website metrics
Track your website’s performance using analytics tools. Pay attention to traffic levels, sources (like search engines), and the popularity of individual pages. Dive into data on what’s working and identify areas for improvement. If you’re just starting out and wondering how to get a website, begin by choosing a reliable platform and design that suits your business needs. Keep an eye on your competitors for additional insights.
By following these steps, you’ll create a website that not only drives engagement but also aligns perfectly with your business goals.