A lot has changed from the days when I got started writing HTML to build websites, and I am eternally grateful!
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business. A well-designed website serves as your digital storefront, allowing potential customers to discover your products or services, learn more about your brand, and make purchases or inquiries. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a website in 2024, tailored specifically for small business owners and start-ups. If you want a fast platform for building prototypes, feature-rich microsites, and landing/lead generation pages – Site Catalyst™️ can do that too!
Step 1: Define Your Website’s Purpose and Goals
Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s essential to outline what you want your website to achieve. Ask yourself:
- What is the primary purpose of my website? (e.g., e-commerce, lead generation, brand awareness, all of the above)
- Who is my target audience? (not everyone is your ideal customer)
- What key features and functionalities do I need? (e.g., online store, booking system, blog, video, etc., etc.)
Step 2: Choose a Domain Name
Your domain name is your website’s address on the internet (e.g., www.YourBusinessName.com). It should be:
- Short and Memorable: Easy to spell and remember. (unless you have a huge marketing budget to make sure people remember supercalifragilisticespialidocioius.com)
- Relevant: Reflects your business name or the nature of your business. Less important if you know HOW TO MARKET (think Google, Apple, Nike, etc.)
- SEO-Friendly: Incorporates keywords related to your industry, if possible. Less important, but it helps.
You can register your domain through our www.SiteCatalyst.ai platform or through our hosting provider www.3CxHosting.ca for less than other places like GoDaddy and Google Domains.
Step 3: Select a Website Building Platform
In 2024, several user-friendly platforms cater to different needs and skill levels. We’ve (www.SiteCatalyst.ai/sign-up) taken the guesswork and complexity out of all of the main platforms and leveraged our 25+ years of experience to not only bring you an easy to use, drag-and-drop platform for beginners, but incorporated robust online store and marketing capabilities to make growing your business easier. Watch the videos and see the full list of Site Catalyst™ features.
- Great for beginners, agencies, and more advanced users, with drag-and-drop functionality and a variety of templates.
- Known for its beautiful designs and ease of use.
- Offers more flexibility and customization, ideal for blogs and complex websites.
- Best for e-commerce businesses with robust online store capabilities.
- Integrated Google Analytics to track visitor behavior and site performance.
- SSL certificate (if you pay for yours, you’re being ripped off – they’re free).
- Mobile-Responsiveness: Your website will always look great and function well on all devices, including smartphones and tablets.
- Integrated payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. Fully customizable if you use another process or bank.
- Tap into our weekly marketing and business calls and master building and maintaining customer relationships for long-term business growth.
Step 4: Design Your Website (it’s now even easier with artificial intelligence)
4.1 Select a Template or Theme (or let AI do it)
Site Catalyst™️ comes with thousands of customizable layouts and templates along with fully automated and artificial intelligence that will build your website framework in a matter of minutes. Simply, choose one that aligns with your brand’s aesthetics and the functionality you need and your business is up and running in days…not weeks or months.
4.2 Customize Your Design
- Branding: Incorporate your logo, brand colors, and fonts.
- Navigation: Ensure your website is easy to navigate with clear menus and categories.
Step 5: Add Essential Pages and Content
5.1 Home Page
- Introduction: Briefly explain who you are and what you offer.
- Call to Action (CTA): Encourage visitors to take a specific action (e.g., shop now, contact us).
5.2 About Page
- Story: Share your business’s story, mission, and values.
- Team: Introduce your team members with photos and bios.
5.3 Products/Services Page
- Details: Describe your products or services with high-quality images and detailed descriptions.
- Pricing: Clearly display your pricing or provide a contact form for quotes.
5.4 Contact Page
- Form: Include a contact form for inquiries. (make sure it is spam protected as all Site Catalyst™️ forms are)
- Information: Provide your business address, phone number, and email.
- Map: Embed a Google Map if you have a physical location.
5.5 Blog (highly recommended)
- Content: Regularly publish articles related to your industry to attract and engage visitors.
Step 6: Test and Launch Your Website
Before launching, thoroughly test your website to ensure everything works smoothly:
- Check Links: Ensure all internal and external links are functional.
- Test Forms: Verify that contact and order forms submit correctly.
- Mobile Test: Make sure your website looks and works well on mobile devices.
Step 7: Promote Your Website
Once your website is live, use various marketing strategies to attract visitors. As a Site Catalyst™️ customer, you will have access to our weekly marketing and business calls to glean from our team of experienced professionals and business coaches. If you are not a Site Catalyst™️ customer and would like coaching, please connect with our partner www.3CxConsulting.com.
Final Thoughts
Building a website in 2024 is more accessible than ever, thanks to user-friendly platforms like Site Catalyst™️ and a plethora of online resources. By following this guide, you can create a professional, functional, and attractive website that helps your small business or start-up thrive in the digital landscape. Remember, your website is a dynamic tool that should evolve with your business, so continue to update and improve it as you grow. And never miss our weekly calls.
Happy building!