Everything You Need To Know To BUILD Your Website
In the modern world, a website is like your digital storefront. It's how you show off what you're all about to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Whether you're selling handmade crafts, offering consulting services, or just want to share your thoughts and ideas with the world, a website is your gateway to getting noticed. But if you're new to all this, where do you even start? Don't worry, Milad Media is here to break it down for you, step by simple step.
1. Why a Website Matters and Setting Your Goals
Understanding the Need for a Website
Imagine you have a message or a product that you know people will love. A website acts like a megaphone that helps you reach out to people far and wide. It tells them, "Hey, I'm here, and I have something awesome to share with you!"
Figuring Out Your Goals
Think about what you want your website to do for you. Is it to sell products, share your knowledge, or maybe showcase your art? Knowing your end goal helps tailor your website to do exactly what you need it to do.
Your website can have many goals, a lot of businesses are multifaceted so you’ll want to have different objectives based on your companies offerings. Some examples of website goals and objectives can include:
Selling Products/Services
Showcasing Portfolio
Email Sign-Ups
Book Clients
Get People in Your Physical Location
Educate Consumers
Get More Qualified Leads
2. Planning Your Website
Sorting Out Your Ideas
It's like planning a party. You need to know what kind of party it is, who you're inviting, and what you'll need to make it a success. For your website, this means understanding what you want to say (your content), how you want it to look (your design), and who you want to visit it (your audience).
Gathering Your Content
Start collecting everything you want on your website. This could be photos, articles, or even ideas for blog posts. Organize these into categories so you know what you have and what you might still need to create or find.
3. DIY or Hire a Pro?
Now, you need to decide if you're going to build this website yourself or get someone to do it for you. Here's what you need to consider:
Doing It Yourself (DIY)
Pros: It's usually cheaper, and you get to learn a lot along the way. Plus, you have total control over how everything looks and works.
Cons: It can take a lot of time, especially if you're learning as you go. Also, there's a chance it might not look as polished as a professional could make it.
Hiring a Professional
Pros: You get a slick, professional website without having to lift a finger. Plus, it saves you a lot of time.
Cons: It costs more money, and you'll need to communicate well to ensure the designer understands your vision.
What to Think About:
Time and Skills: Do you have the time and patience to learn how to do this? Do you enjoy being creative with design and technology?
Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Remember, a good website is an investment in your future success.
4. Making It All Look Good: Content and Brand Identity
By now, you should have a pretty good idea of what you want to share on your website. It's time to make sure everything looks cohesive and represents you or your brand perfectly. This includes your logo, color scheme, the fonts you use, and any other visuals. Think of your website as your business's outfit—it should look good, fit well, and feel right.
Post-aligning your goals and curating your content, it’s imperative to ensure all brand elements are meticulously defined and accessible. This encompasses:
Logo designs and variants
Typeface selections and usage guidelines
Color palettes and application specifics
Comprehensive visual and brand style guides
Brand Copy & Voice [About Us, Service/Product Descriptions, What We Do, Etc]
Imagery, Graphics, Videos
These constituents are pivotal in fostering brand consistency across all digital and physical mediums.
5. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
When building your website, watch out for these common mistakes:
Inconsistent Style: Your website should match your brand's look and feel everywhere.
Overwhelming Visitors: Too much information can scare people off. Keep it simple and clear.
Not Enough Detail: On the flip side, not enough information can leave visitors confused about what you're offering.
Ignoring Mobile Users: Lots of people browse on their phones, so make sure your site looks good on small screens, too.
Cluttered or Sparse Design: Find a happy medium. Too much going on can be distracting, but too little can seem bare and uninviting.
Ready to Jump In?
Building your first website might seem daunting, but by breaking it down into manageable steps, it becomes much easier. Remember, your website is a reflection of you or your business, so take your time and make it something you're proud of.
Need a Helping Hand?
At Milad Media, we're experts in bringing visions to life online. If the DIY route isn't for you, or if you just want to ensure your website is as amazing as it can be, we're here to help. Get in touch to see how we can make your website dreams a reality. Let's create something great together!