Our website is your online sales force. Invest time in Designing them and keeping them engaging, and you’ll reap the rewards of a successful sales pitch. We from Hopinfirst share tips on how to build a website that benefits your business.
Plan, plan, plan
One of the major challenges startups face is creating an eye catching website for their new idea or re-launching their site that will set them apart from everybody else. If you’re in that boat, your best option is to plan well from the onset. Decide on your audience, clearly describe your product or service, and give your site visitors a way to engage. This way, you’ll instantly provide value and keep visitors interested and ready to buy.
Domain decision time
Your domain name is the cornerstone of your business strategy; ideally, you should pick your domain name at the same time as you’re naming your startup. Find a name that cannot be misheard or mistyped, that matches your brand, is short and memorable. Think of all the contexts where your domain name will be used – as your business name, web address, in Google search, in print, on your business cards, spelled out over the phone, on your product packaging, etc.
DIY or DIFM?
The choice between a DIY solution to site building and going down the do-it-for-me route with a hired pro depends on your startup’s focus. If the internet aspect is key for you, hiring a web designer to build a custom solution makes sense. But if you simply want to present your startup on the web, you can easily do it yourself on a tight budget. Site builder tools and content management systems like WordPress make it easier than ever to create a slick modern site that shows off your idea in the best light.
Be Responsive
And that doesn’t mean “reacting quickly and positively”. Responsive design adjusts your website to the device it is viewed on without the need to design for specific screens or capabilities. Whether viewing on a large screen or on a smartphone, visitors expect your site to be professional, quick and easy to navigate; that’s what good responsive design achieves.
Review your content
The web is about words. Words that tell your story and convert readers into customers. Words that improve your Google ranking (see our next point). Carefully review your copy, check spelling, label buttons and links clearly and continue doing so after your site is live. Keep adding relevant content to look alive, to share your progress and news, and to keep your visitors’ attention. Your website should grow and evolve with your business and be an intrinsic part of your everyday life.
SEO stuff
With nine out of 10 site visits starting from search, you can’t afford to neglect search engine optimisation. It can seem overwhelming and time-consuming, but SEO is doable for startups of any size and technical capability. Start small and keep SEO in mind when writing for your site, and you’ll be up there before you know it.
Social media boosters
Maintaining dialogue with your audience through social media can be a great way to signal that you’re alive, receive feedback from potential customers, and build your brand. This doesn’t mean having to tweet and Instagram every second of your day. Find the right social platform to address your audience and give it a go.
Summing up
To protect your startup’s future on the web, create a site that’s true to your idea and brand, that tells your story and makes it easy for customers to engage with you. It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, but give it some love and attention – and you’ll be surprised how much your website will do for you!
