Deciding if you want a website is an exciting but sometimes confusing decision. It can be hard to know what the benefits and costs will be. There are so many free ways to get seen on the web and so many ways to make a website, but having the right one can take you to the next level and give you more exposure, control and credibility.
When Social Media is Not Enough
Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn offer a free and instant audience. But unfortunatly, amidst the sea of content, standing out and keeping control over how your work is presented can be tricky.
Creating Your Digital Home 🏡
On the flip side, a website is like owning a piece of the internet real estate. It’s offers you total control over how your work is displayed, shared, and experienced by visitors.
Pros of a Website:
- Total control over content and design.
- Direct communication with your audience without algorithm interference.
- Ability to build mailing lists and offer downloads
- Links to your work and other material you have on the web
- Professionalism: A neat, clean website adds credibility and can be linked to from all your other media as a main point of contact.
12-Point Checklist for Planning a Website
Define Your Purpose and Audience
- Identify the primary goal of your website (e.g., showcasing work, selling books, building a subscriber list).
- Determine your target audience and their preferences.
Choose a Domain Name
- Select a name that is easy to spell, memorable, and relevant to your brand/author name.
- Check availability and register the domain on a site like Ionos.
Select a Hosting Provider
- Choose a hosting provider considering factors like reliability, customer service, and server uptime.
- Decide on a hosting plan that suits your needs and budget.
Pick a Website Platform
- Determine which website builder/platform (e.g., WordPress, Wix, Squarespace) fits your technical expertise and design needs.
Design and User Experience (UX)
- Plan a clean, user-friendly design that aligns with your brand.
- Ensure that the website is mobile-responsive and accessible.
Structure Your Website
- Plan the hierarchy of your pages and overall website structure.
- Define clear navigation pathways to enhance user experience.
Content Planning and Development
- Determine the type and format of content to be featured (text, images, videos).
- Develop original, engaging, and high-quality content.
SEO Planning
- Conduct keyword research relevant to your work and audience.
- Optimize content, images, and meta tags for search engines.
Creating Key Pages
- Develop essential pages such as Home, About, Contact, and Blog/News.
- Ensure each page aligns with your purpose and is valuable to your audience.
Setting Up a Blog
- Define your blog’s focus, ensuring it aligns with your website’s overall theme and your expertise.
- Plan a content calendar for regular posting and engagement.
Implementing Security Measures
- Ensure the security of your website with SSL certification.
- Implement regular backups and security plugins/checks.
Launch and Ongoing Management
- Test your website thoroughly before launch (across different devices and browsers).
- After launching, consistently update content, monitor performance, and engage with your audience.
Additional Note:
- Marketing and Social Media Integration: After launching, consider integrating your website with social media and employing marketing strategies to drive traffic and engage a wider audience.
So, Do You Need a Website?
If you want to showcase your work and what you do, then social media can be great for free and instant dynamic interactions, but it isn’t an either/or situation. Your website and social media should coexist, complementing each other. Think of your website as your evergreen home where people can always find you and your work.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
Worried about building a website? Start simple! A home , about, articles and contact page is a solid starting point. If you choose the right platform, you can always expand and refine as you go along.
Free Consultations
We’ve been building website for many years and can quickly guide you to good solutions and answer your questions.
Our complete and comprehensive site design starts from just £200 and provides a site you can easily add to.
Happy to Advise
As everyone has different needs we offer a free 15 minute consultation to answer any of your questions and to look at how you could most effectively get a site up and running.
