In years gone by the path from a business idea to a fully-fledged Internet website could be long and expensive. Those days have certainly changed with the introduction of services such as the Easysitebuilder. This service allows you to build a responsive website step-by-step, as we hold you by the hand, leaving you to focus on your business, your products and how to get that elusive first sale.
We find it best to slice and dice the process of building a website into small manageable parts. As you complete each part, tick the box, pat yourself on the back and move onto the next one.
Table of Contents
Research, research, research
Before you begin to build websites, choosing the most responsive template and embarking on a SEO campaign, research, research and research again. There is a common misconception that if your idea for a website already exists then you’re wasting your time. In a perfect world, your idea would be unique, not yet exist and set you on the road to riches.
In reality, there are so many people looking for that elusive unique business idea, that eye-catching website and that money tree, that unique ideas can be difficult.
Even if you find a similar site or a similar service to your idea this is not the end of the world. Research, research and research again so you know your business idea and your business plan back to front. Tweak, improve and enhance what is already on the Internet.
If your idea is already out there, then it stands to reason it is not being marketed correctly or is just not delivering on promises. You can do better!
Make your Responsive website visually appealing
The key to creating an appealing website is to be flexible in your thoughts and adaptable in your actions. It is highly likely that from the first thought about your website you had a look in mind, colors, text and the intricacies of the design. However, what you think sells on the Internet may not appeal to other people.
Search for different websites in your field, look at the array of designs online today and begin to pull the better elements from each responsive template. Some leading website builders have over 200 different templates to choose from, and remember, these designs can be tweaked, enhanced, colors changed and moved around. You may find some which perfectly fit with your ideas while others may form the foundations for a great design. Here are 7 steps to consider when creating your responsive website.
1. Content is still King
Social media, SEO, flash graphics and interactive websites are some of the trends which have stood the test of time. However, content is still King in the world of e-commerce!
As you begin to develop the design and the look of your website, the colors and the text styles, start to put some thought into content. If you can put yourself in the shoes of a potential customer, great, but otherwise ask friends and family about their thoughts. Discuss your ideas with them, what they would expect to see and ask them honestly if they would purchase from you. If you ask enough people, research the Internet, and make a list of useful suggestions, this will give you the basis for your killer content. In many ways the key to e-commerce success is to give customers what they want as opposed to what you think they want. There is a subtle difference…
2. Lead Google by the hand
While there is no hard and fast rule, it can take a few weeks for your website to be ranked by the search engines and appear to your worldwide audience. There are many ways in which you can lead Google by the hand, point it to your website, increase your exposure and hopefully reduce the time taken to get listed.
Site maps have been around for many years and they do exactly what you would expect. By creating a site map of your website, something the search engines can get their teeth into, you can point them to all of the pages you want them to list. Leave nothing to chance, make life as simple as possible and literally lead Google by the hand, remembering to feed a trail of content along the way. If you open a Google Analytics account you will see there are other options allowing you to add your site map to your Google account. This initial step is vital in the embryonic stages as it ensures that you are listed and any issues Google may have will be highlighted to you.
3. Choose your final design
There is an old saying in business; you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Whether this is strictly true in the world of online business is debatable because many websites will over time introduce new designs and new styles. In a perfect world, as the big brand companies tend to do, you find the design which works best for you and stick with it. There may be some small tweaks along the way, some improvements and some additions but if you’re style, coloring, graphics and logos are constant this will do wonders for your brand awareness.
Once you have the structure of your design, the navigation bar where you want it and tested some tweaks, it is time to look at the greater detail.
4. Colors and font sizes
Next time you’re on the Internet take a look at those responsive templates, the different fonts and colors to which your attention is drawn. Does there seem to be a general thread? Do certain colors encourage specific responses? Is the position of buy buttons and menus visible enough?
The type of colors and font sizes to use for click to action buttons are a source of constant discussion. In general, colors such as green, red, orange and blue tend to convert fairly well but, in many ways, it will depend upon the overall design of your website. A click to action button should catch your attention but it should also blend in well with the overall design of your website. If it stands out too much then it looks out of place. If it blends in too well then people may struggle to find it. It is a tricky balance and one which may require a degree of testing.
5. Final tweaks and navigation
As you approach the end of your journey to create your perfect website, you will very quickly realize that nothing is perfect. By all means, make a few final tweaks on the design, adjust the menu bars and put yourself in the shoes of one of your visitors.
6. Don’t forget social media
It is rather amusing that online entrepreneur opinions on social media can vary quite widely. There are some who believe social media is a very simple and cost-effective means of promoting yourself to the wider public. Some entrepreneurs see social media as a cesspit of criticism, unconstructive comments and something to be avoided. The reality is somewhere in between.
Ask yourself, how many websites have you visited with no social media channels?
Whether or not we actually look at their social media channels, check what they are posting and add them to our feed, we do notice when the links aren’t there. So, adding social media buttons to your website gives visitors the opportunity to share your content, products and services. You should be fairly active if you have social media channels but very often they are not the be all and end all.
7. Don’t forget search engine optimization
Like content, many people have called the premature death of SEO time and time again. We have the introduction of voice searches, artificial intelligence and responsive website templates which ensures a perfect display on smart phones and mobile devices. However, SEO is an ongoing process, something that starts before your website is even launched.
The tips, tricks and trends in the SEO market will change on a regular basis but the concept will always remain the same. You are now ready to roll…
Ease of use of sitebuilders
Easy sitebuilder services make websites accessible to people who have a tight budget or are strapped for time and need a fully functional and responsive website fast. Building your own website is easy, there is no hassle and you have the ability to customize as you wish. Website makers take you on a step-by-step journey to a fully functional, payment accepting, user-friendly website. The stages are relatively simple:
Purchase your domain name or transfer an existing one to the website builder platform.
- Choose from up to 200 responsive website template options.
- Utilize advanced web hosting services for a fast loading dependable website.
- Rest assured your site is secure with SSL certificates and https protocol.
- At the click of a button you can add an array of popular payment providers to make your site eCommerce ready.
The aim of modern sitebuilders is simple, you choose the carefully put together designs and then, you customize the text to make the design your own. If you require support and have questions to ask regarding our website builder our support service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Downtime is dead time in the world of e-commerce and we will ensure that you are alive and kicking!
