Choose a Content Management System
Unless you have prior experience building websites, you probably want to use a content management system (CMS) to build your website. There are many options, but you probably want to go with either WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal. These are the most popular CMS systems to date, and have a tonne of useful plugins, and templates for beginners.
Create a Website Header
Keep your website header as slim as possible, and test it on small screens to ensure it scales properly.
Outline the Main Site Navigation
It is important that you keep your navigation as simple, and organized as possible. Use drop-downs to group pages under parent tabs, and apply internal linking to navigate to less trafficked, supporting pages through body text.
Create a Website Footer
Don’t underestimate a website footer’s effect on conversion. If your web page’s content is compelling this is where all your visitors should end up after reading the page, so use footer elements to continue the user’s experience.
Create Your Home Page
- Theater, Carousel or Slider
- Slogan or Tagline Header
- Brief Company Description
- Product / Service Page Links
- Promotional Materials: (videos, images, testimonials etc)
- Call to Action Button
Create Your Contact Page
- Title: Contact (Company Name) – (Service Area).
- Full Contact Details: Address, City, Country, Phone Number, Email, Fax, P.O box.
- Map: Google Embed or Custom Design.
- Operating Hours: Normal hours and holiday hours.
- Email Contact Form: Collect at least: Name, Email, Message.
- Location Images (Gallery) or Virtual Tour: Check out Google’s 360 tour.
- Social Links & Handles: Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat.
- Leave a Review Prompt: Link to Google Maps, and other Directories.
Create Your Service / Product Pages
- Create product titles, and keep in mind how they will be read in search engines.
- Add your service area / city in your product titles to help get more local traffic.
- Create clever product descriptions that answer the following questions: Who can benefit from this product / service? (usage examples) What are the product / service features? (specs and options) How much does it cost? Where can I buy / pay for this product / service? Product / service specs PDF. High Quality product images from multiple angles.
- Product videos and that highlight key features. Customer reviews / testimonials. Social sharing buttons.
Set up a Company Blog
Company blogs are an easy, and great way to keep your website updated with fresh content! One or two posts a month is more than enough for the average small-medium business.
Install Google Analytics