The Importance Of Having A Business Website
As a new entrepreneur stepping into the virtual arena, you’re likely bombarded with advice on establishing your online presence. One of the most common suggestions you’ll encounter is the importance of getting a website for your business.
But do you really need a business website?
Let’s delve into this question and explore the initial tools needed to kickstart creating a business website for your business.
Is a business website right for you?
As a new entrepreneur now starting off in the virtual space, it’s natural to question the necessity of having a business website. After all, there are numerous social media platforms, online marketplaces, and other digital channels where you can promote your business. However, a website offers several unique advantages that can significantly benefit your entrepreneurial endeavors.
First and foremost, your business website serves as your:
digital store front – providing a centeralized hub where potential customers can learn about your products and services, browse offerings and, make purchases.
It offers credibility and legitimacy to your brand, establishing trust and professionalism in the eyes of your audience.
Moreover, your business website gives you full control over your online presence, allowing you to customize the design, content and functionality according to your brand identity and business objectives. Unlike social media platforms or third party marketplaces, where you’re subject to algorithm changes, platform policies, a website empowers you to dictate the user experience and messaging.
Furthermore, it enables you to develop your own client database, capturing leads and prospective clients. This ensures that you maintain access to your leads, even if your social media platform or third-party application experiences downtime.
Now that we’ve established the importance of having a website, let’s discuss some initial tools needed to start building a website for your business.
Tools Needed To Build Your Business Website
Coding Is Not Necessary…
You don’t need to be tech-savvy or know a different language (coding) to develop your business website, so there is no need to worry or feel overwhelmed. However, what you will need are the basic tools listed below to at least get you started with building a website for your business.
Let’s delve into these tools.
1. Domain Name
Your domain name is your business website’s address on the internet, for example (www.yourbusinessname.com). This address provides your clients and prospective leads with directions to your virtual store. So it’s very important! But, consider choosing a name that reflects your brand identity and is easy to remember, before getting any random domain name.
To acquire a domain name you need to register one. Below are a few popular sites where you can register your domain name.
However before registering your domain name, I will suggest you use a name checker to ensure your domain name is available across all your social media platforms and on the World Wide Web. I will address this below.
2. Domain Name Search
First things first, always conduct a domain name search to ensure that the domain name you are considering is available across all social media platforms you intend to use. This step will not only save you the headache of having to modify your name for a specific social media platform but also ensure that your prospective clients can easily find you across all platforms, thus enhancing your reputation.
You can search for your domain name using one of the following listed websites below or explore Google for additional tools:
- Namechk: Checks to see if your proposed domain name is available and also if it can be used as the username on social media platforms.
- Namecheckr: Similar to namechk, it verifies the proposed name across a wider range of social media platforms.
- Namecheck: Again, very similar, but it checks mobile applications such as the PlayStore and iTunes for name availability.
3. Web Hosting
Web hosting is a service that stores your business website files and makes them accessible on the internet. Before selecting one consider what you will need from your hosting provider and also how many business websites you may eventually have.
However, in addition to your list; make sure they are reliable, offers fast loading times, uptime guarantees, and excellent customer support.
Some popular options include:
4. Content Management Systems (CMS)
CMS’s also known as website builders are great web based applications to develop your business website if you are new to website development. These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces and pre-designed templates, making it easy to build and manage stunning, professional-looking business website without coding knowledge.
Popular CMS’s are:
Similarly, the majority of hosting providers offers CMSs as a one click install within their hosting package. However, the CMS learning curve can be daunting to some. If you feel overwhelmed by this thought, you can hire a web developer, like those at CBT, to develop your business website and showcase your brand.
5. Design and Branding Tools
Customize your business website’s design and branding elements to align with your brand identity.
Do you know what your business brand identity is?
Branding is not just about business colors and your business logo. It’s a complete strategy that is infused into different marketing tools, one of which is your business website, but we will get more into this in branding techniques. We can also help you craft your brand identity here.
Utilize graphic design tools like Canva or Adobe Spark for creating logos, graphics, and visual assets. Choose a color palette, typography, and imagery that resonate with your business brand personality.
6. Content Creation Tools
Create compelling content for your business website, including text, images, and multimedia. Ensure that your business website content speaks to how you can help your prospective client overcome their problem, rather than solely showcasing your organization, what it does, and who you are.
Prospective leads take but a few seconds to peruse a site, and in doing so, they ask the number one question, “How can they help me?”
If you’re not sure how to craft your business website content to speak to your customer’s needs, CBT will be pleased to assist you with this. Utilize tools like Grammarly for proofreading and editing written content, and Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator for image editing and optimization.
In Summary – Owning Your Business Website As A New Entrepreneur
By leveraging these initial tools and resources, you can kickstart creating your business website as a new entrepreneur. Remember, your business website is not just a digital presence—it’s a powerful asset that can help you attract, engage, and convert customers in the competitive online landscape. So, embrace the opportunity to establish your business brand, virtual home and unlock new opportunities for growth and success.
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