How to create your own website.

So, do you need or want a website?

Websites create an outstanding online presence if you own a business, run an organization, freelance, and want to show others your talents. Some hire professionals to develop their websites, while others try them themselves. With the bombardment of advertisements by companies like Wix or Squarespace, many think it is easy to design and build a website quickly.

The fact is, you can. However, with some pre-planning, your website can go from looking amateurish to professional. So let’s get started!

Admit it. You are likelier to stay on a website a little longer if it captures your attention and you can find the information you need.

Likewise, your website should have a committed and practical objective. The anticipation of what the website visitor expects to find on your site and what you want them to see is an excellent foundation for building your site.

The best advice I could give anyone embarking on the task of creating a website is to take a few minutes to plan appropriately!

As a web designer/developer, I have sometimes fallen into the trap of thinking, “I don’t need to write it out. I have a vision in my head,” only to waste time and regret it later down the road.

Sometimes, my clients get annoyed with me asking questions before I start on a project for them. But those who DO NOT create a plan from the beginning will fall into one of these categories.

1. JUST PUT IT ON THE PAGE– Some drag and drop elements randomly onto a mock page through a website builder. They then discover that their site does not meet their customer’s needs.
2. SIMPLE, EASY, & DONE– Others will thoughtlessly dish out money to a web hosting service and, due to convincing advertisements, assume that using this hosting service will simplify website creation. They may not understand the technological terms or services needed to form a valuable and functional website.
3. UNABLE TO FINISH- And then some have high ambitions. Only to start a website and, for some reason, fail to complete its development. It may prove too difficult to design, or more often, other business, organizational, and personal priorities take place. Sometimes, people focus on securing the website name to keep others from owning that domain name and then never build the site.

To avoid any of these pitfalls, there is a simple solution. Start by taking out a piece of paper and pen, then let’s answer a few questions.

To avoid all these blunders and place a productive website online, the number one thing you need to do first is to determine your website’s purpose! Without defining a reason for the site, you will be spinning your wheels, wasting money, and giving up.

Do you have your paper and pen ready?

QUESTION # 1-

What is the purpose of your website?

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The answer can be simple or complex. If you are having trouble determining the site’s purpose, think about it just like the papers you had to write in school. Websites have one of three purposes. Sites can provide information, offer entertainment, or present a form of persuasion. See which category best fits your website goals. Often, your site may fit into multiple categories. (and that is okay!)

INFORM/EDUCATE

Websites may inform customers of business information such as contact details, business times, locations, and or products/services offered. These types of sites may include a knowledge base entire of instructional information. In other words, this is where we are and what we do!

PERSUADE

Websites often persuade their audience to purchase a product/service, join a cause, or change their stance on an issue. For example, we sell stuff and want you to buy it. Or, we think this is important, and you should too!

ENTERTAIN

Websites intrigue viewers by showcasing articles, photographs, graphics, games, and videos on exciting topics. Blog sites often fall into this category.

After determining which category(s) best fits your situation, you now have a strong idea of what your website should accomplish.

If needed, you can change or edit your answer to question #1 above. Now is the time to formulate, revise if necessary, and write down your purpose. You will frequently refer to this objective as you build your site. Good luck!

QUESTION #1 –

What is the purpose of your website? (Revised)

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In the following article in the series DIY Website Design, we will explore “Target Audiences.” I look forward to seeing you there!