How to create your own website.

All websites should display several essential key elements. Each page contains a way for visitors to step through the site, view the subject matter, and determine the end of the page. These sections include:

• Navigation – Menu
• Body – Content Section
• Footer section

The navigation and footer sections often show the same on every page, as only the Body- Content sections change.

Most websites contain other vital areas, such as:

• Company Logo/ Title
• About section
• Contact information
• Location/Address
• Copyright
• Privacy policy
• Sitemap (a road map for the website)

Review your website’s purpose (Part 1 of this series). What other specific sections does your website require or would you consider a “Must-Have”? These are not the same for everyone.

For instance, besides the necessary items mentioned previously, you would need a shopping cart if you are selling items or services online. If you are a travel agent, perhaps to establish yourself as an expert, you might need a blog or photo gallery cataloging your travels. Likewise, artists need a portfolio showcasing their work.

Other common elements include a list of team members, hours of operation, social media links, search bar, testimonials, pricing, calendar of events, portfolio, videos, podcasts, online store, frequently asked questions, location map, or newsletter subscription opt-ins.

Many dismiss planning for website growth. Successful websites cannot be stagnant. Now presents an opportune time to prepare for your original site but also contemplate how the site can grow and evolve.

These optional parts may or may not be included from the onset, but it is always good to brainstorm and record other possibilities as they develop.

You may wish to add a quote of the day, a chat box for customer assistance, or a landing page for a particular marketing campaign for the Christmas holidays.

By browsing your competition’s websites, you may discover components that would benefit your site or for consideration down the road.

Besides your “Must-Haves,” think from the perspective of the user. What are their “Must-Haves”?

UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) bring key aspects to the website design.

Most website users already know what they are looking for before they visit your site. If they cannot locate that information or prove too difficult, they will leave (or bounce) your site and look elsewhere. When planning the sections of your site, consider what visitors would be searching for and make that information very easy to find.

For example, a physical address and phone number are crucial for brick-and-mortar stores. Many people, including myself, go to a site to see their hours of operation or how to plug their location into my GPS. If I have trouble finding the address or if they are currently open, well … let’s say – frustration … frustration! Create a positive User Experience.

In addition, consider your site’s User Interface (or user interaction) elements functionality. Buttons and links MUST be labeled clearly, easily seen, and work!

For these “Must-Haves,” you need to think as if you were the user- why would you visit the website? And once there, can you find what you need?

Now, think from a business standpoint. What “Must-Haves” does your business/organization want visitors to see?

Users have landed on your website and found the primary information they were searching for. Now is the best time to capture their attention and promote your site and business/organization. It could be a sale item, enticement for a newsletter sign-up, donation opportunities, unique event details, or customer reviews praising your services.

User interface (UI) performs a crucial role here as well. Make sure the site clearly states what you want them to do . . . i.e., “BUY NOW,” “SIGN UP HERE,” “MAKE YOUR RESERVATION,” etc. These instructions are referred to as “Call-to-Actions.” (CTA)

Wow, we covered a lot. You should have somewhat of an idea of your “Must-Haves”—time to write them down. Don’t skip this step! As humans, we often forget things. Make it easy on yourself. Make a list.

You can permanently alter, add, or subtract from the list as you continue your planning.

You are doing great! I look forward to seeing you next time to secure a hosting service and a domain name.