The first step in building your website is to buy your web hosting. Then decide on the purpose, colors, background, pictures and text. Finally, pick a domain name.
Your first steps
Work through these in order. Each one is small, and together they make your plan.
Buy your web hosting
Hosting is the space where your website files live. Without it, nobody can see your site.
Decide the purpose
Write down what the website should do for you. It might sell products, bring in calls or show your work.
Choose your colors
Pick two or three colors you like. Use them the same way on every page.
Choose a background
Pick a plain background so your text stays easy to read.
Gather your pictures
Collect photos of your work, your team and your products. Good pictures make a site feel real.
Write the text for each page
Say what you do, where you are and how to reach you. Short, plain sentences work best.
Pick a domain name
A domain name is the address visitors type to reach your site. Choose one that is short and easy to spell. Say it out loud to a friend and see if they can write it down.
A domain costs $24.99 a year. A domain plus WordPress hosting is $173.99.
The four areas of a front page
Most websites have four areas on the front page. Plan what goes in each one before you build.
Header: This area usually shows your company name and address.
Billboard: This area carries your main message.
Below the billboard: This area gives more detail about you or your company. It can also link to each page with a short explanation.
Footer: This area holds helpful facts such as a map, address, phone number and hours of operation.
Why planning first saves time
A plan keeps the build short. When you know your purpose, you know which pages you need. When you know your colors, you can pick pictures that match.
Write your plan on one sheet of paper. A short list of pages, your colors and your phone number is enough to start.
Look at a few sites you like. Note what you like about their layout. Do not copy them. Use them to help you describe what you want.
A common first mistake
Many people pick a design first and write the text later. The text then has to squeeze into a layout that does not fit. Write the text first, even a rough draft.
Another mistake is to use too many colors. Two or three are enough. A site with a plain background and one strong color looks clean and professional.
If you would rather not build it yourself
A common mistake is to start building before you have your text and pictures. You then stop and wait for them. Plan first and the build goes much faster.
Our Omaha web design service builds a new website with up to five pages and a contact page for $300. We finish it in 3 to 5 days.
Call us at 402-813-4034 and we will help you choose your colors and pictures. We answer every day from 7 am to 10 pm.
AboutRod and Tami Atwood
Rod and Tami Atwood and other Websnoogie contributors write the Websnoogie blog. Rod has built websites since 2004 and founded Websnoogie, LLC in Omaha in 2012. Tami is co-owner, content editor and billing expert. Call us at 402-813-4034 or write to staff@websnoogie.com.
