Websites 101
Whether you have a website already or are in need of launching a new site, this article will provide some insights of what to keep in mind why to have a site and what to keep in mind.
Why have a website
Establishing an online presence is crucial. A website serves as your virtual storefront, providing a platform for people to find you and learn more about what you offer. Below are some reasons to have a website.
Credibility and Professionalism: A well-designed website can enhance your credibility and professionalism. It lets others know you take your business seriously.
Discoverability and Access: A website allows folks to access your offerings and products 24/7, not just when you are at a market or doing an Instagram sale. If your site is well optimized, you will be visible on search engines — making it easier for people to find you when searching.
Marketing and Advertising: Your website is a powerful marketing tool. It allows you to highlight your products or services, share testimonials, and communicate your unique selling points. You can also use it for online advertising and promotions.
E-commerce Opportunities: As a maker you have products and/or services to sell. A website can serve as your online store. E-commerce functionality allows customers to browse, purchase, and even track their orders conveniently.
Portfolio Showcase: Not only does a website allow for selling opportunities it also gives you a central place to put your portfolio.
Where to build & manage your website
When it comes to building a website there are two pieces you need to think of: Buying a domain (aka what people will type to find your website) and where you build the actual site where all your inventory, content, etc, will be kept. For this section we will be focused on the latter point.
Here are just some popular (easy!) options for small business makers:
Shopify: Strong e-commerce platform offering a lot of integrations
Squarespace: Great place to have a portfolio
Wix: Good mix of e-commerce and portfolio features
Shift4Shop: Free e-commerce platform
When selecting a platform be sure to write down a list of your needs and then do your shopping. Find a platform that will fit your needs.
What makes a good website
A good website is one that effectively fulfills its intended purpose, provides a positive user experience, and aligns with the needs and expectations of your target audience. By focusing on these elements, you can create a website that not only looks good but also functions effectively.
Here are some key factors that contribute to making a solid website:
User-Friendly Design: This is something you should obsess about the user experience for your site is your impression you leave with users. You want a clean and intuitive layout that is easy to navigate. Use clear headings, logical site structure, and consistent navigation menus to help users find information effortlessly.
Clear Purpose and Goals: Clearly define the purpose of your site and its goals. Whether it's to inform, sell products, provide services, and/or entertain, the user should quickly understand what your site is about.
Responsive Design: Ensure your website is responsive and works well on various devices (desktops, tablets, and smartphones). So much shopping is done on phones, if your site looks really good on a desktop but is hard to navigate on a phone you are loosing a big part of the market.
Effective Call-to-Action (CTA): Clearly present a call-to-action, this is something that guides the user on what to do next, whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting you. Make sure CTAs stand out and are strategically placed.
Consistent Branding: Maintain consistent branding elements such as logos, colors, and fonts across your website. This helps in creating a cohesive and professional look, reinforcing your brand identity.
Optimized for Search Engines (SEO): Implement basic SEO practices to improve your website's visibility on search engines. This includes using relevant keywords, creating descriptive meta tags, and when you have the option to enter information for SEO - enter it! Those little things add up to make a difference with SEO.
Security: Ensure that your website is secure. Implement HTTPS, keep software up to date, and use secure payment gateways if applicable. Most platforms should provide this — do your research on your platform to make sure they are meeting your security standards.
Social Media Integration: Integrate social media buttons and encourage social sharing. This helps in expanding your online presence and connecting with your audience on other platforms.
Analytics and Metrics: Implement analytics tools like Google Analytics (or your platform may have this feature) to track user behavior, monitor website performance, and gain insights into what works well and what needs improvement.
Accessibility: Design your website to be accessible to users with disabilities. This includes providing alternative text for images, ensuring keyboard navigation, and following web accessibility standards.
Regular Updates: Keep your content and design up to date. Regularly update information, check for broken links, and refresh your design to stay current and relevant — not only does that help your SEO but it also makes you look professional.
