It’s hard to overstate the value of your company’s website. Even if you don’t typically conduct a lot of business through digital media, it’s still vital to have a vibrant, easily accessible website for consumers to view. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have a background in digital design or online marketing; as a result, it can be pretty difficult to make sound web design decisions without having any experience in the field. The good news is, you can still get your website off to a flying start, just by following these three simple steps:
Utilize a Template
Long gone are the days when a business needed to hire an expert in html code to create a website from scratch. Instead, it’s now insanely easy to get started using a template from any number of programs like Hubspot, WordPress, Squarespace, etc. Pick out a template you can work with and that serves your purposes. Remember: it’s most important that your website serves a functional purpose first before it does anything else.
Make Smart Image Choices
Having said that your website’s functionality trumps all else, it is nevertheless important to build a site that is appealing to the eye. Therefore, it’s no surprise that adding images and videos to your site is almost always a good idea. Well, almost always. Avoid massive images that distract the viewer, and make sure all images and videos match the content and tone of your site.
Create and Optimize Content
Your website, ideally, should be more than just a few taglines and contact information. Rather, the best professional sites are those that offer their viewers cogent intel about services, products, and industry trends. Your website is a resource as much as anything else. With that in mind, it’s important to create content in the form of blogs, case studies, eBooks, or even pillar pages. Note also, that merely creating rich content isn’t quite enough either; you’ll also need to take proper optimization measures. Sadly, many businesses mismanage their SEO efforts, but you can set your site apart by prioritizing this process!
The Bottom Line
Every professional –– from an orthopedic doctor to a tattoo artist –– needs a solid website to support their efforts. Without a digital presence of some sort, a business will struggle to bring in customers and grow in any meaningful way. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a tech whiz to build a website that suits your needs. Keep that in mind and don’t be afraid to make mistakes when forming a pro website. After all, practice makes perfect!
