Where it used to be that businesses were able to get by without a website, today that is no longer the case. Businesses are now becoming more aware of the value that a website offers, which is prompting them to take the necessary steps to create one. However, despite all the research, some two million small businesses within the UK still don’t have a website at the moment.
As a small business owner or entrepreneur, it can seem hard to justify spending the money to build a website, but here’s the thing – without that website, you could be losing out on revenue. In fact, statistics show that for these small business that don’t have a website, it is actually costing them £343bn per year. If you own a business that doesn’t have a website, and you’re ready to take the steps necessary to build one, then these tips are meant for you. Here are some tips that will help you to create a professional looking website even if you’re on a tight budget.
Start with the domain name
A good place to start regardless of the budget you’re working with is by choosing a domain name. Keep in mind that there are some basic tips worth following when choosing the name. It needs to be easy, reflect your actual business and the product/services you offer, and should be simple to type out. Sometimes people want to get a bit creative with the domain name, but you want to be careful you don’t go overboard and pick a name that confuses people. Just be sure you also check if your name is available. If you really have your mind set on a particular domain name but it is already owned by someone else, there is a chance you could purchase it from them, but it can be pricey.
Ask yourself a few main questions about the site
Now that you’ve got a domain name, it’s important to think about what kind of website you want. Some questions you can ask yourself include:
- What is the main goal of the website?
- What should be the main focus that visitors pick up on?
- How does the website work with your current marketing goals and plans?
- What will customers be able to do on the site (research, browse, purchase, book an appointment, speak to customer service, etc.)
Use a website building tool
If it’s not in the budget to hire someone to build your website for you, then it will be well worth your time to use a website building tool/platform. These are meant for people with little to no experience building websites and are typically very straightforward. At the same time, you’ll be able to get some incredibly professional looking results. One example is webeden.co.uk which gives you all the tools you need to get your site launched. You’ll be able to choose a template, add your site information, create a user, and then launch the site and let it go live.
Bring on a website design college student
Another idea may be to hire on a college or university student that is studying website design. It will be much cheaper to hire a student than someone with tons of experience, and chances are that students will still know a lot more about design than you. You may only wish to have the student help you with certain aspects that you find confusing or overwhelming. Each of these tips takes into account the fact you are working within a tight budget, and yet still allows you to create something that is both effective and professional.
