Are you planning on creating a website? Here are a few things to consider before you get started.

If you're thinking of growing your business, a website is a great tool to help you achieve that growth. Having a website allows you to showcase the products or services that your business offers. In addition, it can help your business build credibility and gain more customers.

For your website to become a success, a good amount of planning should take place beforehand. Even if you've hired someone to assist you, don't sit back and relax! It's important to take note of what your website should include.

1. Branding

Brand identity book next to a keyboard.

Your website is a representation of your company. So, it is important to thoroughly consider its branding. Why? It'll help attract visitors and contribute to your overall return on investment.

Thinking about branding throughout the entire development process is a surefire way to build a brilliant site.

The branding of a website includes the following:

  • Logo
  • Tone/Core Message
  • Color Schemes
  • Design
  • Fonts

A logo plays a huge role in the identity of your business. Your company logo gives your work an identity that visitors can recognize. You can hire a graphic designer to create one for you.

If that isn't an option for you, there are websites you can use to get help creating a logo.

Your website should carry out the core message of your business. Visitors should be able to quickly understand what you're all about when they land on your page. It should have a consistent tone that connects to that core message.

The color schemes, design, and fonts that you use in your website should complement the message and tone of your brand.

2. Usability

two people using a laptop.

Customers are more likely to get drawn to your website if it's easy to use. You can increase your website usability by including the following:

  • Navigation Menu
  • Headings and Labels
  • Search Bar
  • A Mobile-Friendly Website

Having a navigation menu gives your visitors an idea of what content is included in your website. Providing seamless navigation also allows your visitors to find the information they're looking for more easily.

If your website is easy to use, visitors are more likely to spend more time browsing it. Including headings and labels allows your visitors to better understand your website's content.

Depending on the context of your site, including a search bar can improve its usability. Visitors can simply search and find what they're looking for instead of digging through your site not knowing if they'll find it.

You must also make sure that your website is mobile-friendly. Lots of people use their phones to browse the internet and having a mobile-friendly design will increase your credibility.

3. A Consistent Blog

Hands typing on laptop keyboard.

An active blog on your website helps you keep your audience engaged. Your blog should provide helpful content to visitors. Producing regular content can increase traffic to your website and encourage users to spend more time on it.

In addition, having a consistent blog makes your website a trustworthy source of information. When people have questions, you'll be the go-to!

4. Website Security

Padlock on laptop keyboard.

Security threats are a website's worst enemy. Websites get hacked every day and it's very important to ensure that your website is secure.

Hackers can use your website to infect visitors with malware. You don’t want to gamble on the risk of having your website's infrastructure invaded. Luckily, you can protect your website through web application firewall services and server-side security tools.

5. A Solid SEO Strategy

SEO capital letters with a graphic pattern

Your website needs a good SEO strategy. For your website to be a success, it needs to be as visible as possible, and that's exactly what SEO does for you. When potential visitors use search engines, they will most likely use keywords and terms that are linked to the content on your site.

Your job is to make sure that your website is optimized enough to appear on the results page. Even hitting the bottom of page one on Google can net you thousands of views a month.

6. Choose a Domain Name

List on how to find a domain name.

Finding a personal domain name that you can be proud of is not easy. If you're looking to create a website for your business, it only makes sense to use the same name for your website. However, if you are still searching for the perfect name, you might need to brainstorm a few ideas. A domain name is an opportunity for your website to gain brand recognition.

It is important to have a memorable domain name that resonates with your target demographic. Your website’s domain name can be used for your branding across all social media platforms, that way, it’s easier for people to find you.

7. Cost

Coins spilling out of a jar.

Once you have considered all the above-mentioned factors, it's time to think about the cost of creating your website. You have to ask yourself whether you are going to hire people to help you create your website or if you're willing to work on your own. Creating a website could require you to hire people such as a web designer and a content writer for your blog.

However, you're not doomed if you aren't in a position to spend money on hiring people. There are several low-cost to zero-cost tools that you can use to help you create your website. For instance, you can use websites to help you create a logo for your business.

You Can Easily Build Your Website

Some websites do not need to be created from scratch. People often pay large amounts of money for a basic website. You don't have to worry about the cost of hiring a web developer to help you build your site from the ground up. If you want to create a simple, quick website, you can build it using HTML templates. That way, you can cut costs while you witness your website come to life.

HTML templates act as a guide to help you build your website. The best part about using HTML templates is that you don't need to have any HTML skills.