It's time to boost your online presence

9 essential steps to build a website that stands out

10/05/2024

Ready to build a website? Before you start contemplating how difficult it is, know that it’s easier than you think.

All you need is the will to get started. Well, and a decent budget to invest.

To help you get started, this article will cover nine steps you need to follow to build a great website. We’ll also show you how, at ONO Comms, we can help. Every step of the way.

The value of building a great website

Your website provides much value—it should be the hub for all your marketing activities. From providing social proof for potential customers to establishing your authority and leadership in the market.

While social media platforms are a good place to connect with your audience, they are rented platforms where you have no control over the algorithms. That’s why you need to be directing your audience to your website.

Here are three benefits that prove the ROI of having a website. Use them to pitch the idea and win the argument with your management.

Enhanced brand visibility and reach
A well-designed website is a 24/7 storefront for your business, accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This extended reach allows you to connect with potential customers anytime, anywhere. Moreover, with the right SEO strategies, your website can rank higher in search engine results. This will ensure that your brand remains visible to those actively seeking the products or services you offer.

Increased credibility and trust
Today’s consumers expect businesses to have an online presence. A professional-looking website instils confidence in your brand and tells potential customers that you are a legitimate and trustworthy entity. By showcasing testimonials, case studies, and client success stories, your website is a powerful tool for building credibility and earning the trust of your audience.

Effective lead generation and conversion
Your website is also a powerful lead generation tool. Because it can capture valuable information from visitors who express interest in your products or services. By strategically placing calls-to-action (CTAs), offering valuable content, and using forms, you can nurture prospects through the sales funnel and convert them into paying customers. And with the ability to track user behaviour and analyse website metrics, you can continuously optimise your website to improve conversion rates and maximise your ROI.

Convinced yet? Alright. Let’s move on to the steps you need to follow.

The 9 essential steps to build a website

Building a great business website is often met with a misconception that it’s expensive or complex. This idea couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, it requires an upfront investment, but it’s become more affordable than before. There’s also plenty of support available to guide you through the steps (hint, hint).

Back to our main point, follow these nine steps to build a great website:

1. Define your objectives

It’s crucial to start by defining clear objectives. Determine what you aim to achieve with your website: increasing brand awareness, generating leads, driving sales, or providing valuable information to your audience. Understanding your goals will guide every decision you make during the website development.

2. Identify your target audience

Know your target audience and what they’re looking for. Conduct thorough research to understand their demographics, preferences, and online behaviour. These insights will help you tailor your website content, design, and functionality to effectively meet your target audience’s needs and expectations.

3. Choose a domain name

Selecting the right domain name is essential to establish a good online presence. Choose one that reflects your brand identity and is easy to remember. Ensure the domain name is available and register it through a reputable domain registrar.

4. Select a website platform

Choose a website platform or content management system (CMS) that suits your needs and technical capabilities. Popular website platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify offer user-friendly interfaces and a wide range of customisable templates and plugins to help you build and manage your website efficiently.

5. Create great content

Content is king when it comes to engaging your audience and driving conversions. Create high-quality, relevant content for your website, including informative articles, product descriptions, captivating images, and compelling calls-to-action. Also, ensure that your content is optimised for search engines (SEO) to improve visibility and attract organic traffic. If you don’t have the resources to create the content, consider hiring a specialised content agency.

6. Design your website

Design is equally important. You want to create a visually appealing and user-friendly website. Select a website template or theme that aligns with your brand identity and provides a seamless browsing experience for your visitors. Customise the design elements, including colours, fonts, images, and layout, for a unique and engaging website that reflects your brand personality.

7. Optimise for mobile responsiveness

With an increasing number of users accessing the internet from mobile devices, you must ensure that your website is optimised for mobile responsiveness. Choose a responsive design that adjusts to different screen sizes and devices. It’s essential to provide a consistent and user-friendly experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

8. Test and launch your website

Before launching your website, thoroughly test it to ensure all links, images, forms, and functionalities work correctly. Check for any errors or inconsistencies and make necessary adjustments. Once you’re satisfied with the website’s performance, launch it to the public and promote it through various channels to attract visitors and generate traffic.

9. Monitor and update regularly

Creating a website is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Continuously monitor your website’s performance using analytics tools to track traffic, engagement, and conversions. Regularly update and maintain your website content, design, and functionality to keep your website fresh, relevant, and aligned with your business goals and audience preferences.

Start building your website today

The next steps don’t have to be challenging because, at ONO Comms, we can take care of everything for you. Here’s what we can do to ensure a seamless process:

Content Audit: We’ll conduct a thorough audit of your existing content (company profile, brochures, social media posts, etc.) to understand your brand ethos and writing style. We’ll also let you know what’s working and what needs to be improved.
Competitive Analysi: Our team will analyse your competitors’ websites to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points. This insight will help us tailor your website strategy to stand out in the market.
Content Strategy: We’ll develop a comprehensive content strategy tailored to your business goals and target audience. This strategy will outline the types of content to create, the channels to distribute it, and the tactics to maximise its impact on your website’s success.
Keyword Research: We’ll perform in-depth keyword research to identify your business’s most relevant and valuable keywords. This will optimise your website for search engines and attract qualified traffic to your site.
Website sitemap: We’ll create a clear and organised sitemap that outlines the structure and hierarchy of your website. This roadmap will guide visitors through your site and improve navigation.
Content Creation: Our team of experienced writers will craft compelling and engaging content for your website, including website copy, blog posts, and other marketing materials. We’ll ensure your content is informative, persuasive, and optimised for search engines.
Content Measurement: We’ll advise you on the metrics you need to measure to track the performance and effectiveness of your business website. This data-driven approach will allow us to continually refine and optimise your content strategy for best results.
Design/Development Advise: Finally, we’ll recommend the best designers and developers whose skills and expertise align with your project requirements.