Understanding Your Needs and Goals
Before you dive into building a website, it's crucial to clearly define your needs and goals. Ask yourself what the primary purpose of your website will be. Are you creating an online portfolio, an e-commerce store, or a blog? Understanding your goals will help you make informed decisions throughout the website building process.
Consider the target audience of your website. Knowing who you are building your site for will guide your design choices, content strategy, and overall functionality.
Choosing the Right Website Builder
Not all website builders are created equal. Some offer extensive design flexibility while others focus on ease of use. Research various website builders to find one that aligns with your specific needs and skill level. Some of todays website builders include Squarespace, Wix, HubSpot, Shopify, GoDaddy, Ionos, Hostinger, Elementor and Bluehost - to name a few!
Look for features that are essential to your website’s purpose. For instance, if you need e-commerce capabilities, ensure the website builder you choose supports online stores and offers the necessary integrations. If this is complicated and time consuming then contact askcraft as we provide a complete turnkey website builder managed service to alleviate some of the strain.
Planning Your Website Structure
A well-structured website is key to providing a good user experience and improving search engine optimization (SEO). Plan out the hierarchy of your website, including the main pages and subpages. A clear and logical structure will make it easier for visitors to navigate your site.
Create a sitemap to visualize the layout of your website. This will serve as a blueprint during the building process and help ensure that you don’t overlook any important sections.
Designing for User Experience
User experience (UX) should be at the forefront of your design decisions. A website that is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and responsive will keep visitors engaged and encourage them to explore further.
Pay attention to key design elements such as typography, colour schemes, and imagery. Consistency in these elements across the site will create a cohesive look and feel.
You'll need to spend time creating the theme, working on files in various formats and sizes optimised for web, need knowledge of Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Express and other tools to get it all right. Of course at askcraft our creatives have all of this ready to service your needs without you learning the jargon or training yourself on how to use software packages.
Testing and Launching Your Website
Before going live, thoroughly test your website to ensure all features work properly and that the site displays correctly on different devices and browsers. This step is crucial to catching any issues that could negatively impact user experience.
Once you are confident that everything is functioning as intended, it’s time to launch your website. Announce the launch through your social media channels and other marketing platforms to attract visitors.
When it Pays to Bring askcraft in to Manage your Website Builder
While DIY website builders are a fantastic starting point for many individuals and small businesses looking to establish an online presence, there are times when enlisting the expertise of professionals, like the team at askcraft, can significantly enhance your website's effectiveness and efficiency. DIY platforms are great for those who have the time and inclination to learn the intricacies of web development, but they can often be limiting in terms of advanced functionality, custom design, and optimisation for performance and search engines.
If you ever find yourself spending more time tinkering with your website than focusing on running your business, it might be a wise decision to consider seeking professional assistance. This is where askcraft steps in, offering a comprehensive and invaluable service that encompasses every aspect of website creation. From the initial planning stages, where your specific needs and goals are understood, to the creation of engaging and relevant content, askcraft ensures that your website is not only visually appealing but also highly functional and user-friendly.
Their service extends to designing the overall look and feel of your site, taking into account user experience principles to create a seamless navigation process. They also conduct thorough compatibility checks to ensure that your site performs optimally across all devices and browsers, which is crucial in today's mobile-first digital landscape. By entrusting your website needs to askcraft, you can rest assured that your online presence will be robust, scalable, and future-proof, sparing you the stress and hassle of doing it all alone.
Moreover, askcraft is flexible in its approach, happily collaborating with any website builder you prefer, or they can recommend one that aligns perfectly with your needs and desired features. Having tested numerous platforms, they possess the expertise to make your website stand out with just a few strategic tweaks and adjustments.
In addition to paid options, there are plenty of ways to create a free yet effective website without compromising on quality or functionality. For example, askcraft leverages the HubSpot content management system, which not only provides a solid foundation for building your site but also includes integrated customer relationship management (CRM) and sales planning tools. This integration allows for a more cohesive approach to managing your online presence and business operations, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximise efficiency and drive growth.
Contact Us to discuss your ideal website