Find a Hosting Company
If you plan on building your website on your own, you’ll need to look at web hosting providers. A web host provides space online for you to store and serve up your website files to visitors.
There are many hosting options available – the host that you choose will depend on how your website is built (for instance, if you’re building your website on WordPress, does the web host support that platform?), and how much bandwidth you will consume every month (do you anticipate a lot of traffic, or do you plan on posting large media files on your site?).
While changing your web host after you’ve launched your site is possible, try to pick one now that supports your current needs, as well as your anticipated future needs.
If you’re working with a web developer or designer, they may provide web hosting as a part of their services. Be sure to confirm this at the outset of your project.
5. Determine What Content Management System You Will Use
If you hire someone to help you build your website, they may have a content management system (CMS) that they prefer for website development. A CMS provides a way for you to log into and simply update the content on your website without any knowledge of HTML. Some widely used CMSes include Drupal, WordPress and Expression Engine.
Before you proceed with development, make sure that the CMS will suit you needs (ask your web designer or developer for a demo before you’re committed to it) so you can have the control you need to update content on your website without constantly relying on external support.
6. Develop Your Website Content
Unfortunately, website content doesn’t appear out of thin air – somebody has to create it. Never assume that your web developer or designer will do it for you. If you don’t feel comfortable writing effective content and copy for your website, then you may want to hire a copywriter to work with you.
Keep in mind that content includes more than just words – it also includes images, audio, and videos. You’ll want to make sure that any media you post on your website is professional and appropriately placed for the context. Also, avoid stock photos wherever possible. Your customers want to see images that are a true representation of your business.
7. Research Legal Issues
Keep in mind that the rules that to a normal business apply to online business as well, but there are legal concerns specifically related to doing business online, so be sure to consult your lawyer. A legal professional can help you create relevant contracts, website terms and conditions, end user agreements, and anticipate and intellectual property issues.
8. Integrate E-commerce
Do you plan on selling goods or services through your website? If so, you’ll need to decide how you will collect the funds, and if you’ll need a merchant account or payment processor. You’ll likely need a shopping cart tool as well, and you’ll want to verify that the web host you chose can support it. Above all, you’ll want to make sure you have business processes in place to manage and fulfill online orders.
Consider consulting with a web developer for qualified advice on what e-commerce solution will best suit your requirements.
9. Launch and Maintain Your Website
The switch is flipped and your website is live! Now you need to make sure that people can find it and that you’re measuring your online growth.
See 5 Myths of SEO Busted for tips on improving your website’s search engine optimization, and see How to Install Google Analytics for information on how to set-up analytics for your website so you can track your visitor traffic patterns over time.