Are you struggling with the daunting task of building a website from scratch, or perhaps giving your existing site a much-needed overhaul? You’re not alone. Building a website is one of those tasks that many business owners put off for too long.
Let this article serve as a helpful guide so you can get started much faster.
Try These 4 Tips for Faster, Easier Website Building
Having a functional and attractive website that’s easy for people to use is non-negotiable in today’s digital age. But with so many different steps involved in creating a website, it’s difficult to know where to start. Here are some useful tips from those who’ve done it before.
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Choose the Right Platform
The very first step in the process is choosing the right platforms for your content. This includes a website-building platform and a content management system (CMS). There are plenty of options on the market to choose from, but you definitely give some consideration to uSkinned.
As Marcel Digital explains, “uSkinned gives you all of the tools you need to quickly create and edit your website, giving you more control over your site content and structure. Modular page component content allows for quick deployment of website pages – whether it is a service page, members-only content, or scheduled posts such as blogs or news.”
Do your research before making a final decision on which platforms you’ll use. It comes down to selecting the right blend of features and your own level of comfort with the tools you’ll be using.
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Plan Your Website in Advance
Building a website requires proper and thorough planning. Once you’ve decided on your platforms and tech stack, take some time to plan the website out in advance.
Start with a clear understanding of who your audience is and what they want. Then determine a specific purpose for your website. (Are you trying to sell products and services on the site? Do you simply want to create valuable content that people click on and read? Is this a landing page for gathering email addresses?)
Equally important is your site’s structure and functionality. Your approach to these elements will depend on your overarching goals. While some of this stuff may change as you get in the weeds of actually building out the site, starting with a basic structure and hierarchy will allow you to proceed much more efficiently.
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Zero In on a Brand Image
Your website design plays a crucial role in conveying your brand image and creating an emotional connection with your audience. It’s often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand, so it’s vital to make a strong and positive impression. The colors, typography, images, and overall aesthetic of your site should align with your brand personality and values.
In terms of consistency, create a folder full of your brand guidelines and files. This should include logos, fonts, color hex codes, slogans and taglines, and brand voice. Having all of this information in one place will make your job easier when you start designing the website.
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Craft Engaging Content
Content is the lifeblood of any website. It not only communicates your brand’s message to the audience but also plays a vital role in attracting and retaining users. High-quality, relevant content can engage your audience, build trust and credibility, and motivate them to take desired actions, such as making a purchase or subscribing to a newsletter.
Seeding your website with some good content at launch will serve you well. However, make sure your emphasis is on quality over quantity. It’s better to have five high-quality “pillar” pieces of content on your website than 25 low-quality blog posts that add no value. You can always add new content over time. Focus on engaging, long-form content in the beginning.
Adding it All Up
At the end of the day, building a website doesn’t have to be a complex project that zaps all of your time, energy, and focus for weeks on end. If you do it right and lean on the technology and support systems around you, it’s possible to build an exceptional website in a fraction of the time it takes most businesses.
Now, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get started!
