Every business needs a website.
How can I help you?
The "Do-It-Yourself" Method
Option #1: Requires zero web design experience.
- Choose a drag-and-drop website builder and hosting platform. There are MANY options out there, such as Squarespace or Shopify. The nice thing about these web builders is that they are an all-in-one solution to DIY website creation. They guide you through domain ownership (your website’s address), supply you with an easy-to-use website builder, and they provide hosting (how your website is shown to visitors). There are reasons to choose one platform over another, and if you’d like some advisement in this area to save you DIY time, reach out to me!
- Choose a plan. If you only need one website, I recommend starting with a basic plan and upgrading when needed.
- Choose a domain. When subscribing to one of these services, they will prompt you to choose a domain name during registration. Try not to make your domain too long and keep the spelling easy for customers to remember.
- Design your website. Once you’ve subscribed to their service, your chosen platform will guide you through the website creation process step-by-step. This is the beauty of DIY web builders…they walk you through the process and keep you on track.
NOTE: This is a pretty user-friendly option (even with minimal experience) but if you encounter challenges, you may choose to hire a Shopify or Squarespace designer (like myself) to help you complete your vision.
The downsides to this option:
- These all-inclusive services and web tools charge a premium. This will increase your ongoing domain and hosting expenses.
- It offers less customization options and therefore gives you less ultimate control over your website’s features. Hiring a web designer allows you to customize just about anything.
Option #2: Requires some WordPress design experience.
- Decide on a domain name. This is the address that you’re website will live on.
- Purchase a hosting account. This is what allows your website to be served to customers. I suggest choosing one that is reliable, affordable, and has fantastic customer service (this is KEY). Contact me for recs.
- If your domain name was purchased elsewhere, change your domain’s nameservers at your domain’s registrar. (This will allow the host to access the web address even though it was purchased elsewhere.)
- Install WordPress, select a theme, and you’re ready to build your website!
The downsides to this option:
- Requires some knowledge surrounding WordPress, hosting providers, and domain ownership.
- Every website requires maintenance, but WordPress software, themes, and plugins all need to be updated regularly to keep your site secure.
Are you a small local business?
Ask me about my small business sliding scale rate!
The "I-Do-It-For-You" Method
If you don’t have the time, expertise, desire, or patience to build your own website, I am happy to build it for you. I typically work in WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, and others upon request.
I charge hourly for all web design and consulting work. My rate is $110/hr. *
Ask me about my small business sliding scale rate!
Why is it important to have a website?
Have you been putting off a website for your business because you don’t know where to start? In this day and age, an online presence is imperative for most businesses. The modern customer is accustomed to interacting with websites and social networks for information about your products and services. If you do not have a website to direct them to, you are missing out on potential customers. An online presence is a marketing tool in itself. It allows potential customers to discover you more easily.
Website building isn’t easy. If it’s not your cup of tea, get some help!
