1-Define your goals and needs
The first step is the most important one and one of the most forgotten. If you want to create a website, you must take the time to define your goals and needs. Why do you need a website? Is it to sell products or services, inform, or entertain? For example, if you want a site to sell your products, you will likely need an online store. Moreover, do you need a dozen webpages or only one? These answers will help you get an idea of the work that needs to be done.
After defining your goals and needs, keep some time to target a specific audience since their preferences could impact your website. The more you know your target clientele’s needs, the easier it will be to meet them.
2-Make a plan for your website
It is now the time to get some pen and paper! We then suggest you make a plan for your website. Note down every pages and sections you need. This way, when it is time to create your site, you will know exactly what you need. If you do not know where to start, take a look at different websites similar to what you would like to create. You can also check examples of sites created with WebSelf.
Please note that generally, websites need a homepage, an about us page, and a contact page. Do not forget to add them to your plan. Pay special attention to your website homepage since it is often the first page your potential customers and visitors see.
3-Choose your branding elements
In order to create a professional-looking website, you need to choose its branding elements. We recommend you do it before starting your site since it will help you create something well-balanced. But what branding elements should you find? First, the logo is a vital element of your website and your general brand. Indeed, your logo should be used in the header, in the footer, and as a Favicon.
Then, there are the color palette and the fonts. Since there can be thousands of different color combinations, we suggest you use a color palette generator like Coolors to help you find the perfect nuances for your website and your brand image. Think about the fonts too. The serif fonts have better readability, but they have a more serious and traditional tone. On the opposite, the sans-serif fonts are more used on the web and are considered more accessible and modern. When you have all the necessary elements for your brand, add them to a brand guide.
4-Find your main keywords
You may ask yourself when it will be time to create your website. Do not worry; it will be soon! All these steps will allow you to create a website more easily. Let’s now talk about the keywords. Keywords are one of the most critical elements of your website SEO. It is then essential to take some time to find the more relevant keywords for your project. To find the right keywords, start by making a list of words representing your website or business. Then, do some research on Google or use tools like Ubersuggest.
For example, it is recommended to add to your titles, texts, title tags, and meta descriptions.
5-Choose a relevant domain name
Here is the last step before starting to create your website: choosing a domain name. The domain name is a vital element of your website because it is both its address and business card. What do you need to keep in mind when choosing your domain name? First, it must be available. Indeed, every domain name is unique; therefore, it would be relevant to check the availability when looking for a business name. Also, make sure that the domain name is representative. If possible, try to use the name of your site or business. Finally, look for a short name and check if there are any mistakes.
Small note: You have access to a free customized domain name when choosing one of WebSelf’s annual plans. If you want to start with a free website, note that a domain name with a WebSelf subdomain will be included. If you already own a domain name, know that you also connect it to your WebSelf website.
6-Start creating your website pages
Here is the moment you have been waiting for: the creation of your first website! Now that you know what the main goal of your website is and that you have your plan and branding elements, everything should be easy. Do not forget to add visuals to your web pages and keep uniformity.
It is quite easy to create a website with WebSelf. It has always been one of our greatest strengths. First, we have more than 200 templates created by our team of graphic designers that you can use. There are some for businesses, blogs, online stores, etc. Moreover, our website builder works with the grab and drop way. You only need to choose an element and drop it where you want it to be on your website. It is as simple.
7-Review everything before publishing
Once you have created your website, some people will want to publish it immediately. Here is our last tip: before publishing your site, take the time to test it and review it. Look at all the pages to see if there are any mistakes or missing texts. Try every links and buttons to see if they send people to the right place. If needed, you can share your website with your entourage to have their comments. It is easy; you only need to click on the eye icon located top right and on Share on the builder.
Please note that you can modify your website anytime. You only need to connect to your WebSelf account, make the modifications, and click on Publish. Your site will then be automatically updated.
In conclusion, we are sure that you will create a wonderful website that will meet your needs if you follow these steps. Start by defining your needs, making a plan, and finding your branding elements. If you need any help, do not hesitate to check our help center, blog articles, or contact our customer service team. You can do this!