Why bother with a website in the first place? Simply put, a website gives your business legitimacy and a space that you control. Unlike social media, where you’re confined to their rules and layout, your website is a place you can shape to reflect your brand. Plus, it makes you visible to people searching for services like yours.
Having a website isn’t just nice — it’s essential in today’s digital world. And getting started isn’t as daunting as it might seem.
Let’s start with the basics…
Step 1: Secure your domain name
Think of your domain name as the address for your business on the internet. Ideally, it should be short, memorable, and align with your business name. You want customers to easily find you, so make sure the name is straightforward and easy to spell.
Use the JumpStarter domain name checker tool to check if your business name is available as a domain (e.g., www.jumpstarter.co.nz), then go ahead and grab it. This will be your online identity. Be sure to grab both the .co.nz and .nz extensions to protect your brand.
Step 2: Define your website’s goal
Before diving into design or content, take a step back. What do you want your website to do? Do you want to:
● Generate leads (e.g., more calls, emails, or contact form submissions)?
● Sell products or services online?
● Simply provide information about your business?
Understanding the purpose of your website will guide the design and structure. Write down your key goals and keep them in mind as you proceed.
Step 3: Plan what your website needs
Based on your business type, think about what your site needs. Here are some basic pages that every business website should have:
● Homepage: An introduction to your business, showing who you are and what you do.
● About us: A page that gives visitors a bit of background on your business and your values.
● Services or Products: Details about what you offer, including pricing if relevant.
● Contact us: An easy way for people to reach you, whether through a form, phone number, or email.
● Testimonials or Reviews: If you can, add customer reviews or case studies to help build trust.
Keep it simple. Your website doesn’t need to be huge at first — just a clear, effective representation of your business.
Step 4: Design your website (The fun part)
Now, let’s get creative! You can design your website yourself with a DIY website builder like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, which are all easy to use. They come with templates that you can customize to suit your business.
If you have the budget, you could also hire a professional web designer. They can create a custom design that fits your brand perfectly, but for most small businesses, a template is a great starting point.
Focus on simplicity and clarity. You want visitors to find what they need quickly without feeling overwhelmed. Also, make sure your site is mobile-friendly. Most users now browse on their phones, so your site needs to look good and work well on mobile devices.
Step 5: Choose a hosting provider
Now that you’ve secured your domain name and know what you need, it’s time to choose a web hosting provider. This is where your website’s files will live. Think of it as renting space on the internet.
Look for a hosting provider that offers:
● Good uptime (the site should be live most of the time)
● Fast loading times (ensure the website is optimized as well)
● Reliable customer support
● Security features like SSL certificates (so your visitors know their data is safe)
For beginners, shared hosting is usually a good, affordable option.
Step 6: Write content that connects
Once the structure is in place, it’s time to add content. Keep it clear, concise, and customer-focused. Avoid jargon and write as if you’re talking directly to someone.
● For the About Us page: Share your story and what sets you apart?
● For services or products: Highlight the benefits — how will your offering make life easier for your customers?
● For the Contact page: Make sure it’s easy to reach you. Include multiple ways to contact you (phone, email, social media).
You don’t need to write pages of text — just what’s essential for your visitors to understand what you offer and how they can get in touch.
Step 7: Don’t Forget SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your website show up in Google search results. Here’s the key:
● Use relevant keywords: These are words and phrases that potential customers might search for. If you’re a plumber in Auckland, for example, make sure “Auckland plumber” is in your content.
● Keep your content fresh: Google loves updated websites. Add blog posts, new products, or service updates regularly.
● Optimize your site speed: A slow website can harm your SEO and drive visitors away.
These small steps help Google understand what your site is about, so it can show it to people who are looking for your services.
Step 8: Launch your website
Once everything looks good, it’s time to launch! But the work doesn’t stop there. After your website is live, make sure everything works correctly — test links, forms, and mobile view. You don’t want customers running into errors.
Set up Google Analytics to track how visitors are using your site. This will help you improve your site over time.
Step 9: Regular maintenance and updates
A website is never truly “done.” Keep an eye on it to make sure everything works smoothly, and your content stays up to date. Fix any broken links, update your business hours if needed, and add new content like blog posts or testimonials to keep your site fresh.
Final thoughts
Building your first website doesn’t need to be intimidating. With the right planning and tools, anyone can create a website that works for their business. Focus on clarity, usability, and content that connects with your audience. Remember, your website reflects your business, so take the time to make it something you can be proud of.
You’ve got this!
Insights from the team at JumpStarter are part 3 of a 3 part series. Read Part 2 here or read Part 1 here.
