Small businesses can prove to be difficult to get off the ground, while still maintaining a steady stream of income. By marketing and networking in your area, you can gain a lot of attention. However, this attention can grow much more by having other outlets to showcase your products or services.
The internet is an efficient and effective way for businesses to show specific audiences what they offer.
Setting up your business website
There are multiple ways for businesses to gain exposure through the internet. One of the best ways is through the use of a website. This website can provide valuable information to potential customers and clients looking for your services.
Hiring a professional
Hiring a professional to help with a website is one of the most recommended ways to go. If you’re busy with the business, they can handle everything from start to finish. Typical costs of a full website, domain and content can run anywhere from $300 to $3,000.
The cost varies largely due to what is needed for the specific website. Having an online store, multiple pages or other functions can increase costs. Having custom-tailored content that is also SEO-friendly for marketing purposes can cost even more.
Making your own website
Some that wish to build a website can do so on their own. Through the use of various programs, plugins and tutorials; building a website can be done on your own using pre-made products that can be found on the specific platform you’re using.
While this might not look as professional, it is also more cost effective. With a hosting service, this can cost around $10-$20 a month.
Easy set up services for you to use for your website for design and content creation are free. These can be found on WordPress, Wix or Weebly. However, if you have a specific template in mind, only WordPress allows you to use it. This is the only open-source website creator that accepts specialty made templates and plugins.
Using other services
You may be able to set up your own website using one of the above services. However, if you want to have online marketing, content writing that sells or specific sales pages written; other professionals can help with this.
The costs for these services vary a great deal depending on the professional or company that you’re using. For a higher-end content writer and marketer, expect to pay around $300-$600 for a complete website. Sales pages can be requested separately and generally run between $80-$140 per page.
It is highly recommended that businesses use an online marketer for the internet marketing on the website, whether they choose to build the websites themselves or hire a company. The right content writer and marketer can not only make your business shine, but provide the essential keywords needed to help you gain more attention on the internet.
What to expect
If you choose to build your own website, there are certain tasks you should be aware of. These tasks will be essential at creating your own personal style and message to the target audience.
Purchasing hosting and a domain name
Many companies out there provide different services for both hosting and domain names. Selecting a service that provides a bundle complete with hosting, as well as a domain can save you money in the long run. DreamHost, HostGator, GoDaddy and BlueHost are all top names in hosting that also provide domains.
Create a building plan
When you have a clear idea of how you’d like the website to look and feel, you can begin choosing the right template. Going in with a plan can help narrow down the options from the available templates ready for download.
Some considerations to keep in mind before building:
- Should it have an online store or checkout cart?
- Are you offering a newsletter?
- Do you want a contact form?
- How many pages do you want the website to have?
- Do you want to list prices for services or products?
Choosing a template
The template that you choose for your website is going to showcase who you are and what you provide. The template is the layout and placement of content, pictures and how it is presented. This is the customer’s first impression of you, so take the time to make it great.
Adding content
The content placed throughout the website should be informative, easy-to-read and engaging. Let your audience know what you can provide them with, who you are and how to contact you. Each page should also have keywords throughout it.
Publishing and sharing
Generally, an internet marketer can help with getting the word out. However, once published and on the internet, you’ll want to share it, too. Let current customers know about the website, connect with them on social media, and place the website link on business cards or signs on the business.
It is important for almost every business, big and small, to be on the internet. Whether you have a large presence or a small one, a website can make a big impact on your audience. Current customers and clients will be better able to share your business with others, while potential customers and clients will know if you have the services or products they need.
Within an ever-changing world full of technology, being seen on the internet is a great (and almost essential) aspect of owning a businesses.