A website is your digital presence, whether you're an individual, a small business, or a large corporation. It's a way for you to share your ideas, products, or services with the world, acting as your virtual storefront that's open 24/7. With advancements in technology, building a website is no longer reserved for tech-savvy individuals or large companies. In fact, there are multiple ways to create a professional website without writing a single line of code.\
This article will explore two primary methods to build a website—using website builders and custom-built websites. We will break down 9 easy steps to help you get your site up and running and offer some useful tips along the way.
Why Building a Website Is Important
Benefits of Having Your Own Website
Whether you're promoting a business, establishing a personal brand, or sharing a passion, having a website provides significant benefits. These advantages extend to individuals, bloggers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and large businesses alike.
Here are a few key reasons why having your own website is crucial:
Benefit | Explanation | Example |
Credibility | A website gives your audience a sense of trust and professionalism. | A photographer showcasing their portfolio through a professional website. |
Global Reach | Unlike a physical store, a website can reach a global audience. | An online shop selling products worldwide. |
Control & Ownership | You have full control over content, branding, and functionality, unlike social media platforms. | A blogger controlling their own content without reliance on social platforms. |
Cost-Effective Marketing | Websites allow you to market your services or products for less than traditional methods. | Using blogs, SEO, and lead capture forms to attract customers. |
Choosing the Right Website Building Method
There are two common approaches to building a website. Each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so understanding which one works best for your needs is essential.
Method 1: Website Builders
Website builders are platforms that allow users to build websites quickly and easily without coding. They come with pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop tools, and integrated hosting. This method is ideal for beginners or small businesses who want a professional site without the complexity of coding. Popular website builders include:
Website Builder | Best For | Example |
Wix | Beginners with no coding skills | Personal portfolios or small businesses. |
Squarespace | Visual-focused websites | Photographers, artists, or wedding planners. |
Weebly | Small businesses | Local businesses or freelancers. |
Blogs or growing eCommerce sites | Bloggers, content creators, online stores. |
Method 2: Custom-Built Websites
If you need complete control over your website’s design and features, a custom-built site is the way to go. This method requires more technical knowledge or the help of a web developer. Custom websites provide unlimited design freedom and the ability to implement advanced functionalities like custom eCommerce systems, databases, or membership platforms.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Full control over design and functionality | Time-consuming and requires coding skills. |
Scalable for larger businesses or projects | Can be expensive if hiring a developer. |
Can offer advanced integrations | Longer development and launch time. |
9 Easy Steps to Build a Website Using a Website Builder
Now that you've decided on a website builder, let’s walk through the process of building your website in 9 easy steps.
Step 1: Choose a Website Builder
Selecting the right platform is crucial. You need to pick a builder that aligns with your goals and technical skill level. If you’re new to website building, Wix and Squarespace offer user-friendly tools that allow for customization without requiring coding knowledge. If you need more flexibility, WordPress might be the best option.
Example: For a local coffee shop looking to set up an online presence, Wix offers simple design tools, and they can choose a template that fits a café theme. If you’re an artist wanting a portfolio website, Squarespace offers templates that focus on visual storytelling.
Step 2: Pick a Domain Name
Your domain name is your website’s identity on the internet. It should be short, memorable, and relevant to your brand or purpose. Many website builders provide domain registration services, but it’s also possible to purchase your domain from third-party registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
Examples:
If you run a bakery, a name like “www.sweetsdelights.com” is relevant, easy to spell, and memorable.
For a personal blog, something like “www.lifewithlaura.com” conveys a personal touch.
Step 3: Select a Template
Website builders come with templates—pre-designed layouts—that serve as a foundation for your website. Pick a template that fits your brand or business type, then customize it with your own content and images.
Example: If you are a freelance designer, selecting a clean, minimalist template allows your portfolio to stand out. For an online store, an eCommerce-focused template can make it easy to display products and add shopping cart functionality.
Step 4: Customize Your Website Layout
Personalizing the layout helps you stand out from the crowd. Most website builders offer drag-and-drop functionality, which allows you to arrange text boxes, images, videos, and buttons without needing to touch the code. Ensure that your site’s colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic align with your branding.
Element | Customization Tips |
Logo | Upload a high-resolution version of your logo to enhance brand recognition. |
Typography | Choose fonts that reflect your brand’s personality—whether playful, professional, or elegant. |
Color Scheme | Use a color scheme consistent with your branding. Online tools like Coolors can help you find complementary colors. |
Layout | Keep your layout clean and organized. Place your most important content above the fold (the area visible without scrolling). |
Step 5: Add Essential Pages
Your website should include the following core pages to provide users with relevant information and help them navigate your site easily:
Page Name | Purpose | Example Content |
Home | Introduces your business, product, or service. | Welcome message, service overview, latest updates. |
About | Tells your story, mission, or background. | Business history, team members, company values. |
Contact | Allows visitors to reach you. | Contact form, email address, phone number, map. |
Services/Products | Describes the services or products you offer. | List of offerings, pricing, and descriptions. |
Blog | Provides updates, articles, or tips relevant to your industry. | Blog posts on industry news, how-tos, or case studies. |
Step 6: Optimize for SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures that your website ranks well on Google and other search engines, making it easier for people to find you online. This involves optimizing your content with relevant keywords, using meta descriptions, and ensuring that images have alt text.
SEO Component | What to Do | Example |
Keywords | Use relevant search terms in your content. | A bakery could target “best cupcakes in [city].” |
Meta Descriptions | Create compelling summaries for each page. | “Delicious handcrafted cupcakes in the heart of [city].” |
Alt Text | Describe your images for search engines and accessibility. | “A photo of our best-selling red velvet cupcake.” |
Step 7: Set Up Navigation and Menus
A well-organized navigation system makes it easier for visitors to find what they’re looking for. Use clear, simple menus and internal links that guide users to your important pages.
Example Navigation Menu for a Bakery Website:
Menu Item | Purpose |
Home | The main landing page |
Our Menu | Lists bakery products and prices |
About Us | Story of the bakery and team |
Contact | Contact form and map of location |
Blog | Baking tips, recipes, and community news |
Step 8: Add a Blog or Other Content Features
Blogs and content features like galleries, FAQs, or testimonial sections add value to your site by keeping it fresh and engaging for visitors. A blog is especially helpful for improving your SEO and positioning yourself as an expert in your field.
Example: A fitness trainer could maintain a blog offering workout tips, nutrition advice, or success stories from clients. A gallery could showcase transformation photos or workout videos.
Step 9: Publish and Test Your Website
Before going live, thoroughly test your website across different devices (desktop, tablet, and mobile) and browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) to ensure everything looks and works properly. Check for broken links, misaligned elements, and test all forms.
Once you’re confident everything is in place, hit "publish" and let the world know about your new website.
Steps to Building a Custom Website
Building a custom website requires more technical expertise but offers complete design flexibility. Here's a breakdown of how to approach this process:
Step 1: Hire a Web Developer or Learn to Code
If you don't have coding knowledge, hiring a professional web developer is the best option. However, if you’re up for the challenge, there are many resources available to help you learn web development. You’ll need to master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end design and possibly Python, PHP, or Ruby for back-end functionality.
Option | Best For | Example |
Hire a Developer | Projects with advanced functionality needs | A fully custom eCommerce platform with payment integrations. |
Learn to Code | DIY enthusiasts or aspiring developers | Building a portfolio website to showcase your coding projects. |
Step 2: Design the Website Structure
Before writing any code, you need a clear plan of your site’s structure and layout. You can use design tools like Adobe XD or Figma to create wireframes and mockups that outline your site’s layout, color schemes, and content placement.
Wireframe Component | Design Tips |
Header | Include your logo and navigation menu at the top of every page. |
Body/Content Area | Create sections for text, images, and videos. |
Footer | Add social media links, contact information, and legal notices. |
Step 3: Develop the Website Backend
The backend is the engine of your website and handles the behind-the-scenes functionality, such as managing databases, user accounts, or content management systems (CMS). Technologies like PHP, Node.js, or Python can help you build the backend infrastructure.
Backend Tasks | Explanation |
Database Setup | Manage user data, content, or eCommerce orders. |
Server Configuration | Ensure your hosting server is properly configured for speed and security. |
API Integrations | Set up connections to external services like payment gateways, analytics tools, or shipping systems. |
Step 4: Create a Responsive Design
More people are browsing websites on mobile devices than ever before. Responsive design ensures that your site automatically adjusts its layout and functionality to look great on any screen size. Tools like Bootstrap or CSS media queries can help create a responsive design.
Step 5: Test and Launch the Website
Before launching, conduct thorough testing on different devices and browsers. This includes ensuring that forms work properly, links are functional, and images load quickly. Additionally, stress-test your site by simulating higher traffic levels and checking for any performance issues.
Amazing Tips for Building a Great Website
To ensure your website is successful, consider the following best practices:
1. Keep It Simple
Simplicity is key to user-friendly design. Avoid cluttering your website with too many elements. Clean, minimal layouts tend to perform better, especially on mobile devices.
Example: A blog with a simple white background and easy-to-read text is far more effective than a busy, over-designed site that confuses users.
2. Focus on User Experience (UX)
A great website provides visitors with a seamless experience. Make sure that navigation is intuitive, information is easy to find, and users can complete tasks like making purchases or filling out forms without frustration.
3. Prioritize Mobile-Friendliness
With over half of web traffic coming from mobile devices, it’s essential that your website looks good and works smoothly on phones and tablets. Google also prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search rankings.
4. Use High-Quality Visuals
Poor-quality images can damage the credibility of your site. Invest in high-quality photos or use free professional stock images from sites like Unsplash. If you’re showcasing products, use clear, well-lit images to increase the chances of sales.
5. Ensure Fast Load Times
A slow-loading website can deter visitors, who are likely to leave if a page doesn’t load within 3 seconds. Use optimized images, enable browser caching, and consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to improve site speed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcomplicating the Design
Avoid making your website too complex. Stick to a clean design with a clear message. Overuse of animations, pop-ups, or flashy elements can distract from the core purpose of your site.
2. Ignoring SEO
Ignoring SEO means your site won’t rank well in search engine results, which can greatly reduce the number of visitors. Even simple steps like using relevant keywords and creating meta descriptions can boost your visibility.
3. Forgetting About Security
Make sure to protect your site with an SSL certificate (you'll know you have one when you see a padlock icon in the browser address bar). This is especially important if you’re handling sensitive data like credit card information or personal details.
Conclusion
Building a website may seem daunting at first, but by following the right steps and choosing the right method, it can be a smooth and rewarding process. Whether you opt for a website builder for its simplicity or a custom-built website for more advanced functionality, having a clear plan and understanding the fundamentals will set you on the right path.
Remember to focus on simplicity, user experience, and mobile-friendliness to ensure your site meets your visitors’ expectations.
FAQs
What is the best website builder for beginners?
Wix and Squarespace are highly recommended for beginners due to their drag-and-drop features and ease of use.
How long does it take to build a website?
For a basic site using a builder, you can have your site up and running within a few hours. Custom websites may take weeks or even months, depending on complexity.
Can I build a website for free?
Yes, many website builders like Wix offer free plans, but these often come with limitations such as ads and subdomains (e.g., yoursite.wix.com).
How do I make my website mobile-friendly?
Ensure your design is responsive, meaning it adapts to different screen sizes. Most website builders offer responsive templates, but you can also test your site on various devices before launching.
What should I include on my website?
Every website should have essential pages such as Home, About, Contact, and Services/Products. Depending on your needs, you may also want to include a blog, portfolio, or eCommerce section.