Launching a small business entails a range of considerations, especially when it comes to establishing an online presence. While the foundations of setting up a business website are quite similar regardless of the company size, entrepreneurs and freelancers must ponder more deeply before diving into the design phase.
Entrepreneurs should crystallize their visions and requisites before meeting with a designer. Unlike large firms with dedicated creative teams to smoothly transition their branding to the digital realm, top executives seldom delve into the intricacies.
In contrast, small business owners can’t afford to casually state “we need a website” or “it’s time to refresh our online look” without further contemplation. A strategic blueprint is essential before moving ahead.
Lasting Commitment
Understand that establishing a web presence is a serious commitment that demands investment of your resources—money, time, and enduring effort. This venture signifies a pledge to grow your business.
Some entrepreneurs underestimate the costs involved, erroneously thinking that design is the sole expense. This assumption often leads to unanticipated costs and potential losses of domain and uptime.
It’s important to realize that domains and hosting fees are just the beginning and deserve dedicated attention and resources from business owners.
Name Your Digital Space
Choosing a domain name should never be an afterthought; it’s a crucial component of your online identity. Strive for something that resonates with your business name and is simple for clients to remember. If you have a long or complex business name, consider a concise and clear alternative.
Stick with lettered domains to avoid complications caused by characters like dashes, which can muddle your business’s online address. Despite the temptation, it’s wise to avoid relying on your designer for domain registration—it’s a small step that ensures long-term security for your online presence.
Selecting a Place to Host
Like with domains, hosting entails periodic fees and is equally vital. Imagine the host as the building where your digital outpost resides, complete with its upkeep costs. Making the right hosting choice sets the foundation for your website’s success. This decision, too, might be better in your own hands rather than entrusted to your designer.
Managing Your Online Home
Web administration is akin to property management—it’s about maintaining and updating your site. Whether you will personally tackle this role or hire someone else’s expertise is a decision that affects your time and financial allocations.
Gaining web administration know-how might be beneficial, but if your schedule is packed, teaming up with a skilled web admin could be a wise move.
Richness of Content
Frequently overlooked, the content on your website is a driving force behind brand engagement. It’s essential to not only start with a robust content supply but also maintain a steady stream of updates to stay visible in the competitive market.
Your content isn’t just filler; it’s a vital component that captivates your audience and must be refreshed consistently to maintain search engine relevance.
To Maintain A Blog, or Not?
Integrating a blog within your website can aid in regular updates and engage a recurrent audience. However, managing a blog requires additional investment and skills. It’s a hefty addition that could either bolster or burden your site, depending on your execution.
Though blogging increases development costs and complexity, it ultimately grants you control over when and how your site gets updated, potentially reducing dependence on webmasters.
Ownership of Your Digital Assets
Your website’s source files might seem inconsequential, yet having ready access to them is critical. In case of any issues with your design team, owning these files ensures that your online presence isn’t jeopardized and can be reestablished without starting from scratch.
Cultivating Realistic Returns
Last but not least, set clear goals for what you expect from your website. A dialogue with your designer can help align your aspirations with realistic outcomes. The more forethought and effort you pour into the early stages, the more fruitful the results will likely be.
What considerations should new business owners make before seeking a design professional? Do you have experiences with potential traps along the way? Share your thoughts below.
Featured image/thumbnail, startup concept via Shutterstock.
