“I need a website” Guide for Small Business Owners

Step 1: Choose and Register Your Domain Name

• Platform Suggestion: https://www.cloudflare.com/products/registrar/
• Important Note: I highly recommend registering your domain with Cloudflare to avoid potential issues and increased costs in the future. Other providers may offer initial deals but can become more expensive and complicated when you try to transfer your domain later on.

Step 2: Decide on Your Website Building Approach

Do It Yourself (DIY)

If you prefer a hands-on approach to website creation, consider these platforms:

• Squarespace (https://www.squarespace.com/) – User-friendly for beginners.
• Wix (https://www.wix.com/) – Offers a wide range of templates and customization options.
• Webflow (https://webflow.com/) – Suitable for those with more advanced skills in web design.

Done For You (DFY)

• If you’d rather have a professional handle your website creation consider hiring a highly rated developer from Fiverr (https://www.fiverr.com/s/VAx3Lx). This can be more cost-effective than local options.
• Hosting Plan Suggestion: Ask your developer to launch your site on the “Bronze” Plan available at https://wpmudev.com/hosting/.
• For WordPress hosting, you can’t go wrong with:
  • https://wpmudev.com
  • https://wpengine.com
  • https://siteground.com

Step 3: Organize Your Content

Before starting your website, prepare the following content:

• Logo in transparent PNG format.
• Professional headshots or about-page images.
• Text content for your Home, About, and Services pages.
• Contact Information: Rather than using a contact form, which can be unreliable, simply list your phone number and email address. Note: Be cautious with webforms if your business needs to comply with HIPAA regulations.

Step 4: Set Up Your Professional Email

Recommended Service: Google Workspace (https://workspace.google.com/solutions/business-email/).

What to Avoid

• GoDaddy.com: Despite improvements, it’s generally not favored by web developers due to its marketing tactics and difficulties in transferring services.
• WordPress.com and WordPress.org: These can be overpriced and restrictive compared to other platforms.
• Weebly.com: This platform is generally considered inferior in terms of features and flexibility.
• By following these steps and recommendations, you can create a functional and professional-looking website tailored to your needs and preferences.