In today’s blog, we will discuss different methods that will show you how to design your own website for your small business website and get it online. Next, we will learn how to select a domain name and multi-page template. This process can be time-consuming, be sure to read this article to make your experience as hassle-free as possible.
Building a sitemap
First, you want to build a sitemap. A sitemap helps you visualize related pages on your site, making sense to both users and search engines. You can create a sitemap using templates or digital tools like Miro.
Overall you will want to follow these steps.
- First, organize your content into categories and include a key and legend.
- Then label each item clearly and provide more information for each.
- Add the URL for each item to help structure your website’s technical aspects.
Once the sitemap is complete, add your content to the root folder. Once you have completed and connected the sitemap, you can move on to designing the site’s structure.
Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace all create a sitemap for you automatically.
Creating a wireframe
Next, you want to create a compelling user interface by creating a wireframe. You should research the target audience and their needs and make sure the final design meets these expectations.
Make sure you think about where critical elements of your website will be located so that users can easily find what they’re looking for. You can also create user personas to help you determine what kind of design to develop and which elements will not be needed.
When creating a wireframe for your website, you’ll focus on how navigation will work and the information architecture needed to make it easy to find the information users are looking for.
You can test it with real users to see which navigation works best for your target audience. A wireframe should be interactive to give you the most valuable feedback about your website design.
Choosing a domain name
Once you know what pages and the content you need on each page, you will need to choose a domain name. There are hundreds of millions of websites online. With millions of websites available, finding the right domain name can be difficult.
It’s vital to choose a unique domain that represents your business well and ranks highly on Google. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect domain name for your website.
A great domain name will give your website a professional and memorable presence. It would be best if you also considered the cost of the domain name. When choosing a domain name, consider future expansion and potential customers.
Many common names are already taken. You may even be able to find a domain name you’ve never heard of. Fortunately, domain name search tools online prompt you to type in keywords to find the perfect domain.
Choosing a multi-page template
There are many reasons to choose a multi-page template over a single-page site for your website. Multi-page templates are typically more extensive and more sophisticated than single-page websites.
The following are just a few of the advantages of multi-page websites. They are ideal for one-product online stores, artist portfolios, and other similar projects. Two, they’re better for any business.
If you’re not sure which type of template to choose, we recommend trying out both.
Multi-page layouts require a certain amount of consistency between pages. The key is to ensure that the most critical information is placed prominently. Refer to the wireframe and sitemap you created earlier to determine what template is best for you.
A multi-page layout also offers more scalability than a one-page website. For example, it will allow you to target multiple keywords and make each page more appealing.
Choosing a WordPress theme
The final thing you will need to do is choose a theme. Choosing a WordPress theme for your website can be daunting, but you should consider a few things before deciding on a theme.
The features of every theme vary greatly, and some are just cosmetic. Other features are crucial to the functionality of your websites, such as SEO and security.
Read the reviews of different themes online. The reviews will give you insight into their popularity and highlight the key features. Look for three-star ratings or higher. One-star reviews may have more limited feedback.
Third-party reviews are also an excellent source of information. Just be careful not to choose a review site that contains affiliate links. It’s best to stick with the recommendations from reputable sites.
Squarespace, Wix, and Weebly also offer themes. However, they often do not impact functionality.
Summary: How to design your own website
Designing your website can feel daunting at the beginning. Start with putting yourself in your client’s shoes. What pages would help them decide to hire you for the job or buy your product? Find a design, functionality, and theme that will make a website work for you.
