building a website
Starting a small business can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. One of the essential decisions you will have to make is choosing a website platform. Your website will be the face of your business online, and it's crucial to select a platform that fits your needs, budget, and skill level.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the popular website platforms that small business owners can use and help you make an informed decision.
Before diving in consider whether you need a website right away or if starting on social media first is a viable option, allowing you to build a website once you have a steady income. Additionally, assess if you have the time and patience to create a site, while there are user-friendly platforms in 2024, some tech and branding aspects are still involved.
Here are the top website platforms in 2024:
Wix:
Wix is a popular website builder that offers drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy for non-technical users to create a website. It has a vast library of templates, and you can customize your site by adding your own images, videos, and text. Wix also offers e-commerce functionality, allowing you to sell products online.
One downside to Wix is that its free plan comes with limited features and Wix branding, and if you want to remove these, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan. Also, once you've chosen a template, you can't change it without starting over.
Squarespace:
Squarespace is a website builder that offers beautiful templates and a user-friendly interface. It's an all-in-one platform that includes hosting, domain registration, and e-commerce functionality. Squarespace offers a range of features for small businesses, such as appointment scheduling, email marketing, and analytics.
However, Squarespace can be expensive, with plans starting at $16 per month. It also has fewer third-party integrations than WordPress, which can limit your options if you need to add specific functionality.
Shopify:
If you're looking to sell products online, Shopify is an excellent option. It's a dedicated e-commerce platform that includes everything you need to set up and run an online store. Shopify offers a range of features, such as payment processing, inventory management, and shipping options.
While Shopify is great for e-commerce, it may not be the best choice if you need a website with extensive content or blogging capabilities. Also, Shopify can be expensive, with plans starting at $29 per month, plus transaction fees.
WordPress:
WordPress is an open-source platform that powers around 40% of all websites on the internet. It offers a wide range of themes and plugins that can be customized to meet your business's specific needs. WordPress has a vast community that can help you with any problems you may encounter.
However, it's worth noting that WordPress requires some technical knowledge to set up and maintain. You'll need to purchase a domain name and web hosting separately, and you may need to hire a developer to help you with the design and customization.
In conclusion, choosing a website platform depends on your business's specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. If you're comfortable with technology, WordPress is an excellent option, but if you're looking for an easy-to-use website builder, Wix and Squarespace are great choices. If you want to sell products online, Shopify is the go-to option. Regardless of which platform you choose, make sure it's user-friendly, secure, and fits your business's needs.
CHOOSING A DOMAIN
If you're starting a website, one of the first decisions you'll have to make is choosing a domain name. While it may be tempting to purchase a domain from a third-party provider, there are several reasons why you may want to avoid doing so.
Lack of Control
When you purchase a domain from a third-party provider, you may have limited control over your domain. The third-party provider may have restrictions on what you can and cannot do with your domain, or they may charge additional fees for certain features or services. Additionally, if the third-party provider goes out of business, you may lose your domain altogether.
Hidden Fees
Third-party domain providers may advertise low prices, but they often charge hidden fees that can add up quickly. For example, they may charge you extra for email accounts, domain privacy, or domain forwarding. These fees can significantly increase the cost of your domain over time.
Security Risks
When you purchase a domain from a third-party provider, you're entrusting your domain's security to someone else. If the third-party provider experiences a security breach or hack, your domain could be compromised, and your website could be at risk. Additionally, third-party providers may not offer robust security features, leaving your domain vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Branding Concerns
Your domain name is an essential part of your brand identity, and it's crucial to choose a domain that reflects your business and is easy for your customers to remember. When you purchase a domain from a third-party provider, you may be limited in the domain name choices available to you, making it challenging to find a domain that matches your brand.
SEO Implications
Finally, purchasing a domain from a third-party provider can have SEO implications. Search engines may view third-party domains as less trustworthy than domains purchased directly from a domain registrar. Additionally, if the third-party provider has a poor reputation or is known for spammy practices, it could negatively impact your website's search engine rankings.
In conclusion, while purchasing a domain from a third-party provider may seem like an easy solution, it's important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. Consider purchasing your domain directly from the platform you choose to have full control over your domain, avoid hidden fees, and ensure maximum security for your website. By doing so, you can ensure that your website is safe, secure, and well-aligned with your brand identity.
Crafting a website can evoke both frustration and satisfaction, but always keep your ideal customer in focus because, ultimately, it's all about catering to their needs and sharing your amazing business.
