Building a website may sound like a daunting task, especially if you have no prior experience - It feels like a huge project.

You may feel like you don’t know where to start but with the right help and the right tools, it is actually easier than you think, and you can do it all yourself.

The following website checklist will guide you through your website building process.

1. Know the purpose

What is the purpose of your website? Is it an eCommerce site designed to sell items online? Is it mainly an informational brochure for your business? Is it a blog that you intend to update regularly with posts? This will be your starting point.

2. Domain Name

Choose and register a domain name for your Web address. The purpose of a domain name is similar to that of a street address. It directs customers to your website.

3. Website Builder

Once you have decided on a domain name, it’s time to think about your website. There are many website building applications and platforms available. Do an internet search or ask for recommendations before choosing.

4.  Choose Colours and Fonts for Your Brand

One important decision you will need to make when it comes to designing your website is the colour and fonts. Your choice of colour will play a big part in the success of your website.

5.  Site Pages and Features

Create a list of your website requirements. For example:

6. Create and customize your website with a design template

A website design template is a pre-made website design that allows you to have a professional-looking website without the need of hiring a website designer, and without the need for any coding or design experience.

7. Web Hosting

Your site will need to be stored on a computer, accessible over the Internet in order for visitors to reach it online. Think of web hosting as renting space for your website on a powerful computer (also referred to as a server). It is similar to renting an office space for your business.

8. Visual elements: logos and images:

Your logo is often the first thing potential customers see, it helps to make a great first impression. Using visual elements on your site is an effective way to enhance user experience and increase conversion.

 It is important to use high-quality graphics and photography. Low-quality images and fake stock photos will cheapen even the most beautifully designed website and have a negative impact on how your viewers feel about your site and your business.

9. Plan and Develop Content

When someone is looking at your website, they want to know you can solve their problems. When creating content ask yourself, “what information will my visitors find valuable”? By all means, make sure your website shows your business contact information such as email, phone number. etc. 

10. Promote Your Website

How will your visitors find your website? Put your Web address everywhere possible including business cards, social media, advertising, and online business directories. Experiment with paid search advertisements to attract pay-per-click traffic to your website.

11. Track performance

Google Analytics is a website analytics tool that let you understand how your visitors are interacting with your website, where they are coming from, what keywords are they using to find you and the pages they are viewing. It will enable you to gather such information in order to track your progress. 

12. Setup PayPal

If you are going to be selling products or services or if you want to accept donations on your website, you will need some way to collect payment information.

With this information, you would be able to build for yourself an amazing website. In case of any trouble in the process, we at Mentortribes would be happy to help you through it.