In the age of the internet there are many different ways to build a website, but what do you actually need to build a great site? As web developers with over 30 years of combined experience we’ve definitely built a website or two and know when it comes down to brass tax, all you need are five main things to set yourself and your website up for success.
A Strategy
No one is going and doing great things without a plan. Often, when we talk with business owners, they know they need a website but we are able to help them figure out what that website will help them accomplish. Setting priorities for your website, no matter how small, will set you in the right direction from the get go, so that it can become a great asset for your business.
Content
Remember the strategy step we just talked about? Write meaningful content that expounds upon those goals as it applies to your business. Not matter how simple, your customers need to understand the content on the page clearly and simply, while also not skimping on any details or components of your offerings. Content also includes photos or PDF files or anything else that helps communicate your goals for the page.
Web Hosting
After using that strategy and building your site around your content, you’ll need to host your website somewhere! Many places offer web hosting and include a myriad of different services based on the package you choose. A lot of our clients choose to host on our servers that we maintain, but they are also welcome to host elsewhere if they choose.
Domain
Once the site and files are sitting somewhere, we need to give people a place to go to access them. That’s where the domain comes in! Domains can sometimes be purchased through the same company as your web host, and also they can be bought completely independently. You’ll need to update your DNS records to accurately point to the correct location of your hosting.
SSL
Last but not least is securing your website. Although at one point, this was not necessary, Google will not recognize any sites without one. When your users submit information via a contact form, the information will pass through an encryption layer as it travels to ensure it isn’t stolen. SSL’s also provide authentication about your domain to verify you are who you say you are.
Now these are the very basics, and of course some could argue you need more, but these essentials will set you up for success. Whether you’re building a website yourself or working with someone or a company, lining these elements up is a great start! If you need help taking the building process off your hands, we’d be happy to help!