As of 2021, more than 2 billion people do their shopping online. You will likely miss out on business if you still need to sell your products and services on the internet. The first step to selling online is setting up a professional, informative website. Doing so is easier than you might imagine it is.
Choose a Platform To Use
You can use a wide range of platforms to set up your website. Some are only geared toward selling, making creating an informative, unique page a bit more challenging. Other platforms allow you to create your website, blog, and sales pages. One such platform is WordPress. Because it is one of the most popular website platforms in the world, it is easy to find WordPress support online. Tutorials will walk you through creating pages, starting your blog, and adding plugins that allow you to create shops, track visitors, and much more.
Choose and Buy Your Domain Name
The right domain name is essential if you want your online shop to be memorable and successful. It should be reflective of your business, short enough to remember easily, and easy to spell. Always use a .com extension unless you have a valid reason to use .gov, .org or another extension. Avoid using numbers or hyphens in the name, as it's harder to convey if you're trying to tell someone your domain name in person. Additionally, research the domain name to ensure there aren't similar versions that could be easily mixed up with yours.
Pick a Design Template
You have a lot of options when it comes to your design template, especially if you are using WordPress. You can choose a free template, but keep in mind that thousands of other businesses are likely using the same template, so your website won't be as unique as you want it to be. The better option is to find someone and pay them to create a design that is unique to your business and represents it well. When choosing a theme, look for one that features your company's branding colours and conveys the type of business that you run. For example, if you sell professional office supplies, you probably want a theme with a professional look and neutral colours. If you make and sell clothing for kids, your website should be more colourful and appeal more to parents of small children.
Write a Strong Home Page
Your home page is the first thing people see on your website. It must be informative, clear in its message, and free of clutter. Your logo at the top of the page and one image related to your industry is enough in terms of ideas. Regarding the content on your home page, you'll want to include your company's name and clarify which kinds of products or services you sell. If you're currently running any specials, it's also a good idea to list them on the home page. Remember to include a straightforward navigation menu on the home page so visitors can check out other pages on your site.
Build the Rest of Your Content
There needs to be more than a simple home page. If you sell online, you'll need to create a shop with a plugin or website that allows you to do so. If you are selling services, create pages for each service that describes what they are and how they can help potential customers. A contact page with information on how to reach you or find your business is essential. Finally, include a blog on your website and ensure you update it at least once a week with a relevant post. This helps keep your website relevant and at the top of search engine results pages.
Building your own website is essential for having a thriving business in today's digitally focused world. By creating something that looks professional, is informative, and shows off your business products or services, you are more likely to bring in new business.
