Website Basics for New Business Owners 

A website for your business is a powerful tool. It helps introduce you to potential customers, explains your service, sells your product, and helps you gain traction online.  

For those who are technologically handicapped, you may be wondering how to build a website, or where you go to buy a domain. Let’s dive into answering those questions, and more.  

Domains 

First, every website needs a domain. This is the web address (example: www.TheRisingTide.org), and it will be what your website is known as on the internet. Many businesses use their business name for the domain. When choosing your domain, keep it simple and something that people will remember when trying to search for you.  

Domains are the least expensive item you’ll buy for your website. They typically cost anywhere between $20-$30 a year or billing cycle. Some sites will let you buy your domain for multiple years. You can also set your account to automatically renew to keep your domain.  

There are many websites that you can purchase a domain through. GoDaddy.com is probably the most popular, however, you can buy your domain through your hosting site (Wix, Square Space, etc.), Google Domains, BlueHost, Name.com, or Host Gator.  

If you let the domain payment lapse and your domain becomes available again, you open yourself up to other people purchasing your domain and directing it to shady websites. Getting your domain back is a lengthy process and can cost hundreds of dollars.  

Just save yourself the headache and keep your domain billing up to date.  

Host Sites 

So, you now have a domain, but how do you get your website?  

First, you’ll need to choose a host site, or platform, to build the website. There are many options out there including WordPress, GoDaddy, Wix, Square Space, and Google Sites. Take time to research each platform and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each, and how that might affect your business.  

For example, the Square Space platform can be a powerful eCommerce site, but a Wix site may be better if you use the Square point of sales system for your restaurant. Wix websites are great at keeping up with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) changes, but Google Sites lack those features.  

If you want to create your site, Wix and Square Space are very user-friendly and intuitive when it comes to building the site. A professional web developer may use the WordPress platform to create the site because of its power and ability to customize it.  

Platform costs are often more expensive than the domain. Choose wisely for your business. Many platforms offer discounts if you pay annually or biannually. Keep a close eye on billing and adjust invoicing to match your business income. 

Failing to renew your site’s subscription or updating the card on file may lead to loss of access and missed sales. 

Check-In 

After your site is built, keep it updated. While many aspects of your website won’t change, you want to check on the site at least once a week, if not every day. Change out photos monthly or seasonally. Add a blog to your site that features reviews, recipes, expert advice, or promotions.  

Keeping an eye on your website also ensures you’re finding any issues sooner, rather than later. If you are paying someone to support your website, let them know as soon as possible if there are any issues.  

DYI or Hire a Professional?  

When it comes to technology, some people are talented at learning and using programs and can build and maintain their websites with ease. For others, you may want to hire a professional to build and manage the website for you.  

While professionals can cost anywhere from $1,000-$3,000+ for website development and management, they do offer a wealth of knowledge and experience that can give you peace of mind that your website is always good to go.  

Many websites won’t need an expert to run them and can be managed by yourself, with an occasional call to the platform’s help hotline. 

Whatever you choose when building your website, ensure it’s the right choice for your business and your goals. Keep your site clean, match the branding colors, and keep it simple to navigate. Those three items will have customers impressed and more willing to do business with you. 

Skip to content