10 Steps to Building Your First Website (Without Overwhelm!)

Building your first website might seem daunting, but with the right plan in place, it can be an empowering and exciting experience. Whether you’re a small business owner, artist, or craftsperson, having a website is a brilliant way to showcase your work and connect with customers. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you started.

1. Define Your Purpose

Start by asking yourself: Why do I need this website? Is it to sell products, showcase your portfolio, or share information? Knowing this will guide the whole design process.

2. Know Your Audience

Who will be visiting your website? Take time to understand your ideal customer. Are they local buyers, art enthusiasts, or fellow small business owners? This will help shape your messaging and design.

3. Pick a Platform

There are many website builders to choose from – WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, to name a few. For most small businesses and creatives, a user-friendly platform like Squarespace can be a good place to start.

4. Select a Template

Templates make life so much easier! Choose one that suits your style and is aligned with your website’s purpose. Don’t worry – you can always tweak it as you go.

5. Create Clear Navigation

Your visitors should be able to find what they’re looking for in just a few clicks. Keep it simple. Aim for key sections like Home, About, Services, Portfolio, Blog (if applicable), and Contact.

6. Focus on Content

Think of your website as an extension of your brand. Every word matters. Keep your copy concise and engaging. Be sure to include an engaging ‘About’ page that tells your story – people love connecting with the person behind the business.

7. Choose Your Images Carefully

Use high-quality images that reflect your work and brand. If you’re a maker or artist, your work should take centre stage. Stock images are fine, but personal photos add a more authentic feel.

8. Optimise for Mobile

Make sure your website looks good on phones and tablets. Most website builders automatically optimise for mobile, but it’s worth double-checking everything works as it should.

9. SEO Basics

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) can feel like a scary term, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by making sure your page titles, meta descriptions, and content include relevant keywords related to your work or services.

10. Launch and Refine

Once you’ve got your site live, don’t panic if it’s not perfect. Websites are never ‘finished’. Launch with confidence, gather feedback, and make improvements as you go.

Building your own website is a learning curve, but with these steps, you’ll feel much more in control. And if you ever need a guiding hand along the way, I’m always here to help!