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How to Make a Website?

by Make My Website
March 20, 2025
11 Minutes Read

Table of Contents

(Last Updated On: March 20, 2025)

These days, businesses need a professional website. A good site serves as an online store that never closes. It helps you reach potential buyers worldwide and showcase what you sell or offer to many people. Smart company owners get how crucial it is to build a solid web presence to keep up with rivals and give customers what they want nowadays.

Many business owners struggle to build a website that shows off their brand. Making a site is too much to handle with all the platform’s hosting choices and design options. However, building a professional website can be straightforward and attainable with clear guidance and a well-organised plan.

This detailed guide simplifies creating a website into clear, manageable steps. It allows you to make informed choices at each phase. Suppose you run a small business and want to connect with more people, or you’re a freelancer presenting your portfolio, or even managing an organisation promoting its goals. In that case, there are practical ways to build a strong online presence that works.

1. Define your website’s purpose

A successful website is built on a well-defined purpose. For instance, a professional photographer, Sarah, moved from local markets to an online presence. The main goal of her website was to display her portfolio and attract new clients. By clearly defining this aim, she could make wise choices regarding her site’s design, functionality, and content.

To clarify the purpose of your website, reflect on these key questions:

What main issue does your website address for its visitors? For example, an online store enables customers to buy products easily, whereas a blog offers valuable insights on specific subjects.
Identify your target audience. Determine the audience for your website. When creating a website for older people, use easy-to-read, thorough text and straightforward design. In contrast, a website aimed at tech-smart young adults should have interactive features to hold their attention.
Determine the desired actions for visitors. This may involve making purchases, completing contact forms, downloading materials, or subscribing to newsletters.

2. Pick and register your domain name

A domain name is your online identity. For example, a local bakery called “Sweet Delights” may choose sweetdelightsbakery.com instead of sweetdelightsbakery2024.com. This choice is straightforward, easy to remember, and fits their brand well.

When choosing a domain name, keep these guidelines in mind:

Brand Consistency: Your domain name should be your brand name. If the exact name is unavailable, consider adding relevant keywords, such as “bakery,” instead of using random numbers or hyphens.
Length and Memorability: Aim for a domain under 15 characters. More extended domains increase the likelihood of typos when users search for your site.
Thorough Research: Before you finalise your domain, do the following: Check trademark databases to prevent legal complications. Look at social media platforms to ensure your branding is consistent. Confirm that competitors are not using similar domains.

3. Choose your website-building platform

Choosing a platform relies significantly on your requirements, skill level, and available resources. Let’s examine each option with real-world examples.

Content Management Systems (CMS):

WordPress is an excellent platform for blogs, business sites, and online stores. Fashion bloggers often choose it for its wide range of themes and plugins. These tools help create an attractive site with shopping features included.

Website Builders:

Squarespace is ideal for creative professionals. Graphic designers may appreciate its sleek templates and features tailored for showcasing portfolios.
Wix works well for small businesses. For example, a local restaurant can use drag-and-drop tools to build a professional site with online ordering options.

Custom Development:

For specific needs, such as a real estate agency requiring tailored property search features or a fitness studio needing personalised booking tools.

Related Read: Why Use WordPress for Your Website?

4. Secure a hosting plan

Hosting can be compared to renting a space for your website. Different businesses require different hosting options:

For a small business, such as a local consultancy with moderate website traffic, shared hosting could be a good starting point. SiteGround’s basic plan is an option they may choose, with the potential to upgrade as their client base grows.

For an e-commerce business, such as an online shop expecting significant traffic and requiring strong security, dedicated hosting may be more suitable. Providers like Liquid Web or WP Engine offer solutions designed for these needs.

Key hosting features to look for include:
Security Features:

Daily backups with quick restoration capabilities
Malware scanning and removal tools
Protection against DDoS attacks
An SSL certificate for secure connections

Performance Features:

Integration with a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
SSD storage to improve loading speed
Access to multiple server locations for better reach to a global audience

5. Plan your site structure

An organised website layout is important for both user experience and search engine optimisation. Take an educational institution’s website as an example:
Main Navigation Sections:

Programs (undergraduate, graduate, professional development)
Admissions (requirements, process, deadlines)
Student Life (housing, activities, resources)
About (history, mission, faculty)
Research (centres, publications, opportunities)

This clear structure helps users find information quickly and allows search engines to crawl and index pages effectively.

Implementation Example:

A local law firm updated its website structure from a basic layout to a well-organised categorisation system:

Homepage → Practice Areas → Family Law → Divorce Proceedings

This design helps clients refine their search step by step while keeping the navigation simple. Each section offers more detailed information while ensuring easy access to broader topics.
Guidelines for Planning Structure:

Information Flow: Design a logical layout that matches how users search. For instance, an online store might group products into categories, subcategories, and specific items, similar to how shoppers browse in a physical shop.
URL Design: Use clear, descriptive URLs that mirror the site’s organisation. For example: www.example.com/electronics/smartphones/iphone-models instead of www.example.com/category1/subcategory2/product123

6. Design your website layout

The layout provides the structure for displaying your content. These design principles can be applied practically:

Header Design:

For a technology consulting firm, the header might include:
- The logo is placed in the top left for quick brand recognition.
- A navigation menu with clearly labelled sections.
- Contact details or a call-to-action button are on the top right.
- A search bar for easy access to specific information.

Content Structure Example:

For a news website’s article page, the layout might include:
- A bold, attention-grabbing title.
- A subheading with essential details.
- A featured image with proper credit.
- The article text with precise spacing between paragraphs.
- A related articles section.
- Options for comments or sharing on social media.

Mobile Adaptability:

For a restaurant’s website, ensure usability on different devices:
- On a desktop: Display the entire menu with high-resolution photos.
- On a tablet: Use simplified navigation with dropdown sections.
- On a mobile phone: Use a single-column design focusing on contact details and online ordering.

7. Add essential pages

Every significant page has a unique role and needs thoughtful planning.

Homepage Example:

The homepage of a software company might include:

A clear value statement like “Simplify Your Workflow with Smart Automation.”
A section highlighting key features with visuals
Customer testimonials to build trust
Easy-to-find call-to-action buttons
Updates on recent news or products

About Page Strategy:

The about page for a nonprofit organisation could include the following:

An engaging story about its beginnings
Clear mission and vision statements
Facts and figures showing its impact
Profiles of team members
Information on partners and supporters

Related Read: Importance of landing pages on a website

8. Add additional functionality

Modern websites often need advanced features to meet the growing demands of users.

E-commerce Integration Example:

A small cheese shop expands by offering online ordering:

A detailed product list with descriptions
A shopping cart feature
Safe and secure payment options
System to track orders
Tools for managing customer accounts

Social Media Integration:

A fashion blogger’s site might include:

An Instagram feed showing recent posts
Pinterest boards for outfit ideas
A Twitter feed sharing updates and news
A feature for Facebook comments
Buttons to share content on social media

9. Fill your website with content

The content strategy depends on the website’s goals and the specific needs of its audience.

Blog Content Example:

A fitness website’s content strategy:

Share weekly workout plans for users to follow.
Provide tips on nutrition along with healthy recipes.
Highlight client success stories to inspire readers.
Conduct interviews with fitness experts and share their advice.
Offer video guides showing correct exercise techniques.

Product Description Strategy:

An organic skincare line’s product pages:

List ingredients clearly and explain their purpose.
Describe benefits and give simple usage instructions.
Include honest customer reviews and star ratings.
Display clear, high-quality photos of the products.
Add an FAQ section to answer common questions.

Related Read: How to Choose a Topic for your Blog?

10. Optimise for search engines

Good SEO is essential to improve your website’s visibility and drive organic traffic. Use this targeted method to optimise your site for search engines:

Technical SEO Implementation

Begin by establishing a solid technical base for your website.
Use clean and descriptive URLs that match the structure of your content. For instance, prefer “www.website.com/category/product-name” over “www.website.com/p123.”
Enhance page load speed by compressing images, enabling browser caching, and minimising code. Ensure your design is mobile-friendly, as Google emphasises mobile-first indexing.

On-Page SEO Elements

Craft title tags that include your main keyword, and keep them under 60 characters.
Write engaging meta descriptions, naturally include relevant keywords, and encourage users to click.
Organise your content with header tags (H1-H6) to make navigation easier for visitors and search engines.

Content Optimisation

Research keywords to discover the terms your audience is searching for.
Focus on primary and long-tail keywords that address specific search intentions.
Provide well-written and detailed content that answers user questions thoroughly.
Optimise your Google Business Profile for local businesses and create content tailored to your location to boost local search rankings.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Conduct regular technical checks to fix crawl errors, broken links, and other speed-related problems.
Monitor your results using tools that track rankings, organic traffic, and conversions.
Refine your approach based on performance insights and updates to search engine algorithms.

SEO requires ongoing work and regular updates. Prioritise user value while ensuring search engines can easily find your content through proper technical setup and optimisation.

11.Test and launch your website

Thorough testing guarantees a reliable user experience.

Pre-Launch Checklist:

Technical Testing:

Ensure compatibility with browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
Verify mobile responsiveness on various devices.
Test form submissions and validations.
Confirm secure payment processing.
Check database operations.

Content Review:

Review spelling and grammar for accuracy.
Identify and fix any broken links.
Ensure images are optimised.
Maintain consistent content formatting.
Confirm meta descriptions are complete.

12.Promote and maintain your website

Regular upkeep and effective promotion are essential for long-term business growth.

Maintenance Schedule Example:

Monthly Tasks:

Apply security updates and fixes.
Check content for relevance and make updates if needed.
Verify that backups are working correctly.
Improve website speed and overall performance.
Review analytics and prepare reports.

Promotion Strategies:

A new business consulting firm could:

Run email marketing campaigns to reach potential clients.
Publish informative and helpful blog articles.
Use social media platforms to engage with audiences.
Invest in paid ads for targeted visibility.
Build connections through professional networking platforms.

You can build a functional and user-friendly website by following these steps and tailoring them to your needs. It will meet your goals and suit your audience while ensuring high-quality performance and usability.

Transform Your Digital Vision into Reality: Partner with Make My Website

Building a website involves important decisions and technical steps, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Make My Website helps bring your vision to life, offering professional support at every development step. Our skilled team understands the challenges businesses face when creating their online presence.

Make My Website offers complete solutions tailored to your needs, from choosing the right platform to creating user-friendly designs and applying effective SEO strategies. We manage the technical details so you can concentrate on running your business. Our proven success includes helping many companies reach their online goals with custom-built, high-performing websites that deliver results.

Looking to build a strong online presence for your business? Get in touch with Make My Website today for a consultation. We’ll design a website that looks professional and drives accurate results for your business. With our skills and your ideas, we’ll create an online platform that sets your business up for success in the digital market.