As technology is advancing at a rapid rate, it can be difficult to keep up. This post takes a close look at the top 6 things that you need to consider before building a website for your small business. Let’s dive in.

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1. Select the Right Domain Name

The domain name you choose for your small business website plays a huge role in its success. The domain name is the website address that will help potential and existing customers find your business. It is vital that you select a domain name that is relevant, relatable, and easy to remember.

The following tips will help you create the perfect domain name for your SME.

• Keep It Short: The domain should be short as it would ensure that visitors have an easier time remembering it.
• Easy to Spell: Next, you should try to come up with a domain name that is easy to spell. Avoid using jargon and slang.
• Include a Reputable Domain Extension: If you do not know what a domain extension is, it is the end of the domain. Some examples of reputable domain extensions include .com, org, and .edu. Since .com is the most used extension, you should go with it.
• Avoid Numbers and Hyphens: If you include numbers and hyphens, it will make it difficult for users to remember your site. Therefore, you should not include them in the domain name.
• Be SEO-Friendly: An SEO-friendly URL should include the right keywords to automatically rank higher on Google. For instance, you can include the business activity and the geo-location such as Carpet Cleaning London.

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2. Select the Right Website Host

The next thing that you need to consider is the website host. As small businesses do not have the resources to manage the hosting on their own, it is best to choose a reputable host. Go for a host that is scalable and secure.

The domain name will need to be connected to the host to power the website. The hosting provider will ensure that people can find your small business website when they enter your URL.

If you are wondering how much a website host will cost you, expect to spend anywhere from $2 to more than $100 a month. The cost of the hosting service depends on your needs and the features you select. Make sure to choose a yearly plan as it will help you get a discount.

Choose a web host that offers an easy-to-use interface, chat support or 24/7 phone support, and excellent server security.

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3. Select the Right Content Management System (CMS)

Once you have selected a website host, you need to choose a content management system. It is an application that allows you to manage digital content. As you are new to the software, you would not have much technical knowledge and would need to use a CMS that is simple and easy to use.

Since there are different CMS software applications, you need to choose one that suits your requirements. The following options are available.

• Webflow: Webflow is the go-to solution if you want to create something that's truly yours. A fully custom solution with the cleanest and most reliable CMS out there.
• WordPress: WordPress offers a variety of plugins that help boost the functionality of the website.
• Drupal: Another excellent CMS that you can use is Drupal. However, it does not offer as many plugin options as WordPress.
• Squarespace: It is the ideal option for beginners that lack any technical knowledge.

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4. Select a Professional Design

When creating a small business website, you need to choose a professional design. There are plenty of website hosts that also provide website builders for creating a website. It is the perfect option for people that do not have any technical skills.

Popular hosts offer a drag and drop editor, which lets you change the design of your website without coding knowledge. The following website design tips will prove useful.

• Incorporate CTAs (Call to Actions) for increased conversion.
• Develop a navigation system that allows visitors to easily move one page to the next.
• Compress the graphics to increase the website speed.
• Choose easy-to-read fonts.

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5. Choose the Right Ecommerce Platform

If you want to launch an ecommerce business, you should choose the right ecommerce platform. It will enable you to sell goods and services to your target audience. Select a reputable platform to ensure that customers trust your site with their personal and financial details.

The following ecommerce platforms should be considered.

• WooCommerce: It will help you transform the WordPress site into an ecommerce store.
• Shopify: This standalone solution will enable you to create an online store in no time.
• Squarespace: It is the best option for businesses that have basic needs.

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6. Mobile-Friendly Site

Finally, you need to focus on creating a mobile-friendly site. Research shows that mobile users are the main source of online traffic. To ensure that the maximum number of users can visit your site, you need to develop a mobile-friendly site.

There are certain website hosts that enable you to edit the mobile website, such as Wix and GoDaddy. You will see the changes as you edit the site. It might also be a good idea to create a mobile app for your small business if you have the funds.  

Understanding the difference between a website and a mobile app will help you get an idea about what to expect from each.  

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Conclusion 

Now that you know the top things before creating a small business website, nothing is standing in the way of you creating the website. From coming up with the right domain name to creating a mobile-friendly website, each factor should be considered.