Throughout this site, you’ll find guidance on different platforms, products, and hosting plans to get your business website online. However, you might be struggling to decide what will work best for your business.
This is not uncommon – it’s often known as paralysis by analysis. With too many options to choose from, you don’t know which one to go for.
The good news is that there are some simple decisions you can make to help you make the choice quickly and with minimal fuss.
Here are the 5 questions you need to ask yourself.
1. What is my budget?
The first and most important question you need to ask yourself is what your budget is. This will determine the amount of money you can spend on website building tools, hosting plans, and other associated costs.
Even if you have zero budget, there are options you can choose – but if you don’t acknowledge the level of budget available, you can’t make a choice.
For example, Wix offers a free web design platform, but it is limited by not having your own domain name and must show Wix branding – but it gets your foot in the door. Upgrade for a domain name, faster loading, no forced branding, and so on.
2. What features do I need?
You should also think about the features that are essential for your business website. These could include eCommerce capabilities, custom forms, or any other special features.
Knowing what you need will help narrow down the list of options available to you. For example, if you need an eCommerce store, then a platform like Shopify is essential for your business website.
3. How much maintenance and support do I require?
You will also need to consider the level of maintenance and support you require. If you plan to update your website regularly, then a content management system (CMS) like WordPress or Drupal might be essential.
These platforms provide a range of features and allow you to easily manage and update content on your website. However, they can be complex and may require ongoing support.
4. Do I need professional help?
This is a question that many business owners ask themselves. While building and managing your own website might be possible, it can take up a lot of time – especially if you’re not familiar with web design or coding languages.
In this case, it’s often worth considering hiring a professional web developer or designer. They can provide the expertise and support you need to get your website up and running quickly and efficiently.
One of the biggest issues that new website owners face is filling the pages, or even a single page. It is common that people who need a website are good at their job, but they aren’t great at telling other people what they do. If you’re a plumber in Brooklyn, you’re fantastic at plumbing, but you don’t have the first clue about how people will find you through Google or what is needed for good web page structure. Hiring a professional content writer or copywriter, especially if they understand SEO, will be a boon to your business.
5. Am I looking for a long-term solution?
Finally, it’s important to consider whether you’re looking for a short-term solution or a longer-term investment in your website. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, then investing in a self-hosted website or hiring professional help may be the best option.
However, if you are just starting out and need something more basic that you can manage yourself, there are plenty of free options available.
By asking yourself these five questions, you should have a better understanding of what website building tools are best suited for your business. With that information, you can begin to make an informed decision. Good luck!