Starting the process of creating your own website can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing or where to start. With a quick Google search you’ll find plenty of platforms to build a website. While options are always good, analyzing all of these to find the best fit for you can be a bit overwhelming. We’re here to walk you through the steps of how to build an easy-to-use website with a modernized design using Squarespace. It is one of the most popular website platforms and it’s what we use here at PK.
Template
First, you’ll start off with choosing a template. This may seem like a simple task but knowing how you want your website to look and feel is very important. What kind of layout are you looking for? Is there a particular way you want customers to navigate through your website? These are important questions to consider when starting out. As discussed in a previous blog, first impressions can be crucial. Since Squarespace offers a wide range of templates, we recommend doing some research first. Explore other websites and get a feel for what is the best fit and style for your brand.
Domain
Second, you get to choose your domain. A domain is the same as a web address or URL. Consider this your online “home” address. Some things to consider when choosing your domain name:
Length - short and sweet, typically 2-3 words
Simplicity - allows your visitors to easily remember your website
Keywords - consider using keywords to help users find you in a search
Brand Name - your domain should reflect your brand (and including a unique brand name could increase website visits and gain recognition)
You also have the option to select your own TLD (top-level domain). This is the part that follows after the period. For example, you can choose to use the classic .com or you can be unique and select one relevant to your business, such as .cafe for a coffee shop.
Content
Time to add the core contents of your website. This is when you can add your About or Contact Us pages for visitors to learn more about your brand and get in touch with you. Provide your visitors with pleasant visuals, adding images you’ve created or professional images courtesy of Unsplash. Start blog posts for your website to provide more content.
Squarespace allows you to organize and format your content how you desire. You have the ability to customize using drag-and-drop sections. You’re also provided with a Design panel to stylize the website however you prefer with fonts, colors, spacing, and other features. And best of all, all Squarespace websites have a responsive design so your content will scale to different screen sizes and devices.
Promote
Now your website is up and running and looking great. Let’s spread the word. You can link social media accounts, which is especially great for your blogs. You can connect a variety of social platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Using these links allows you to easily share on social media and start gaining some brand recognition.
You can even try out the email campaigns feature. This is a great option for companies looking to market their business further. As with the Squarespace website templates, the email campaigns provide you with a variety of layouts to capture any audience.
Update
Lastly, don’t forget to keep updating! Your website is live and up and running but that doesn’t mean the work is done. If you have blog posts, remember to keep your content fresh and consistent. Make sure to keep your website updated with current information, especially with any important changes especially for things like the Contact Us page. Having an outdated website can turn off visitors – keeping an updated active website can increase visitors and potentially conversion.
If you’re still finding yourself lost or overwhelmed, contact us at PK and our team will be happy to help!
PK Information is a FileMaker-certified development agency serving the Tampa Bay and Knoxville regions. We believe that great software can change everything. Would your database benefit from a process review? Contact us today!