Here's the first of our articles on using WordPress to create a website and launching your online brand. Exciting stuff!
Why Use WordPress?
WordPress is a powerful, open-source content management system (CMS) with a formidable online presence. As you may know, it was launched in 2003 as a blogging platform. But since then it has evolved into a tool for building everything from simple blogs to full-scale e-commerce sites.
It now powers over 40% of websites worldwide and is popular because it’s easy to use, with customization options, and a huge – and supportive – global community.
Users say that one of the standout features of WordPress is its adaptability. There are absolutely thousands of themes and plugins available, so WordPress users can tailor their site’s design and functionality without any knowledge of code. (Though a little knowledge of page structure and elementary HTML can help a bit…) So whether you’re a small business owner, a blogger, or a large company, WordPress gives you a solid solution.
And the SEO-friendly structure is another major attraction. There’s a huge choice of SEO plugins that help optimize content for search engines, making it possible for your website to rank well on Google.
There are also security plugins, and frequent updates improve protection against hackers.
In a nutshell, WordPress is popular because it manages to combine user-friendliness, flexibility and community support. And that’s why we’d say it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to build a professional – and manageable – website.
Choosing Your Hosting Provider
Your choice of hosting provider will directly affect your site's performance, and its reliability. Yet it’s a factor that too many people ignore. And it’s the reason we’ve placed it at the top of our list of things to do.
Popular hosting options include managed WordPress hosts which offer specialized WordPress features but at higher prices, or general providers, that provide good value for smaller sites.
If you’re new to WordPress, selecting the right host is probably a baffling choice. An option you may want to check out is
WordPress Hosting from Elementor who are a high quality option outside the “big boys”. Their platform has a simple interface that's ideal for newbies and experienced users alike. The use of drag-and-drop editing and pre-designed templates also make it a cinch to design layouts and modify your website in real-time.
When you’re looking at potential hosts, consider the following:
- WordPress-specific hosting vs. general hosting
- Server location (closer to your target audience means faster loading times)
- Limitations on bandwidth and disk storage
- SSL certificate inclusion (essential or your site will be marked as “unsafe”!)
- How frequently backups are made, and how long they are stored
- Tech support: quality and availability
- Options for growth
It’s also a good idea to look for hosts offering one-click WordPress installation and automatic updates. To help further, read recent reviews so you can avoid hosts with frequent downtime or poor customer support. Every time you cross a provider off your list, you make your choice easier!
Choosing Your Domain Name
Your domain name serves as your site's address and should reflect your brand identity. And it’s usually the first thing people think about when planning their online presence.
When choosing a domain name, here are things you should think about:
- Keep it short, memorable, and easy to type
- Check trademark availability before purchasing
- Avoid hyphens and numbers unless they’re absolutely necessary
- Maybe use keywords relevant to your business – but not at the expense of your brand
- Register alternative spellings and common misspellings if possible – but again, don’t overdo it
- Opt for a .com domain when available, because this is the most recognized extension
- Consider location-specific extensions (.co.uk, .de, etc.) if you have a regional business
The Benefits of Having a Website
Yes, we’re really going back to basics here!
But if you’re creating a website, it’s a good idea to look at the
benefits it can bring. Because from there, you can decide what your objectives are. Let's be frank: building a website without knowing what you want to achieve is just plain dumb…
So here are some of the main benefits of having a website. But take it much deeper: apply it to your own situation – your target market, your readership – and think of more detailed benefits that apply to you.
Increased Visibility and Brand Awareness
- Online Presence: A website gives you an online presence, which makes it easier for potential customers to find you.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Although this is quite a specialized process, optimizing your website for search engines is the strategy of choice for many businesses. By improving your visibility in search results, you’re able to reach people across the world.
- Social Media Integration: You can direct people from your social media platforms (which you don’t own) to your website (which you do). In this way, you create a much more stable audience.
Better Engagement With Customers
- 24/7 Accessibility: Customers can access information about you, your products or services anytime, anywhere.
- Interactive Features: Interactive elements like contact forms, live chat, quizzes and online stores will increase the level of engagement with visitors.
- Blogging: Create a blog and use it to share content as a means of attracting – and keeping – visitors.
New Revenue Streams
- E-commerce: Sell products and services directly to customers online.
Digital Products: Provide digital downloads like eBooks, software, or online courses.
- Advertising: Once your web traffic builds, you can generate revenue through advertising on your website.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products on other websites and earn a commission on the sales you generate.
More Credibility
- First Impression: Potential customers always respond positively to a well-designed website!
- Trustworthiness: A professional website instantly creates legitimacy, trust and credibility.
Examples of Website Benefits:
- Small Businesses: A website levels the playing field, and helps small businesses compete with bigger rivals.
- Freelancers and Consultants: A website is a perfect showcase for a portfolio of skills and clients.
- Non-Profit Organizations: A website will help them to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and spread awareness of their causes.
- Artists and Musicians: A website can be set up to sell artwork, music, and merchandise, as well as to connect with fans.
- Authors and Writers: A website – especially a blog – can be used to promote books, share writing samples, and build an author platform.
By understanding, developing and targeting the benefits that apply to you, you’re in a position to open up new opportunities in ways that aren’t possible offline.
So now you should be ready to make your choices and start the process of building your online brand!
