Having a strong online presence is crucial for the success of any business. A well-designed website serves as your virtual storefront, providing a platform for potential customers to discover, engage with, and ultimately patronise your business. Fortunately, creating a website is no longer a daunting task, even for those with little to no tech expertise. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace have revolutionised the website-building process, empowering business owners to establish an online presence effortlessly.
Choosing the Right Platform: Wix vs. Squarespace
Wix and Squarespace are two popular website builders that have simplified the process of creating a professional-looking website. These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces, drag-and-drop functionalities, and a plethora of customisable templates. Business owners with little technical knowledge can leverage these tools to bring their visions to life.
Wix
Wix is renowned for its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, making it a favourite among beginners. The platform boasts a diverse range of templates catering to various industries, allowing business owners to select a design that aligns with their brand. Wix’s App Market further enhances functionality, enabling users to integrate features like online booking, e-commerce, and contact forms seamlessly.
Squarespace
Squarespace, on the other hand, is celebrated for its sleek and modern templates. While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to Wix, Squarespace offers more design flexibility, allowing users to create a highly customised and visually appealing website. The platform is particularly popular among creative professionals and those aiming for a sophisticated online presence.
Okay, I’m signed up – What now?
1. Choose a Domain Name
Selecting a memorable and relevant domain name is the first step. Both Wix and Squarespace offer domain registration services, simplifying the process.
2. Select a Template
Browse through the template libraries and choose one that resonates with your brand. Customize colours, fonts, and images to match your business identity.
3. Edit Content
Replace template content with your own, focusing on clear and concise language. Highlight key information such as products, services, contact details, and any unique selling points.
4. Integrate Essential Features
Utilise built-in features or plugins to enhance functionality. For example, include a contact form, social media links, and if applicable, an online store for e-commerce.
5. Optimise for Mobile
Ensure your website looks and functions well on mobile devices. Both Wix and Squarespace automatically optimise websites for various screen sizes
6. SEO Optimisation
Implement basic SEO strategies such as adding meta titles, descriptions, and alt tags to images. This enhances your website’s visibility on search engines.
All done. Now, how do I make it stand out?
1. Engaging Visuals
Use high-quality images and graphics that reflect your brand. Visual appeal is crucial in capturing visitors’ attention.
2. Clear Navigation
Design an intuitive navigation structure. Visitors should easily find essential information without getting lost in a complex layout.
3. Compelling Content
Craft compelling and informative content. Clearly communicate your value proposition and address potential customer questions.
4. Contact Information
Display contact information prominently. Include a contact form for easy communication and, if applicable, integrate a live chat feature.
5. Customer Testimonials
Showcase positive customer testimonials and reviews. Social proof builds trust and credibility.
6. Call to Action
Include clear CTAs to guide visitors toward desired actions, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or subscribing to a newsletter.
That’s it – you’ve just built a spiffy website for your business!