It goes without saying that we live in a digital world. Yet recent data suggests that over half of small business owners still don’t have a dedicated web presence. One of the most common misconceptions among business owners reluctant to get started online is that launching a website is an expensive endeavor. This simply isn’t true. The reality is that you can build a professional-looking website at a relatively low cost. Here are a few things you need to know about taking your business online.
Reliable Web Hosting is Important
One of the key parts of the process of developing your business website is choosing a reliable web host. Web hosting companies provide the platform you will need to store and login to your website. It’s important to remember as you’re searching around for hosting that not all web hosts offer the same features to their users. Some hosting services are more reliable, boasting higher uptime percentages than others. The last thing you’d want is to cause frustration among your customers because they were unable to access your website due to a problem with your hosting company. Spend some time researching potential web hosts before you make a decision about which to use.
Branded versus Non-branded Domain Names
Your customers know your business by a certain name. If they are searching online for your website, it’s likely that they will begin by searching your company name to find the information they need. Chances are they’re probably also more likely to type in your business name with a .com after it, rather than a .net or .biz. For branding purposes, it’s always a good idea to select a branded domain name versus a non-branded one, and choose a .com domain whenever possible. Not only does this help your customers easily recognize your business online, it also helps you avoid any confusion that might come along with having a non-branded domain name. Purchasing a branded domain can help your business maintain a cohesive presence both on and offline.
Web Design
A professional looking web design doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you are interested in starting a website but you don’t have a large budget set aside, not to worry. Consider finding an online platform that offers an array of professional-looking templates to choose from. Most often, you can simply select a template you like and begin inputting your site content without any special knowledge of coding language. Finding a full service web hosting and design platform will help you avoid incurring the added cost of hiring a web designer to create your business website.
If you are thinking about getting started with a website for your small business, cost may be an important factor in your decision. Luckily, reliable webhosting, domain names, and professional-looking designs are no longer expensive to purchase. Start researching potential hosting companies and full-service platforms today in order to take your small business to the next level. Your customers are waiting for you online!
