Are you ready to start a website for your business? Whether you run a service-based business (such as a handyman company) or have an actual retail store, having a website is crucial to the success of your company. Nowadays, everything is online. Potential customers might want to read reviews, someone may be doing a Google search of your product or service, or a current customer may just want to learn more about you and your business.
Creating a website for your business doesn’t have to be complicated or break the bank. I’ve started numerous small business websites – including a handyman website and multiple blogs – in under an hour, and I am no expert when it comes to technology. If you’re ready to start a website for your business, keep reading.
How to Start a Website for Your Business
Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name
Your domain name is your “.com” name. Ideally, this will be the name of your business, but there is a chance that the name will already be taken.
To start a website, you have to purchase a domain name and hosting – which is what your website will live on. I’ve always used Bluehost and highly recommend them. They’re affordable, easy to use, have excellent customer service, and they give you your domain name for free with the purchase of a plan.
To browse domain names, head to Bluehost.com and select “Get Started Now.” Next, you’ll choose a plan. I recommend the Basic plan shown below:
Next, you’ll be taken to a screen where you can choose your domain name. Enter it in. If it’s available, you’ll be able to continue moving forward with the process. If it’s not, you’ll be asked to choose a different domain name. Feel free to play around with this until you find the perfect domain name for your business.
Step 2: Purchase Bluehost
Once you have your domain name selected, you’ll be prompted to enter in your account information on Bluehost, shown below:
Followed by your package information:
The 36-month starter plan is the best deal per month, but you can always start out with the 12-month price and then in a year, purchase the 36-month one. I also added the Domain Privacy Protection for $0.99 per month. I did not add any other items, but you are more than welcome to.
Step 3: Install WordPress
Next, you’ll want to install WordPress, which is the platform on which you will run your website. Click “Hosting” at the top left, then “cpanel” where you’ll see “Install WordPress” under the Website Builders section (pictured below):
Click on your domain name:
Fill out the form:
I recommend you write down your Admin Username and Admin Password and keep it in a safe spot! Click “Install Now” and you are done!
Step 4: Design Your Website
Your all set! Now, it’s time to design your website and start adding valuable content. Most blogs and websites run on Genesis, and then have their own child theme on top of that (think of Genesis as the engine of your car and your theme as the body and color of your car). This blog is using a Restored316 child theme, but you can browse themes for free on WordPress (in the Marketplace on the left-hand column) if you want.
Phew! You did it! To help get your business’ website looking professional, I wrote a book titled The Beginner’s Guide to Blogging. Feel free to email me (sbrooks52111 @ yahoo.com) and I’ll send you a copy of my book for free! It’ll show you how to create business pages, design your sidebar, set up your “About” section, and more.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me or leave a comment!