Deciding to create your own website is an exciting journey. It’s your chance to bring your vision to life and create a space that reflects your brand or passion. However, diving into DIY web design can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the process. To set you up for success, here are five essential tips to keep in mind:
1. Start you website DIY with a Clear Purpose
Before you dive into templates and tools, take a moment to define the purpose of your website. Are you creating an online portfolio, an e-commerce store, an informational website, or a blog? Whatever your purpose, make sure to align your goals with the site’s structure. Need help getting started? Schedule a free consultation with us today! Knowing your primary goal will guide every decision, from the layout to the features you include.
Pro Tip: Write down your top three objectives for the site. For example, “Showcase my work,” “Sell products,” or “Generate leads.” These objectives will keep you focused and help you avoid unnecessary distractions.
2. Choose the Right Platform
Not all website builders are created equal. Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress offer different strengths depending on your needs. For beginners, drag-and-drop builders like Wix and Squarespace are user-friendly. If you want more customization options and scalability, WordPress might be the way to go.
Pro Tip: Spend time researching and experimenting with free trials to find a platform that feels intuitive and meets your needs. Want personalized advice on the best platform for your business? Contact us for recommendations!
3. Prioritize Mobile-Friendliness
With over half of all web traffic coming from mobile devices, ensuring your website looks great on phones and tablets is crucial. Most website builders offer mobile-responsive templates, but it’s essential to test your site on different devices before publishing.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to identify any issues with your site’s mobile experience. If you’re unsure how to make your site mobile-friendly, let us guide you with expert advice—reach out today!
4. Focus on Simple Design and Navigation
It can be tempting to use every cool feature your builder offers, but simplicity is key. A clean design and intuitive navigation help visitors find what they’re looking for quickly.
- Use a maximum of three fonts and a cohesive color palette.
- Keep your navigation menu straightforward, with clear labels like “About,” “Services,” or “Contact.”
- Avoid clutter by using whitespace strategically to highlight important content.
Pro Tip: Ask a friend or colleague to test your site and provide feedback on its usability. Or, let a professional set of eyes review it—book a website audit with us now!
5. Don’t Neglect SEO Basics
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures your website gets found by the right audience. Even if you’re new to SEO, there are some simple steps you can take:
- Use clear, descriptive titles and meta descriptions for each page.
- Include relevant keywords naturally in your content.
- Optimize images by compressing their size and adding alt text.
Pro Tip: Most website builders have SEO tools built in. Use them to guide your optimization efforts and improve your search engine rankings.
Final Thoughts
Building your own website can be a rewarding experience, giving you complete control over your online presence. While the process may seem daunting, keeping these five tips in mind will help you create a website that’s functional, visually appealing, and effective.
If you’re ever feeling stuck or overwhelmed, remember: there’s no shame in asking for help! A professional designer can always step in to polish your work or tackle more complex tasks.
Happy building, and here’s to your website success!
