Website contains all the information, images, works, and whatnots about you or your business that are made available through the web to whoever with internet access. It does not limit what you want to show off and it is the most versatile way to virtually represent you and the value that you can offer.
So, how do you start?
To get you started, I compiled a list of 7 essential steps in starting your own website as an online dance service provider. Refer to this guide to help you not get lost on the process.
1. Platform
The first on the list is identifying the platform where you are planning to build your website.
Why? Because your platform must be aligned with the kind of website that you need. It will give you more ease and convenience building and maintaining the website when you choose the right platform – because they have pre-built functionalities that can cater most of your needs.
Some popular website platforms are WordPress, Webflow, Squarespace, Shopify, and Wix.
2. Hosting
The next thing to consider is your hosting. For your website to be available on the web, all the related website files must be stored somewhere – from where these files will be fetched for display when a visitor would want to view your website.
So, it is like the house of all your website files on the web that you have to rent and be paid monthly or annually to keep your website live.
Now, from the platform you chose previously, you have to determine if they are self-hosted or company-hosted website platforms.
What do I mean?
Self-hosted means you’ll purchase your own hosting from a web hosting provider like SiteGround, Bluehost, etc. and set up your website yourself. When you’ll use WordPress (from WordPress.org), this is something you’ll need because WordPress needs a place to ‘house’ all your website files. You might need an assistance from a technical person to navigate through the backend and set up your website. But nowadays, most of the web hosting providers offer a one-click WordPress installation so you don’t have to worry too much about that!
Company-hosted websites, on the other hand, are those that are directly hosted by your chosen platform like Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow. It means that when you decide to use these platforms, all you need to do is sign up, pay and start building a website. However, when you want to change hosting/platform, you have to recreate almost everything from scratch.
3. Domain
After choosing your desired platform and hosting, it’s time to pay attention to your domain. Remember that hosting is your rented space on the web to house all your website files? Then, you need an address so that your visitors can easily find you online. It pertains to the URL your visitors should type on the address bar to view your website. You also need to pay annually to keep using your domain.
Two most popular domain name registrars are NameCheap and GoDaddy.
But when you choose to purchase a web hosting, domain is usually offered, too! It is up to you if you’ll avail your domain from your hosting provider as well.
4. Structure
Now that the starting blocks of building a website are finally prepared, it’s time to prepare the website itself!
Start with summarizing/outlining what you want to include on your website.
- How many pages you shall include and what are those pages?
- What are the contents of each page?
- What sections are important for each page?
Plan and organize them to take the next steps smoothly.
5. Content
Content is now next in line!
You already have the structure or the summary of points that you want to include on your website so, you then need to start writing your detailed content!
Believe me when I say designing is much easier when you already have all the content in hand. You’ll have clearer picture of what and how you want it be done and avoid multiple revisions due to unmatched design with content.
So, at this point, you have to write all the detailed content to prepare for the designing part.
6. Design
This is the stage where your creative juices will be squeezed.
You have to make your detailed content alive and style them in relation with your goal. Web design does not only pertain to good aesthetics, but also involve the strategies to apply to have it effectively represent you and your dance business.
If you already have your brand guidelines, it is recommended to follow it to get a consistent look and messaging with all your brand’s assets.
Don’t forget to consider mobile responsiveness and fast loading speed to help create a good user experience!
Design your thoughts and heart out. At the end of the day, I know that you’ll love to build a website that can speak for you and get leads & sales for you – and web design can definitely help achieve that.
7. Search Engine Optimization
The last thing I would like to remind you on this guide is your SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
If you want your website to be highly searchable and be found by a larger audience, you must also invest on SEO. If you still can’t avail the rates of SEO specialists, do at least basic SEO for your website such as putting metadata on your website pages and use of relevant keywords on your content.
SEO will be a great help to be discovered by potential clients specifically looking for your service!
There you have it!
These are the essentials you have to look at when you’re confused and lost on where to start in having a website. I hope you find this guide helpful – looking forward to your success! Cheers!