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Every website has started exactly where you are. Trying to figure out exactly how to launch your website so your journey can begin! The first step is always the hardest. Currently, you probably lost to figure out which niche and choosing a website name. Don’t feel alarmed or alone. If done step by step as described below, you will have your own website up and running when we are done!
Pick Your Niche
The hardest part for me was picking my niche. Not just because this was an important factor of which direction you are about to travel, but you may have a few passions that you can write about and educate others on. But for now, you need to narrow this down to one.
Take my advice: DO NOT take on more than you are ready for. Ask me how I know? Ask me how I KNOW!! I started with 5 websites, maybe plans for more? I thought I could learn each step and apply it to every other website. Unfortunately, it doesn’t exactly work that way. Now ask me how many gained ANY momentum the first 2 years! You can easily plan another website later down the road. Learn what you need to now and the second one will be a ton easier.
Sign Up For Webhosting
Webhosting should be something you take a little bit of time on. Read some reviews and never “just choose” the cheapest one. Although many Webhosting will work well enough, not all hosting is created equal. You are probably not only going to build one site. Remember, SEO and SERPs rank you on page load time. I would highly recommend you pick something that can grow with you.
See Also: Read Our Bluehost Review!
Choose a Domain
Domain names are not as important as everybody makes them sound. Your name has zero impact on the Google Bots when it comes to SEO and ranking in the SERPs. More importantly, is the ability for a visitor to remember your site name. Something short and simple that can easily be typed in to get your visitor back.
Top Level Domains
Most websites want to be a “.com” domain. There are plenty of others to choose from also if the type fits your purpose. My website here about webpage building might get away “.tech” domain, but never would I choose a “.org” for myself. Some top-level domains are reserved and need prior permission before they can be purchased. (ex: .gov and .edu)
Install WordPress
I almost forgot this step! WordPress is one of the most common open-sourced tool to manage all important aspects of your website. Each WebHost will have its own steps to install WordPress onto your new website. Some may already have it done for you!
Select a Theme
Themes at this point for your website are not extremely important. You want a “responsive” theme that will adjust to your viewers’ screen size they are viewing on. Mobile browsers make up a majority of the browsers that are used to view your website. Find a simple, even free theme that fits what you are liking. Themes can be changed with a few clicks of a button then tweaked to fit your needs.
Recommended: Get Your Theme From MyThemeShop
Recommended Pages
Your viewers are reaching out to you. They are looking for information about you, your history, and why they should listen to you. Make sure you make it easy for them to figure out who you are and what you stand for. An About Us page is a must for every website. Here are a few others that I make as quickly as I can before I launch any website.
- About Us
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page
- Contact Us
- Home Page
- Blog Page
- Products or Services Page
Organize Your Homepage
Currently, there isn’t anything to look at. But take a look at how your front page loads. Have something there. Go into your homepage settings and make it a ‘static page’ that you can throw a few pictures up. Make sure the pages that you have created thus far can be reached in some form of top or bottom menu.
Launch Your Website
Now that you have at least SOMETHING to look at, show the world what you have started. In your WordPress setting, you need to navigate to a switch to turn off your “Comming Soon” page and make your site go live. Because I’m using Bluehost, on my WordPress menu, I navigate to Bluehost>Settings and the right side says “Site Controls”. Slide that Comming Soon Page setting to off.
Create Content
So everything above, I keep saying it is not important over and over again. So what is important? Content! Without content, nobody will find you or your site. Start off somewhat simple. Unless you are an English major that loves writing, your first few articles are going to be a struggle. Aim for something achievable that will start you to be seen. Most will advise aiming for 300 words.
Personally, I like 600 as more of a minimum amount. Unfortunately, as time goes on, you will start wanting to compete with other websites for traffic and will need to be in the +2,000 word range. Not all articles deserve 2,000 words. Some can be kept simple and to the point at around 600 words, maybe less.
Write 10 articles as quickly as possible. Once those are completed, go back and edit them. Repeat this process over and over again.
See Also: Write Your First Article Today!
Finally!!
Now you are started on your way to a very rewarding gig. At first, you won’t see any traffic. Google and their famous Bots are waiting to see what you are about to do. Don’t give up faith. Your work will pay off. Most people give up right before they were about to turn the corner!