Today, it is difficult for a company or a brand to do without a digital presence… But fortunately, the process of developing a website is now simplified thanks to the development of CMS (content management systems) .
The hardest part is finding and writing content to keep your pages up to date and optimize your SEO. Fortunately, you can count on the help of a professional web editor to write your articles and other texts.
Are you planning to launch a showcase site or an e-commerce? Discover the 10 main steps to create a website easily !
1. Find the domain name of your site
The first step in creating a website is to reserve a domain name (NDD). In other words: the main URL of your site, the address with which users will find it on the Internet. To get one, you must go through a registrar (domain name registrar) or directly through your host.
Booking an NDD is like choosing your brand name or business name. Your customers should immediately identify with your domain and understand what you are selling.
Concerning the extension, reserve a .fr if your activity is 100% French, otherwise opt for a .com. If you are an association or non-profit organization, you have the .org extension.
2. Define the site tree
If there’s one rule to remember when designing web, it’s to focus the design on the user experience. Visitors should feel comfortable from the home page, immediately understand the menu to easily navigate between pages and find the information they need. Even if they visit your site from their cell phone or any other mobile device.
Using a wireframe tool, for example, create a mock-up of the website in general, then of each page. Position textual content, images, action buttons, bars and menus, contact forms, etc.
This step allows you to visualize the tree structure and evaluate the ergonomics of the navigation. You also obtain a clear vision of the volume of texts to be produced and your visual needs.
3. Write all the content of the site pages
Now that you’ve defined the pages and spaces to fill with text, it’s time to start writing! One of the main steps in creating a website is to produce content that will both boost your SEO strategy and present your business to visitors.
It is therefore essential to produce high-quality content that promotes your business, while containing keywords that will help you position yourself in Google.
For this step, we recommend that you be accompanied by an SEO editor. This writing and SEO professional will be able to produce texts and articles in line with your values, while including your keywords intelligently.
4. Select the CMS based on the type of site
A CMS is a content management system that allows you to create, manage and optimize your website very easily. Using these platforms does not require knowledge of HTML, CSS, PHP or JavaScript.
For a showcase site: WordPress and Joomla are perfect if you use a web developer or if you have some knowledge of CSS and HTML. If necessary, it is recommended to opt for “turnkey” platforms like Wix or SquareSpace.
For e-commerce: WooCommerce (WordPress extension) or PrestaShop offer many customizations, themes and features to create a professional online store. There are also solutions for launching an e-commerce quickly: WiziShop, Shopify or Oxatis, for example.
5. Choose a web host
Let’s continue with the steps to create a website while talking about hosting! A host offers a storage location for your website. It ensures that it is online, SEO ready and searchable by your visitors.
Hosting service providers offer different packages that correspond to more or less important needs. Before choosing the right plan for your project, evaluate aspects such as.
6. Define the visual style of the site
It is extremely important to define your visual identity. If your company or brand already has a graphic charter with a defined logo, fonts, graphic elements and colors, reuse this design for your pages.
Next, you will need to think about how to arrange your visual identity. Are you going to make a very modern website, with animations and lots of white space? Do you prefer a one-page site or a more traditional one, with a navigation menu? Will you use a retro style to appeal to nostalgia?
Your website reflects your brand, your personality, it must appeal to your current and potential customers. Make sure to choose a design that fits your audience and your other marketing materials.