Because of the current pandemic, people have begun to rediscover their creative side or even the ambitious side. Many people are starting blogs, businesses, or even expanding their businesses during this time. With that comes one of the most important parts of any business, a website and for newcomers, it can be overwhelming to figure out who, what, where, or how to get a website. I want to simplify your choices to help you make the best decision for your website’s needs.
There are many questions to answer:
- Where should I buy my domain?
- Should I get hosting?
- Should I use a website builder service?
- If I use a site builder, which should I choose?
- Can I build the site myself?
- Should I hire someone to build my website?
Each of these questions is important but some are easier to answer than others. Some of these questions may even be answered once you answer other questions. First, if you are going to have someone build your website, these are questions you should ask them before deciding to do anything. If you want more knowledge or even want to take a crack at building it yourself, check out the answers to the above questions below.
Table of Contents
Where Should I Buy My Domain?
This question can be answered once you determine where and how you will have your site. If you do not want a website yet but know what you would like your domain to be or even want to use an email address with your own domain, you should purchase your domain with Google. If not see the answer to Should I Use a Website Builder Service.
Should I Get Hosting?
You should only pay for hosting if you are building your website through a service like WordPress or a similar website builder. Those types of website builders are for more advanced website builders and truthfully, if you do not have a huge business who needs an expensive website I would argue against it.
Should I Use A Website Builder Service?
If you are like many creatives and businesses, this is the best way to create a comprehensive website. Everything you need can be found within a website builder service like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify.
If I Use a Site Builder, Which Should I Choose?
There are three big website builder services; Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify. I am going to provide you with a simple explanation of which services are for what type of users.
Wix: Wix is best for service-based businesses. Wix has a ton of great plug-ins and workflows on the backside of the website. If you have a small business (100 employees or less), Wix will be great for you and your business. The back end workflows are great to help you maintain customer relationships.
Although Wix produces great websites, having a clean streamlined look is not the highlight of this site but if I had a service-based business, I would still choose Wix.
Squarespace: Squarespace is a great catch-all service. The back end is very user friendly and easy to use. If you have a blog, small commerce, non-profit, restaurants, or non-service based business this is perfect for you. Although I believe Wix is best for service-based businesses if you have a service-based business that performs and offers a few services this will work for you also. For example, a therapist. The websites are beautiful and have a very high-grade professional look.
This is the best general website builder, especially if you want simple and user friendly.
Shopify: Honestly, Shopify is my least favorite as it is not user friendly and the sites do not particularly look amazing BUT if you are a major commerce based business this may be the choice for you. Shopify has a ton of plug-ins that are useful for commerce-based businesses. Additionally, the back end commerce interface is great as you can best manage your inventory, shipping, and payments.
If you are a commerce-based business and are willing to take the time to learn the interface, Shopify is the builder for you.
Can I Build My Website Myself?
You can! If you are using any of the big three, it is simple enough to use to build your own site. Squarespace is the easiest and their helpdesk has very useful up to date step by step how to’s. If you still feel like it is too challenging to learn, you can always have someone build your site.
Should I Hire Someone to Build My Site?
If you choose, having someone else who is accustomed to building websites is a viable option and can also be affordable. Before hiring someone be sure you know what you want and have a vision. You can find affordable website builders on Fiverr or you can contact me to build your website.
