Getting a new website built can feel like a big step, but with a good plan it is perfectly manageable. In this step-by-step guide you will walk through the six phases every web project goes through, so you know what is expected of you and what to expect from your web designer.
Step 1: define the goal of your website
Do not start with the design, but with the question: what should the site achieve? More phone calls, quote requests, orders or appointments? The goal determines which pages you need and what visitors should do. Write it down and share it with your web designer.
Step 2: know your audience and your competitors
Who are your customers, what questions do they have and which words do they use? Also look at your competitors: what do they do well and where can you stand out? This information later becomes the basis for your keywords and copy.
Step 3: choose structure and content
Make a list of pages: home, services, about us, contact and possibly a knowledge base or projects. A separate page for each service is often stronger for search engines than everything on one page. Also think about the copy, photos and any video.
Step 4: design and build
Based on the structure, your web designer creates a design. In this phase, react to what you see and give honest feedback. After that the site is built. At Dave’s Websites we work with WordPress, so you can manage the site yourself later.
Step 5: test and go live
- Test on phone, tablet and computer.
- Check forms, links and loading speed.
- Check the titles and descriptions of each page for search engines.
- Arrange hosting, backups and a secure connection.
- Register the site with Google Search Console and create a Google Business Profile.
Step 6: maintain and improve
After launch the real work begins: keeping the site up to date, adding new content and reviewing the results. With website maintenance and SEO your site stays secure and easy to find. Also read what a website costs and what the choice between WordPress and a custom build means.
What you can prepare in advance
A good start saves a lot of time later. Before you talk to a web designer, gather a few things: your logo and house style, examples of websites you like (and why), a list of services or products, photos of your business or work, and your contact details and opening hours. It also helps to keep track of the questions customers ask most often, because those belong on your website with an answer.
Common pitfalls
- Wanting too much at once: a long wish list delays the launch. Start with the essentials.
- Postponing the copy: a site cannot go live without text. Plan time for it or have it written.
- Only looking at appearance: a beautiful site that loads slowly or is unclear delivers little.
- Forgetting who looks after it: agree on maintenance, hosting and updates in advance.
- SEO as the last step: visibility works best when it is built into the structure from the start.
How long does it take on average?
That depends on scope and pace. A compact website goes faster than a large site with many pages or a web shop. The biggest delay is rarely in the build, but in supplying copy and images and giving feedback. The faster you respond, the sooner the site is live.
Ready to start? Book an intro call and we will go through the first steps together.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often. Is yours not listed? Get in touch.
How long does it take to build a website?
That depends on the scope and on how quickly copy and images are available. Agree a schedule during the intro call.
What do I need to supply myself?
Your goals, house style, photos and preferably the copy. If something is missing, your web designer can help.
Do I have to have everything built at once?
No. Start with the pages that matter most and expand later.