Wondering how to create a business website that not only survives but thrives in the digital deep end? You’re in the right place! Before you dive into the depths of web design, let’s hit pause and gear up with the top 10 essential steps for a launch that’s as spectacular as your vision.

Know your target audience

Understanding who your audience is and what they need is the cornerstone of a successful business website. It’s not just about guessing; it’s about knowing. Before you lay the first pixel of your site’s design, invest time in thorough testing and research to get into the minds of your potential clients. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!

Test & Research

Utilize tools like Hotjar, FullStory, and Sumo to observe how visitors interact with your site. This isn’t just about tracking clicks; it’s about understanding behaviors. What do your visitors focus on, ignore, or when do they decide to leave? These insights are invaluable as you decide what to keep, change, or enhance. These insights are invaluable as you plan what to KEEP, CHANGE, or ENHANCE.

Define your website’s objectives

How to create a business website that converts? Start with pinpointing exactly what you want your visitors to do. Are you aiming to grow your mailing list, encourage purchases, or schedule appointments? Make sure these objectives are crystal clear from the start.

So, before you even think about color schemes or content, make sure you have a crystal-clear picture of who your audience is, what they want, and how they behave online. Your website needs to be crafted not just for ANYONE—but for SOMEONE SPECIAL.

Streamline Your Site’s Navigation

Ensure your website has a logical flow that aligns with your objectives. Your homepage should serve as the grand entrance, leading visitors naturally through to your products or services. Utilize tools like Google Analytics to understand visitor paths and optimize the user experience.

If you’re redesigning an existing site, leverage Google Analytics to analyze how visitors navigate your pages and where you might lose them. This data is invaluable for optimizing user flow and enhancing user experience.

Craft a cohesive brand style

A well-defined brand style is essential not just for aesthetic appeal but for creating a consistent experience that resonates with your audience.

• COLOR PALETTE: Choose two main colors supported by two neutrals to establish visual harmony.
• TYPOGRAPHY: Limit your site to 2-3 cohesive fonts that enhance readability and brand identity.
• IMAGERY: Use consistent and branded imagery to reinforce your message and connect with the audience.

Learn from you competition

What elements draw you in, and what pushes you away? Take a strategic pause to explore the digital territories of 3-5 competitors.

Catalog these observations as they’ll serve as invaluable reference points, sparking inspiration and guiding your website design decisions.

Create Killer Content

At the heart of every successful website is content that captures and holds attention. But we’re not just talking about any content—we mean content that pulses with life, tells compelling stories, and offers invaluable information.

It’s about crafting articles, videos, and graphics that aren’t just consumed but are experienced and shared. This content resonates with your audience, addresses their needs, and keeps them coming back for more.

Identify your core SEO Keywords

Start by identifying 3-5 target keywords that resonate deeply with what your business offers.

Think like your customer: What would someone type into a search engine when looking for your services or products? These keywords are your golden tickets to boosting your site’s visibility in organic search results.

Don’t skip on ‘Mobile-friendly’

In a world where more people browse on their phones than on any other device, a mobile-friendly website isn’t just nice to have; it’s a must. This means designing your site with responsiveness in mind—ensuring that it looks great and functions flawlessly across all devices, especially on smartphones.

Prep for launching

Before launching, keep in mind:

• DOMAIN + HOSTING: Confirm all login details for your domain and hosting.
• BACKUPS: Perform full backups of any existing sites or emails.
• REDIRECTS: Set up 301 redirects to avoid 404 errors and maintain SEO strength.

Ready, set, launch

After you’ve mastered how to create a business website, now it’s time to launch it into the world. Take a deep breath and hit that launch button.

Here’s to your online success—may your pages load quickly, your traffic numbers multiply, and your content captivate every visitor!

P.S: Curious about the best ways to build authority and attract those visitors form the get-go? Check out our deep dive into Paid vs Organic Traffic: Which Is Best for Building Authority?