Digital Learning Day: Five important tips to create a good website

A well-built business website can not only help attract new customers but can also add to credibility and trust with your existing partners. And here are some tips.

While it might look daunting, creating a website is not complicated anymore. (Pixabay)

In the present digital world, if you want your business to thrive, you need to find unique ways to stand out. Whether you are an emerging entrepreneur or have an established business, building a strong digital identity that differentiates your brand from competition has become necessary in this new normal environment.

Your business website can not only help attract new customers but can also add to credibility and trust with your existing partners. As digital skilling becomes one of the biggest priorities across India, beginners can now also participate in online training programs to develop online skills that can help them successfully navigate the evolving digital world.

While it might look daunting, creating a website is not complicated anymore. The people at GoDaddy have an easy beginners guide on creating a website with some points you need to keep in mind when you build a site from scratch. Read on…

1. Make a user-friendly website

Make sure the website interface is user-friendly and leaves a positive impression that drives results. Your website should use attractive graphics and easy-to-read fonts. Ensure that the graphics are compressed and don't slow your website while loading. Search engines like Google will then degrade your website ranking.

You should research your target audience and understand what they are looking for from your website. Make it easy for them to achieve. Always publish easily accessible contact information/ customer care details and incorporate call-to-actions like ‘buy now', ‘add to cart' buttons for users' easy access. You should also stay informed about how your competition(s) has designed and optimized their website(s).

2. Obtain a good domain name

A domain name is the entry point of anyone's website. It must make a good impression for users, and is equally important for search engine optimisation (SEO). Choosing a domain name is similar to choosing a company name; it requires a lot of thought and consideration. The first and foremost step is to choose a good hosting provider depending upon your business needs.

A good hosting provider will guide you in choosing a perfect domain name. Choose a domain name that conveys the meaning and purpose of your business and try to keep it short and crisp. Using an appropriate domain name extension is also crucial. A good option is .in, as it helps describe your business is located in India.

3. Digital security comes first

A growing number of users on the internet have penetrated a market of sophisticated cyber-attacks across the world, making businesses vulnerable. Some common steps to control cyber-attacks include investing in strong cyber security training programs and security solutions for the employees, and ensuring that any sensitive data collected from your business is being encrypted. Business owners can set up web application firewalls or consider using a third-party authentication to out-source their database protection. Businesses performing online transactions should also consider an SSL Certificate for their websites to protect the transmission of data to and from the website. In today's digital world it is important to have a proactive approach to website security and not defensive.

4. Consistent content is key

Be consistent with the content throughout your website to build a unique identity for your brand. Setting the right theme and tone of your content influences your customers' and target audiences' perceptions. Use an informal tone if you wish to position your brand as friendly and use formal language in case of corporate branding.

Pro Tip - do not miss adding a column of customer testimonials and reviews which can help create loyalty and trust.

5. Online website builder

Many companies have introduced a website builder for small businesses or entrepreneurs facing trouble launching and promoting their websites. With website builders anyone can create a professional website easily and in no time and engage with new and existing customers through myriad other complimentary online tools. Website builders usually provide a tailor made design, concept, and theme that can be customised for individual sites.