Day 14 - The Art of Making the Right Choice for Your Website

Hey there, and welcome back to Day 14!

Starting a business is exciting, right? But let's face it, to make some noise in the digital world, you need to nail your online presence, and at the center of that is your website. Picking where to build your digital home base is no small feat—it's like setting the foundation for your future empire. There are a boatload of options out there, and I want you to choose wisely. So, grab a coffee and walk through the various website platforms out there. By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to make a choice that fits your creative business like a glove.

But before we get started, there are just a couple things I wanted to point out:

If you are joining us here for the first time on Day 14, welcome! I'm so excited to have you join us! Here is what we've covered so far in our first 13 days:

As you can see, we've covered a lot. And today we will be talking about your website options. You are welcome to start here on Day 14, but I've developed this 30-Day journey to build upon each day. So while you can start here, I would suggest you go back to some of the earlier days first. But remember, there is no right or wrong way to do this as this is YOUR creative journey! I'll be here daily with new posts packed with fresh insights, resources and guidance as you work your way through the 30-Days to Your Creative Business Journal.

Click-Here-for-30-Days-to-Your-Creative-Business

And, if you haven't picked up your copy yet, don't worry! You can grab your copy here so that you're fully prepared to begin this exciting adventure. Here's to choosing the best website platform for your creative business!

Tips for Choosing a Website Platform

In crafting the online home for your creative venture, here are a few friendly pointers to keep in mind:

Prioritize your business needs: What does your business really need? Jot down the non-negotiables for your website—whether that's a gallery to showcase your art, an online market to sell your crafts, or a booking system for your performances.

Consider your budget: Keep an eye on the piggy bank. Remember, owning a website is more marathon than sprint. There's the grand opening, sure, but don't forget about the upkeep. Plan for those ongoing costs as well as the ribbon-cutting ones.

Evaluate ease of use: Friendliness counts—especially with technology. If HTML sounds like a distant planet, it's okay! Aim for a website platform that's as easy-going as a friend teaching you how to bake. Simple and straightforward is the way to go.

Think about future growth: Dream big, and make sure your website can keep up. Your business is going to flourish, and you want a digital space that grows with you. Think of a website that's like a good pair of jeans—flexible enough to accommodate a little extra here and there.

Check customer support: Help should always be a quick "Hello!" away. When things get tangled up, you'll want someone to turn to. Ensure the website platform you pick has a customer support team that's as reliable as your best buddy.

Example Website Platforms: Pros and Cons

1. WordPress:

Pros:

Highly customizable and flexible.
Large community support and a wide range of themes and plugins.
Suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Cons:

Requires regular updates for security and maintenance.
Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its extensive features.
Additional costs for premium themes and plugins.

2. Squarespace:

Pros:

(Photo Credit Throughout: Ivory Mix)

Beautifully designed templates with a focus on aesthetics.
User-friendly interface for beginners.
All-in-one platform with hosting included.

Cons:

Limited flexibility for customization compared to WordPress.
Limited third-party integrations and plugins.
Pricing plans can be more expensive than other platforms.

3. Wix:

Pros:

Easy-to-use drag-and-drop website builder.
All-in-one platform with hosting included.
Offers a wide range of templates and design options.

Cons:

Limited customization compared to WordPress.
Difficult to switch to another platform in the future.
Limited SEO capabilities for advanced optimization.

4. Shopify:

Pros:

Specialized for e-commerce with built-in features for selling products.
User-friendly interface for managing inventory, orders, and payments.
Provides a secure and reliable platform for online stores.

Cons:

Transaction fees for using external payment gateways.
Limited customization options outside of the provided themes.
Ongoing costs for hosting and transaction fees.

(Also, just so you know, while I've provided a few links above, none of these are affiliate links (yet!) - I've just included for your convenience.)

And to help you in choosing the right platform for your website, I've created this Website Comparison Chart that is designed to aid you in your decision-making process, providing a side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, pros, cons, and much more. You can download this free website comparison chart just by clicking here. Get your copy today!

Key Takeaways

- Picking the right website platform might feel like a high-stakes game, but it's really the cornerstone of your online presence. We're talking serious business when it comes to the growth and stretching room for your digital baby.

- Don't let dollar signs be the only guide – think about how easy it'll be to use, how much wiggle room you want for tweaks and personal touches, and what kind of help you'll get when you hit a tech snag.

- There's a bunch of digital playgrounds to set up shop in, but keep your business's unique needs and dreams in mind.

- And hey, why rush? Take a breather, do your homework, and let's make sure you're picking a platform that’s more like a springboard for your business, not a box.

Closing

Picking the right website platform isn't just another task on your to-do list – it's a critical step in setting up your business for success. Let's not mince words: this choice matters. But don't let it overwhelm you. Treat it like you’re investing in the future of your business. Sure, price matters, but so does ease of use, customization, and access to support when you need it most.

You’ve got a lot of options for your online home base, so take a moment to think about what really matters for your business – both today and down the line. Don’t rush the process. Kick back, do your research, and make a choice that’ll launch your business to the stars, not keep it grounded. Choose wisely and happy website building – your business's future is bright!

https://www.nicoletoerber.art/home

(Photo Credit: Ivory Mix)

The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be relied upon as accounting, legal, or tax advice. Laws are subject to change and the content included in this blog may not reflect all changes to date. Please see full disclaimer here.

📌 Pin This Post for Later

The-Art-of-Making-the-Right-Website-Choice-Pinterest-Pin

30-Days to Your Creative Business

Day 14 - The Art of Making the Right Choice for Your Website

Tips for Choosing a Website Platform