Day 15 - The Art of Creating A Simple Website for Your Creative Business

Hey there, and welcome back to Day 15 of our creative journey! Let's chat about how crucial it is to have
that slick website that not only shows off your amazing work but also reels in those clients. Today, I'm going to guide you through putting together a super simple yet super effective website that truly embodies your unique brand and gets your audience excited. Hang tight, because building your digital home just got a whole lot easier.

But before we dig in, there are just a couple things I wanted to note:

First, if you are joining us here for the first time on Day 15, welcome! I'm so excited to have you join us! Here is what we've covered so far in the first 14 days of our journey:

We've covered a lot of ground so far, and today we will be talking about creating your simple website. You are welcome to start here on Day 15, 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 creating your online masterpiece!


Now, let's get to the fun of creating our very own website!

1. Define Your Website's Purpose

Before diving into the technical aspects, let's have a real talk about what your website is going to be at its core. Picture this — your website could be a digital gallery of your stunning work, a buzzing storefront to sell your amazing creations, or maybe a cozy spot where clients can learn about the top-notch services you offer. Zeroing in on the main goal for your website isn’t just helpful—it's crucial. It's the North Star that’ll steer all the nifty decisions you'll make as we build this online home together. So sketch out the dream and make it the backbone of your website blueprint!

2. Finding the Perfect Website Builder for You

Choosing the right website builder is like finding the perfect pair of shoes – it's got to fit just right and feel comfortable. Whether you’re familiar with coding or you prefer a simple drag-and-drop interface, there's a builder out there that's your match. Consider platforms like WordPress for more control and customization, or go with Wix and Squarespace for ease-of-use and quick setup. Each platform has its unique flair and toolbox to help bring your vision to life in a way that feels right for you. Let's find the one that clicks with your style and start piecing together your online presence.

(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.)

3. Picking Your Template

Finding the right template can be like searching for that comfy T-shirt that feels just right – you know it when you see it. It's the foundation of your site's design, so you want to pick one that reflects your personal style and does your brand justice. Take a leisurely scroll through the array of options your website builder offers, and keep an eye out for the one that doesn't just catch your eye but feels like a match for your business mojo. Think of it as setting the stage for your virtual debut.

4. Make It Yours

Now, let's get personal—add a little flair of your uniqueness to the mix. Upload your logo, pick colors that speak to you and your brand, and finesse the layout and fonts. Think of it as dressing up your website in your brand's best outfit—the goal is to make it unmistakably you. Consistency isn't just a buzzword; it's the secret sauce that makes your site memorable and helps your audience feel at home.


5. Create Essential Pages

Let's craft the must-have pages your visitors expect to see:

  • Home: Imagine this as your welcoming mat. It introduces folks to what you're all about and highlights what you've got up your sleeve.

  • About: This is where you share your story. Tell people what drives you, the values that you're standing tall on, and the mission that gets you up in the morning—it's all about making that human connection.

  • Services/Products: Here's the showcase for your goods or services. Don't hold back—let's give 'em detail-rich descriptions, eye-catching images, and all the info they need on how they can make them theirs.

  • Contact: We're making reaching out a breeze. Lay out your contact details or pop in a simple form so those potential customers can slide into your inbox without a hitch.


6. Choose Quality Imagery That Speaks Volumes

Grab the attention of your site’s visitors with professional images that really show off what you do.
Remember, the right visuals can speak louder than words, so it's essential to choose pictures that not only look good but also tell your story and reflect the excellent quality of what you're offering.

7. Write Compelling Content

Your website content isn't just words on a page—it's the heart-to-heart you have with your audience. It's about having a real talk that resonates with them. Spill the beans about the value you're adding to their lives and how your offerings are the answer they've been searching for. Connect with a mix of persuasion and storytelling, and watch as your visitors stick around for more.

8. Implement SEO

Alright, time to get cozy with SEO - that's search engine optimization. Think of it as planting digital signposts that guide people right to your website when they're on the hunt for something you offer. Let’s dig into those keywords that matter and sprinkle them where they count: in your content, the page titles, even those behind-the-scenes meta tags. It's like a friendly nudge to search engines, letting them know, “Hey, we've got what folks are looking for!”

9. Test Your Website

Before you roll out the red carpet for your website's debut, give everything a once-over. It’s like rehearsing before the big show – make sure all the links and forms are doing their thing perfectly. Flip through the pages like your visitors would, from the comfort of a hefty desktop to the compact convenience of a smartphone. You want to nail that first impression, and nothing says 'we’re pros' like a site that’s smooth, snappy, and looks sharp no matter the screen size.

And before you dash off to hit publish, download my free Website Launch Checklist by clicking here. This is your secret to a flawless launch and to help ensure not a single pixel is out of place. Download it now and step into the spotlight with confidence!

Click-Here-for-Free-Website-Launch-Checklist

10. Publish Your Website

Now the big moment has arrived - it's time to go live with your website! After all the hard work, your digital baby is ready to face the world. So, hit that publish button with confidence and let's get the party started. Don't forget to shout from the digital rooftops - yep, I'm talking social media, email newsletters, and any other marketing magic you've got up your sleeve. Let's draw the crowd in and show them what you've got!



Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Neglecting Mobile Optimization: Don't forget to hug your mobile users out there. A huge chunk of internet browsing happens on those handy devices, so make sure your site looks snazzy on phones and tablets too.

  • Ignoring SEO: Think of SEO as your website's best friend; it introduces you to the world of the Internet. Ignoring it is like launching a ship without a compass—it might float, but good luck finding new lands!

  • Using Low-Quality Images: A picture's worth a thousand words, right? So make sure those words are telling a stellar story by using crisp, clear images to show off your goods.

  • Complicated Navigation: It's simple - don't make your visitors feel like they're in a maze without a map. Make straightforward navigation for a comfy, hassle-free visit.

  • Lack of Contact Information: If your visitors want to give you a shout-out, don't make them play detective to find out how. Put that contact info where they can't miss it.

  • Forgetting a Call-To-Action: Each page is a gentle nudge to your visitors to take the plunge—buy, sign up, contact, you name it. Don't leave them hanging; tell them what the next step is.


Keeping Your Website in Tip-Top Shape

To keep your website fresh and up to date, let's chat about sprucing up your digital digs regularly:

  • Keep the cobwebs away by updating your content now and then. Whether it's a fresh blog post, the latest product to hit the shelves, or a shiny new project for your portfolio – keep it current!

  • Your SEO game needs to stay sharp. The online world moves fast, and you've gotta keep pace with the SEO dance to stay visible.

  • Ever tried browsing the web on your phone and the site just... doesn't work? Don't be that website. Check how your site looks on different devices to keep your mobile visitors smiling.

  • You’ve got ears, so make sure to use them. Tune in to what your visitors are saying. If they're tripping up somewhere, smooth out those bumps in the road.

  • Last on the list but top in importance – security. Keep those virtual locks tight and your website safe from the baddies lurking around the cyber corners.



Cost Breakdown

When it comes to setting up your digital storefront, think of the cost as an investment in your online presence. Here's the lowdown on what you'll need to budget for (as of the time of this writing):

  • Website Builder: It's like paying rent for your online space. Monthly rates can run between $10 and $40 — a small price to pay for a fabulous web abode.

  • Domain Name: This is your digital street address. It's usually a nominal yearly fee of around $10 to $15. Quite a deal for claiming your own corner of the internet.

  • Hosting: Think of this as the utility bill for your website, typically ranging from $3 to $15 each month. Keeping the virtual lights on doesn't have to cost a fortune.

  • Snazzy Pics: Whether you're snapping pics yourself or picking stock images, prices can vary. But hey, a picture speaks a thousand words, right?

  • SEO Magic: Free tools get your foot in the door, but the fancier ones can cost $30 to $100 per month. Visibility isn't always free, but it's worth every penny.

  • Stay Safe: Protecting your site from the virtual boogeymen starts at about $10 per month. Better safe than sorry in the cyber world!

Remember, the costs above are just approximates and can change depending upon what you choose. It's important to do your research and compare all the options to find the best one for your creative business.


Closing

Creating a simple website for your creative business is so exciting and it allows you to showcase your talent and connect with a broader audience. Follow the suggestions above, avoid those common missteps, and make sure you update your website regularly so that it can be a powerful tool for your success. Happy website building!


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.

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