10 simple steps to launch your website
01 - REGISTER A DOMAIN NAME
Choose a domain name that is short, simple, and easy to remember (recommend less than 15 characters) atGODADDY.COM. The most popular domain ends with .com. If that is taken try .org, .net, or .co.
02 - RESEARCH + CREATE A MOODBOARD
Explore the topic of your brand and collect as much information as possible about your dream audience/client- what they like, and what kind of info they need to know about your services. PINTEREST.COM is a great place to collect and curate ideas, inspiration, and design examples.
03 - WRITE OUT ALL YOUR CONTENT
Decide what pages you need to have on your website and exactly what navigation tabs you need at the top. Before you begin designing the website, write out the copy for all of your pages. Decide what you want the viewer to DO on your site. Do you want them to purchase? Sign up? Book an appointment. Highlight that, and make it prominent on your site.
04 - PURCHASE HOSTING
Create an account with the platform of your choice and select a hosting plan. SQUARESPACE.COM is my preferred web-building platform for its ease of use, drag-and-drop interface, and built-in SEO.
05 - PURCHASE A WEBSITE TEMPLATE
Browse & purchase a website template that fits the needs of your brand. Keep in mind all the content that you need to communicate and make sure all the functionality that you need is included in the template, like booking, blog, or portfolio options. Find your perfect template in the shop.
06 - CREATE A CONSISTENT BRAND KIT
Decide on a consistent brand standard that includes specific fonts, colors, and graphic styles. You can draft inspiration from your Pinterest board. I have created brand kits and other great branding elements you can find in the shop for purchase.
07 - CHOOSE YOUR IMAGES
Purchase or find free stock images at a few of my favorite image foundries or coordinate your own photo shoot based on your Pinterest board, business needs, website template, and brand kit. Make sure your images are crisp, clear, and high quality, NOT pixelated or fuzzy.
08 - CUSTOMIZE THE WEBSITE
Begin to learn the platform and implement your website! SQUARESPACE.COM has a lot of video tutorial resources and support to make creating your website simple and easy to do. You will also find video tutorials included with your template purchase.
09 - LINK CHECK + DEVICE CHECK
When you’re finished, peruse the site for spelling and grammar errors or broken links. Also be sure to check out the website on all different devices to see how it displays on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
10 - LAUNCH + SHARE IT
Don’t wait till it’s perfect... LAUNCH IT! Websites are a living and breathing entity and your website should always be a work in progress. Especially if your business is constantly growing and evolving. Pour a glass, celebrate, and announce it to the world.