business

Building a website from scratch: what you need to know

How to build website, kettle mag
Written by Nigel Simpkins

Take a step back for a moment and envision some of the most well-constructed websites. What do they all have in common? Most will highlight features such as usability, mobile-responsive designs, ease of navigation and pages that are constructed in an easily digestible format. Building a website from the ground up should always take into account these very same metrics and yet, this is often easier said than done. Those who are not familiar with coding and similar technicalities are likely to encounter several stumbling blocks along the way. If you have neither the time nor the desire to overcome such hurdles, it is best to use a third-party application. Let us examine the basic process of fabricating a quality website before highlighting the advantages of a proper website builder. 

The Steps Required to Construct a Website from Scratch 

Before you begin with the build process, you will first need to acquire and register a domain name with the appropriate registrar. This is similar to certifying a name for your brick-and-mortar business and yet, the process itself is generally much easier. You will then choose a web host and confirm an account. Assuming that this account has been established, your domain name will be “pointed” towards that location. This is the foundation of creating any website and once the process has been completed, the fun will truly begin.

Designing Web Pages from the Ether of the Digital World 

Most business owners are no inclined to become involved with a great deal of technical coding issues. This is why an editor commonly referred to as a “WYSIWYG” has become a popular (and powerful) alternative. These engines essentially allow you to forge web pages from a ground-up perspective. As the term already suggests, you are provided with a number of stylised themes and design options; enabling you to fully appreciate how each page will appear before the changes are made permanent. Providers such as Shopify specialise in this type of technology and there are a plethora of useful options at your immediate disposal. Some of the most powerful include: 

– More than 100 professional themes.
– Settings to fully customise your brand identity.
– Mobile-friendly e-commerce platforms.
– Could-based controls.
– Domain name registration.
– Access to a trained representative.

Multiple payment gateways, inventory control, POS systems and intuitive layouts are additional options at your immediate disposal. 

The Tools of the Digital Trade 

Constructing a responsive and user-friendly website could represent one of the best decisions which you have ever made. Still, let’s remember that Rome was not built in a day. This process will require time, patience and dedication. It is also likely that you may modify your initial approach as the site begins to develop and this is perfectly natural. Modern website builders are just as appropriate for neophytes are they are suited for experts within the coding field. If you are hoping to establish your digital fingerprint within the online community, a standalone website is the perfect option.