Every business is different. But whether you’re launching a D2C supplier of squirrel hats or a B2B tech conglomerate developing next-generation microchips, one thing always remains the same – getting your business online is hard work.
That’s why, over the next four blogs, we’ll be guiding you through the different stages of business growth – from simple existence to global success! While you may not be aiming for the skies, it’s always good to look ahead and prepare in case your business hits new heights.
But before we get lost in a daydream, let’s ground ourselves in reality and ask – how do you create an online business from scratch?
Set up your domain
You might have your heart set on launching squirrelsombreros.com, but when it comes to domain setup there are more technical possibilities to think about.
For one, pay attention to the extension you choose – .com is the most popular, but national ones like .co.uk or .co.nz can help pinpoint your business geographically. Sector-specific extensions such as .tech, .accountant or .store are also useful for outlining your business function straight off the bat.
Beyond that, you’ll want to make sure that your chosen domain name is on brand, doesn’t contain any complex characters or wording, and comes in under the 63-character count. We know it’s a lot to ask, which is why you can find support from us by searching with our Domain Name tool.
Choose the right web host
Think of your web host as your partner in growth. Before you get too crazy fantasising about WordPress themes or blog ideas, take some time to sweat the small stuff with them.
For example, what kind of scalability will your site need? How many visitors do you expect it to handle on a daily basis? How much storage do you want? These are all things a web host can figure out with you.
As a small business, you’ll probably want to start with Web Hosting (or shared hosting), since it’s usually the cheapest and most flexible option. But if you’re planning on significant growth in the near future, a Virtual Private Server could be the perfect middle ground between a shared server and a dedicated one.
Create your website
If you’re going to properly convince someone to buy your microchips for example, you’ll need a compelling website. Luckily, with plenty of website builder tools out there, you don’t need to be an expert web dev or graphic designer to create a professional site.
When you use our Website Builder, simply pick a relevant template, add your content, and launch with your chosen domain name. Et voila! Plus, as you scale, you can seamlessly upgrade your website builder package to reflect the changing needs of your business.
Keep your brand consistent
First impressions count, but so do second and third. To make sure your customers continue to resonate with your business across all platforms and touchpoints, your brand should be clear, compelling, and attention-grabbing within about 8 seconds.
That means making sure you’re using consistent design elements and a distinct tone of voice for copy, and that your products or services are up to date. If your new website has a completely different logo, domain name, or lists irrelevant information, readers are likely to bounce and never return for a fourth impression.
Do it all with Fasthosts
Right now, you probably feel like you’ve been around the loop-the-loop at a theme park one too many times. And we don’t blame you! There’s a lot to take in when it comes to setting your business up online, so your head is bound to be in a spin – which is where we come in.
We’ve supported loads of businesses through their online journey. When you choose Fasthosts as your web hosting provider, our expert team will be on hand 24/7 or via live chat to help with any queries you may have. Get in touch today or call us on 0800 0612 153.
