How To Build A Website For Your Home Based Business

By Work From Home Advisor | May 28, 2009

If you want to sell your services as a home based business, then you need to have a website. Part of running a profitable home based business is having a website and internet marketing.

If you have never created a website before, you may be a bit nervous about the entire process. After all, you want to get it right and the first time. You have two main options. These are to hire a web designer or do the work yourself. If you are not familiar with HTML, do not fret. Opt for a web hosting package that includes a website site building tool.

Before you get started, you must know some important things. A website should be professional and easy to navigate. You want to project the impression that you run a professional business, so your website should have the same look and feel. As for navigation, fewer pages are better. No one wants to visit 10 different pages on your website before finally finding your contact information. Chances are, they will give up after the 5th and turn to a competing home based business.

As for what you need to get started, you need a business web site hosting package, good domain name, pictures, and content. Continue reading on for a further explanation of each.

Web hosting. Choose an affordable package. Most hosting companies offer discounts if you pay for a year or two or advance. Do this. Remember, if you don’t know HTML, opt for a package that includes a website building tool. You should gain access to hundreds of templates, colors, pictures, and fonts. If you know something about creating websites and are just looking for a Hosting Package then the one I use is Hostgator and I can highly recommend them. If you are looking for one that offers site building tools and other additional features then you will want to take a look at www.GoDaddy.com

Domain name. Your domain name is important. Most potential clients will find you with a standard internet search, but some may key in your website address directly. Make sure it is easy to spell and short. You can use your name, your business name, or a phrase related to the core products of your home based business – don’t forget that until you are well established people won’t necessarily search your own name. So often the best route to go is one where your domain name reflects the type of services you offer. To get a good price on your domain name then you will want to go to www.GoDaddy.com

Pictures. All business owners should have a picture of themselves on their website. A picture speaks a thousands works. Make sure it is a professional picture, but that you also look like a real person. Always smile. This picture needs to show your potential clients that they can entrust you with their business and feel comfortable working side-by-side with you.

Website content. You should divide your content into different sections and pages.

Start with the main page, also known as the home page. When internet users type in your address at SAMPLE.com, this is the first page they will see, so make it good. Your picture should be somewhere on the page, like in the upper right-hand corner. Welcome visitors to your page and then start with a catchy tag line.

Underneath your tag line, use bullet points to highlight how you can help. This can include the services and products you offer and more about your business offering. Make each of these clickable links leading to a new page.

At the new page, focus more on the service offered. Then, highlight a few examples of ways in which you can help the potential client. Don’t give away too much information.

At the bottom of each page, you must include your contact information. This includes your name and business name, business address, phone number, and email address. Remember, you want to make this easy for potential clients to find. Put it at the bottom of each page. Also, have a separate page that you can list on your menu bar labeled “Contact Us.” Nothing will appear on this page, but your picture and contact information.