A whopping 55% of consumers turn to online research before committing to a purchase. This is hardly surprising, given the internet’s status as the ultimate resource for, well, everything. It’s only natural for people to leverage it to find out which companies deserve their business and which products align best with their needs. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 5 website building tips specifically aimed at non-designers.

It’s unfortunate, however, that a significant number of companies, around half of all small businesses, haven’t yet embraced the digital era and still operate without a website.

Many are intimidated by the perceived costs and complexities of website creation, but savvy marketers are realizing that it’s a task achievable by almost anyone, even those without prior web design or coding expertise.

So, if you’re looking for guidance on your first website project, here are some pointers to set you on the right track.

Don’t Overthink the Domain

One of the first hurdles you’ll encounter when building a website is selecting a domain name. This often becomes a major stumbling block that prevents many from progressing further.

Understandably, choosing a name for your online presence can feel overwhelming, given that you’re making a commitment that would be difficult to reverse later on.

Even if you already have a business name, you need to ensure the corresponding domain name is available. If not, you’ll be faced with the choice of either shelling out a hefty sum to acquire it or going with a completely different name.

However, it’s important to remember that most of these concerns are largely overblown.

Speak to any successful entrepreneur, and they’ll tell you that while the name has its place, having any name is preferable if it means getting your website up and running sooner.

Don’t feel pressured to spend a fortune on the domain either. Even the most budget-friendly domain names can be just as effective if you’re willing to be imaginative with the name itself, utilize less common extensions, or simply add an extra word to unlock more options.

Overcoming this obstacle shouldn’t consume more than a few days of your time. If you find yourself stuck, be proactive and brainstorm with friends or family – you’ll likely be surprised by the abundance of creative and catchy suggestions they come up with.

Prioritize Easy Navigation

For a user-friendly website, it’s crucial to adopt a designer’s mindset when structuring it. This is a golden rule for non-designers venturing into website creation.

Every element of the browsing experience should have a clear purpose and seamlessly guide the visitor to the next logical step in their journey.

Carefully consider the structure and hierarchy of content on each page, mapping out the natural path you want the visitor to follow and providing crystal-clear cues on where to click next.

A logical structure is also vital for SEO, as Google needs to easily understand your website’s content and organization to rank your pages effectively for relevant keywords.

While numerous navigation structures exist, it’s generally advisable to stick with straightforward solutions and avoid cluttering the experience with flashy graphics. While visually appealing, such effects can negatively impact user experience and create device compatibility headaches.

Embrace Minimalism: Tips for Non-Designers Building a Website

Similar to navigation, your website’s design should also embrace simplicity. Every unnecessary element acts as a distraction. While it’s tempting to experiment with various design features, be highly selective about what makes the final cut.

Clean, neutral backgrounds for text are crucial, ensuring that reading is an enjoyable and effortless experience, not a chore hampered by overwhelming visuals.

Pay close attention to font choices as well, opting for a size and style that is universally legible and adaptable to different devices.

Select the Right Platform

Without prior web design or development experience, it’s crucial to streamline your website creation process. The good news is that a plethora of options exist for designing visually appealing websites, even for complete novices navigating the waters for the first time.

If you’ve dabbled in website platform research, you’ve likely encountered WordPress on multiple occasions. Boasting over 27+ million users, it stands as the world’s largest and most popular platform, powering more than a third of all websites. This makes it a particularly valuable tool for non-designers taking on website building.

Working with WordPress offers an ideal balance between ease of use and advanced functionalities. The platform allows for both custom site design and the use of pre-designed themes and templates, which handle the heavy lifting for you.

By opting for a premium WordPress theme, you instantly unlock access to sophisticated features and can readily find a design that perfectly embodies your brand.

To explore other possibilities, consider platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or other all-in-one website builders. However, bear in mind that while these might seem more user-friendly initially, they often come with limitations and a higher price point.

Continuously Optimize: Tips for Non-Designers Building a Website

When tackling your first website, adopting a “launch first, refine later” mentality is key, especially if you want to avoid getting bogged down in the details.

However, once the website is live, remember that it’s just the starting point. You’re unlikely to get everything perfect on the first attempt.

To avoid serving up a subpar experience to your audience, proactively seek feedback on what aspects of your site resonate with users and which areas need improvement.

Conducting surveys, gathering feedback from your subscriber list, or even critically analyzing the website yourself will reveal numerous opportunities for making steady improvements, especially as you gain gaining more experience and a deeper understanding of what works best.

Tips for Non-Designers Building a Website: Final Thoughts

Creating your first website might seem like a daunting endeavor. But with the plethora of tools available today, even complete beginners can build a functional and effective website.

By following the steps outlined above, you can overcome the initial hurdles, successfully launch your website, and continue refining it until it evolves into the powerful online marketing tool it has the potential to be.