Building a Website

The answer to the question, 'how will I build my website?' is likely to depend on your familiarity with web technology, the amount of time you have available and the range of features you plan to offer your customers.

Even if you're a web expert you may find it cheaper and less time consuming to employ someone to build your site if you need to provide features like product browsing, ordering and purchasing online.

Step-By-Step: Planning a Business Website A template to make sure you develop a business website that attracts customers and is user-friendly.

Who will build the site?

Once you've decided on the right type of website for your business, you'll need to decide whether you're going to build it yourself or have someone build it for you. 

Domain names

A web address (domain name) identifies your website not just to the world, but to search engines. You can also use it for your email address. To make sure your website has a good web address, register one that is intuitive and relevant to your business

Choosing an internet service provider (ISP)

Before you can access the internet from work or home you'll need to choose an internet service provider (ISP). An ISP is a company or business that provides access to the Internet and related services such as email and sometimes web hosting

Security and privacy

Security and privacy are major concerns for website owners and customers. If you're going to be conducting online transactions involving credit card information it's especially important to ensure that you have safeguards in place to protect your customer's information.

Online stores

Online stores, catalogues and shopping carts let customers browse, choose and pay for your goods and services.

Payment options

If you're offering goods or services for sale online you need to decide how your customers will pay for them. A payment system be can set up to process payments instantly online, or so you can process your orders and payments when it suits you.

Seven deadly sins

There are seven deadly website sins which can mean an online business isn’t successful, or doesn’t even get off the ground.

Making your website work for you Kerry Scanlon from Just 4 Mums shares tips on how to build an effective website, explains terms such as "keywords" and "Google analytics" and discusses strategies to make your website work for you.