Building a website isn’t just about getting your business online, It’s about building an effective tool that helps grow your business. Whether you’re just starting or looking to revamp your digital presence, this guide breaks down the essentials of website planning and strategy to help you launch a website that works for your business.
1. How to Plan Your Website Goals & Strategy
Before choosing a theme or writing content, take a step back and define the purpose of your website and what your target audience will be:
What is the purpose of your website?
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- To generate leads?
- To sell products?
- To book appointments?
- To educate your audience?
Pro Tips:
- Write SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable and relevant to your business) for your website.
- A content strategy, focused on targeting your audience needs and queries is key to your website’s performance.
- Implement and use tools like Google Analytics and Hotjar to track visitor behavior and improve user experience, once your website is setup.
- Consider mapping your customer’s journey and how they are interacting with your business and website (awareness → interest → conversion).
Think of your website as a 24/7 sales rep. Every page should serve a strategic purpose with the intent to drive traffic, leads and sales. Strategize prior to launching your online brand.
2. What Pages Does Your Website Actually Need?
A clean, focused site works better than one overloaded with fluff. Here’s a breakdown of essential website pages most small businesses need:
Core Pages:
- Home – Should be clear, concise and user-friendly, a welcome introduction to your website and brand.
- About – Builds trust through your story, mission, and team.
- Services / Products – Outlines what you offer, generate leads and sales.
- Contact – Makes it easy to reach you or take the next step.
- Blog or Resources – Informative and helps with SEO and positions you as an expert in your industry and area.
- FAQ / Testimonials / Case Studies – Reduces doubt about your experitse and service while building credibility.
Tool:
Use GlooMaps to visually plan your site structure (sitemap) before building.
3. Branding Basics: Fonts, Colors, Logos & Visual Identity
Consistent branding builds trust and recognition. Your website should reflect your brand’s personality visually and emotionally.
Branding Elements:
- Logo – Use high-resolution SVG or PNG.
- Color palette – Stick to 2–3 main colors + 1–2 accents. Use Coolors to build a palette.
- Typography – Choose 2 complementary fonts (headings + body). Check out Google Fonts.
- Imagery – Use custom photos where possible. Stock image sites: Unsplash, Pexels.
Pro Tip:
Create a simple brand style guide to stay consistent across all digital platforms. Use Canva’s Brand Kit Feature for consistent style elements and reference.
4. How to Write Website Copy That Converts
Copy is just as important as design. Good copy connects with your audience and gets them to take action.
Best Practices:
- Know your audience – Speak to their pain points and desires.
- Use clear CTAs (Call-To-Actions) – “Book a Call”, “Get a Free Quote”, etc.
- Use benefits > features – Focus on what they gain.
- Keep it skimmable – Use headings, bullets, and short paragraphs.
Helpful Tools:
- Grammarly – Polish your writing.
- Hemingway Editor – Make your writing bold and clear.
- CoSchedule Headline Analyzer – Craft high-converting headlines.
Bonus:
Read “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller – a must-read on messaging.
5. Domain Name & Hosting: What You Need to Know
Your domain and hosting are the foundation of your website. Make smart choices early to avoid headaches later.
Domain Name Tips:
- Keep it short, memorable, and relevant to your business.
- Use a .com if possible.
- Check availability at Namecheap or GoDaddy.
Hosting Tips:
- Choose based on site type (brochure site vs ecommerce).
- Look for uptime reliability, speed, and support.
Recommended Hosting Providers:
- SiteGround – Great for WordPress, reliable support.
- Cloudways – For performance-focused users.
- Bluehost – Beginner-friendly and officially recommended by WordPress.
Avoid cheap, unreliable hosting—it costs more in lost visitors and security issues.
Summary & Action Steps
Here’s a quick recap of how to strategically build a business-boosting website:
- Define your website goals tied to your business objectives.
- Create only the pages that matter for your user journey.
- Develop a consistent brand identity with cohesive visuals.
- Write copy that resonates and converts visitors into customers.
- Choose a reliable domain & hosting provider.
Want Help Planning Your Site?
At Howzit Media Marketing, we specialize in building websites that work for your business. Schedule a free discovery call to talk strategy, not just design.
Additional Resources:
- WordPress Beginner’s Guide
- Neil Patel’s SEO Starter Guide
- Google Search Console – Monitor your site’s visibility
- Canva for Business – Branding + design made easy