At the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, internet usage increased dramatically. While this increase has begun to taper off, some social media platforms are expected to see “a more sustained boost,” and Instagram is one of them.

That’s great news for anyone with an online store because Instagram is the perfect platform to showcase your eCommerce goods and drive more sales. And there’s no better time than the present to start marketing to the platform’s highly-engaged users.

Stick around as we dive into how to use Instagram for eCommerce in this post. Today, we’re covering best practices for setting up your Instagram business profile, tips for presenting your products in Instagram posts and stories, hashtag best practices, and talking about Instagram influencers.

Using Instagram for eCommerce

Ready to get your business on Instagram? Hootsuite reports that Instagram has over 1 billion active monthly users, 63% of them log in at least once per day, and 200 million of them visit at least one business profile daily.

Those are some impressive stats.

Once upon a time, Facebook was a great platform for brands and organic engagement. Nowadays, not so much. But the same can’t be said for Instagram. Brands and businesses can do exceptionally well for themselves on the image and video-forward platform, and we’re rooting for you to do the same.

Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? 

Setting up an Instagram Business Account

Back in the day, everyone had a basic, personal Instagram profile. They weren’t anything fancy, and allowed for a short bio at the top of your profile and then your feed. My, how times have changed.

In 2016 Instagram introduced business profiles, and that’s opened up a whole world of possibilities for eCommerce and online retailers.

If you’re using a personal account for your business, don’t worry, you can easily convert it into a business account. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Instagram account.
2. Click on your profile icon.
3. From your profile, click on the hamburger menu (the three lines at the top of the screen) and select “Settings.”
4. From your settings, click “Account” and then “Switch to professional account.”
5. Select either “Creator” or “Business” (there’ll be a description helping you decide what option is best.)
6. Click “Continue.”

And there you have it; your Instagram account is now all set up for your business.

If you don’t have an Instagram account at all, go ahead and download the app on iOS, Android, or Windows. Sign up for a new account and then follow the steps listed above to convert it into a business account. 

Perfecting Your Instagram Profile

Now that you’ve set up your account, let’s make it appealing to potential followers and customers. The first thing you’ll need to do is create an awesome bio. 

Instagram Bio Tips

Your bio should meet a few guidelines, like the following:

• It’s written in your brand tone. (Is your brand voice helpful? Light-hearted? Serious?)
• It’s appealing to your target audience.
  • Not sure what your target audience looks like? Let’s go back to your business idea and plan to determine that information.
• It’s succinct, but still explains what your business (or brand) is all about (like what you do and what you stand for.)
• IT INCLUDES A LINK!
  • Instagram allows for one link in your profile, so make it count.
  • There are 3^rd party tools that can turn your single link into a link tree to support your various posts; however, they’re an additional cost and you’ll need to do your research to select the best solution for your needs.

Instagram Profile Picture Tips

You want your Instagram profile picture to be instantly recognizable. There’s no point in choosing an image that can be mistaken for another business or account, and most businesses will use their logo or logomark (that’s just your logo without any of the words normally accompanying it). If you have a business mascot (e.g. Tony the Tiger) feel free to use that, too.

Your profile picture displays at 110 x 100 pixels and has a 1:1 aspect ratio (upload a square image), but it will be cropped into a circle, so keep that in mind when choosing your image. If you’d like your image to look a little crisper, try uploading an image at a higher resolution.

Now that you have your profile set up appropriately, let’s look at how to craft the best posts and present your goods in the best light possible. If increasing eCommerce sales is your goal, your products need to look appealing. 

How to Take the Best Photos, Videos, and Stories for Instagram

Keep your products and profile looking sharp with the following tips. 

It’s All About the Lighting

When it comes to product photos (or any photos), lighting is essential!

Natural lighting is great, but the tricky part is that you can’t control it. Direct sunlight seems like a great idea, yet the issue is that it can create harsh shadows in your images. Try finding a place at home or in your office with great natural lighting to stage your photos.

If you can’t find a place that offers good natural lighting, don’t fret. There are plenty of affordable options that can help you achieve your desired lighting. 

Backgrounds for images

Don’t let busy, distracting backgrounds steal the show from your products! Try using white (or solid-colored) foam board from your local arts and crafts store to create a backdrop, or purchase some seamless photo backdrop paper.

Consistency, Consistency, Consistency

Your photos should maintain some consistency throughout. Using similar backgrounds for styled photos, similar lighting effects, and the same photography tools (it can be as simple as using the same smartphone camera and settings each time) all give a cohesive appearance to your photos.

Having consistency in style doesn’t mean you can’t have any variety. In addition to product photos, try including some lifestyle images that show your products in use. Lifestyle images are relatable because people can see themselves taking the action that’s encapsulated in your photo, and lets them see the product in use. 

Create Better Instagram Videos and Stories

Videos on your main Instagram feed can range from 3 to 60 seconds, and you can upload 15-second-long video content in Instagram Stories (you can upload multiple 15-second videos, you’re not limited to one.) If you’re going to use video, make sure it tells a story.

Just like your product photos, lighting matters for videos. We recommend natural lighting, if possible, and to always keep it in front of you, not behind and casting awkward shadows.

Not sure what kind of videos to post? Here are some ideas.

• Showcase your products in action.
• Create sneak previews.
• Highlight benefits.
• Showcase what happens behind the scenes.
• Offer helpful advice or tutorials.
• Create a series.

How to Write Descriptions for Your Instagram Post

Now, if you followed our tips in the previous section, we know your photos and videos are looking good. Once you have your photos ready to post, you need to think about what you’ll write in the description.

We can’t tell you exactly what to write since it’ll depend on your product, but here are tips to keep in mind.

• Keep your voice consistent.
  • Whether or not you realize it, your brand has a voice. Your voice can be helpful or direct, casual or professional, or any variety of qualities (depends on your audience and market) — but consistency is key.
• Don’t get super sales-y.
  • You don’t want potential customers slamming their digital doors in your face (or rather, unfollowing you), so keep things conversational.
• Make some room.  
  • When your words are all bunched together with no space between them thingsgetalittlehardtoread. Use line breaks or  e x t r a   s p a c e s  when you want to highlight an important part of your description.
• Use emojis to add visuals and add impact to your text.
• Get creative to highlight important features.
  • You can use asterisks (*) or other marks (~, –) to draw attention to specific parts of your text.

Leverage the power of hashtags

Social media platforms reward posts that get good engagement. If you want your post to be seen by a broader audience (and rack up those ♥️s), then use hashtags.

Hashtags should be relevant to the post you create. If you use hashtags that have a large following but are irrelevant to your post, then the audience isn’t going to engage with it.

A good thing to do is look for other accounts that are in an industry similar to yours. Scope your competitors’ accounts to find what hashtags they’re using, or search Instagram for hashtags you think are relevant to see if they’re popular.

When adding hashtags to your posts, write them so that they’re accessible to all. If your hashtags are a long string of uncapitalized words, then screen readers will think they are just one long word. If you capitalize the different words in your hashtags then screen readers can make sense of them and people who can’t see the screen can still hear the words as they should be.

#YouGotThis #LetsMoveOn 

Instagram and Influencers

Can you think of Instagram without associating it with influencers?

Probably not.

Influencer marketing “is a form of social media marketing involving endorsements and product placement from influencers, people and organizations who have a purported expert level on knowledge or social influence in their field.”

Using influencers to spread the word about your brand or products is a good strategy if done well. You see, there are oodles of people who call themselves “influencers” but not all of them really are. The thing about influencers is that they actually have to hold some sway and authority in their niche. Many people have huge followings, but that doesn’t make them great influencers.

If you want to find a good influencer that meets your needs and can convince people in your niche to purchase from you, use the following tips.

• Look for the “authority figures.”
  • Let’s say you’re opening a local game shop. You’re selling board games, but also some games that have cult-like followings, like Magic the Gathering. Join social media groups and follow hashtags relevant to those players and you’ll find the people who are most vocal and most respected in their knowledge. Reach out to them to ask for their help in spreading the word about your products and ask them to be an influencer for you. (Keep in mind, no one works for free.)
• Don’t say “Yes” right away, vet your influencers.
  • Influencers (especially faux-influencers) LOVE reaching out to brands to ask for freebies and goodies in return for exposure. Just because someone is offering to be an influencer doesn’t make them a good fit for your brand.
  • Vet your potential influencers by looking at their account. Do they promote anything and everything? They’re probably just looking for free stuff. You want someone who maintains your brand’s position and aesthetic.

Once you’ve identified the influencers you’d like to work with, reach out with a friendly email or private message. Tell them why you want to work with them — is it their authenticity? Their personal brand? Make your messages relevant and meaningful to the person you’re engaging with. Ask them about their rates or tell them what you’re offering. And make sure to ask how to move the arrangement forward. 

Make your Instagram account shoppable

If your overarching goal is to increase your eCommerce sales on Instagram, then you need to make it as easy as possible for your audience to purchase.

Instagram isn’t super helpful in offering only one link in your profile, but the platform makes up for it in other ways. Not too long ago, they introduced something called “Instagram Shopping.”

Instagram Shopping “gives your business an immersive storefront for people to explore your best products. With Instagram Shopping, you can share featured products through your organic posts and Stories, or have people discover your products in Search & Explore.”

Shoppable posts include a product tag, that when clicked, brings your viewer to a product description page. That page includes additional information like a description, cost, and a link that takes people directly to your site where they can purchase.

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

One thing to note about Instagram Shopping is that it isn’t available to everyone just yet. In order to use the feature, you have to meet the following criteria:

• Your business must be located in a supported market.
• Your business must sell physical goods.
• You must comply with Facebook’s commerce policies (Facebook owns Instagram, and your shoppable “catalog of goods” for Instagram is set up through Facebook.)
• You must have a business account (good thing we went through the steps to set one up!)
• Your account must be connected to a Facebook Page.

If your account meets those parameters you’ll want to move on to the next step of connecting your Instagram business profile to your Facebook catalog.

This guide from Facebook walks you through the final steps to create your catalog so you can use Instagram Shopping.

Go forth and make money on Instagram

Ready to increase those eCommerce sales on Instagram? Now you should be!

To support your brand’s digital presence, and use cool features like Instagram Shopping, make sure you have a website created. Our AI-powered, easy-to-use WebsiteBuilder helps small business owners create beautiful, functional websites in a snap. 

Do you have any additional tips for Instagram and eCommerce? Share them with us in the comments below!

As the air gets chilly and the year draws to a close, people look to complete their holiday shopping.

How can you take advantage of the season and convince more people to purchase from your e-commerce site versus a competitor’s?

In this post, we’re going to cover 3 ways to make your site more cheerful and less bah-humbug so you can generate more sales this year.

3 ways to ready your site for the holiday season

Be a trusted resource for your site visitors.

How often have you heard someone say that the person they’re shopping for “already has everything they need” or is “impossible to shop for”?

Take the guesswork out of shopping for your customers by compiling a gift guide (or a few) for your site visitors. By doing this, you can direct them to the products that are the best fit for their needs or highlight the products that you most want to sell.

Your gift guides should be clearly titled. There should be no confusion as to whether your gift guide is best suited for someone’s grandmother or great-nephew. Make sure to use keywords and details in your product descriptions to give people enough information to make an informed decision.

And remember that appearances matter! It’s not 1997 anymore — so as much as you might want to throw together a list of goods in a Word doc then post it to your site, don’t do it. There are so many retailers clamoring for attention and sales that you need to stand out.

There are many free graphic design sites and tools that can help you craft a good-looking gift guide. Check out Canva or do a quick internet search to find the tool you like best.

Give your site a festive facelift.

When was the last time your website got a little TLC?

People don’t keep the same clothing or hairstyles forever, and there’s no time like the holidays for updating your site, too.

You don’t have to overhaul your website, but consider updating your main banner image to something better suited to the holiday season. Coca-Cola is a great example of a company that updates its look and feel for the holidays. Before the holidays last year, they updated their site to highlight a seasonal product, Coca-Cola Cinnamon, and their banner image had also been updated to support that.

If you’re thinking, “I can’t afford a photographer or new graphic designer just for this!” then we have good news. The days when you’d need to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for good photography and imagery to use on your site are long gone, so don’t let that be a concern of yours. When creating your new banner image, consider adding a highly-visible coupon code to attract holiday shoppers.

Check out this article for free image resources you can use to spruce up your site.

Be a little less Scrooge and a little more Santa

We’ve talked a lot about shopping this holiday season but that’s not entirely what it’s about. Your customers are looking to purchase gifts for the people they care for as an act of consideration and love.

Help them know that you’re on the same page by dedicating a certain percentage of your holiday sales to charity or a non-profit organization. Even a very small amount, like 1-2% of your profits this time of year, can add up to make a big difference in someone’s life.

Don’t be shy about letting your customers know that part of their purchase is going towards a good cause. It could be the differentiator you need to stand out from the crowd and convince someone to purchase from you instead of your competitor.  

Happy holidays to you and your site

The holiday season is a great time to update your site. Give your visitors what they’re looking for with gift guides, updated seasonal imagery, and another reason to feel good about themselves with a donation to charity.

Do you have other ideas for giving your website a holiday look and feel? Share them with the rest of us in the comments below. 

We’re happy you’re here. Thanks for choosing us!

Perhaps this is your first time purchasing a domain name or maybe you’ve transferred from a different registrar. Either way, we want you to feel comfortable navigating your Domain.com account. We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.    

Let’s explore a Domain.com account together. In this post, we’ll start by showing you what it looks like once you’re logged in. We’ll go through the toggles and options you’ll find in your account’s Control Panel and discuss what they mean. By the time you’re finished with this post you should have a great understanding of your Domain.com account.

Understanding your Domain.com account options

To start managing your domain name and update your Domain.com account you’ll want to navigate to Domain.com and click Login in the top right corner of the page.

Then, type in your username or domain name and password and click the red Log in button.

And you’re in!

The first screen you’ll see once logged in gives you an overview of your domains. You can switch to see an overview of your hosting plans by clicking on Hosting toward the top left on the page.

The domain names you’ll see on this page are all of the ones associated with the particular Domain.com account you’re logged into. You can filter by All Domains, Active Domains, Expired Domains, and even opt to show your subdomains on this page.  

Is there a particular domain name you’d like to manage or want to know more about? Go ahead and click on the blue Manage button underneath it to access more information on that domain.

Your domain name summary page

Here’s what that page looks like.

We’ve numbered the different sections so we can go through them and make sure you understand what you can do with your domain name.

Section 1 – Domain Settings

The domain settings area of your summary page offers a quick, convenient look into your domain name. Here, you can see if your domain

Is set to Auto-renew.

• Your domain name represents you online. Do you really want to risk having someone else swoop in and purchase it if you forget to renew your domain?
• No surprise charges. We’ll always email you prior to automatically renewing your domain name.

Is locked.

• It’s always in your best interest to keep your domain name locked unless you are actively transferring it.
• A locked domain name prevents unauthorized domain transfers and prevents any changes from being made to the domain’s settings.

Is encrypted with SSL.

• You want your site visitors to trust you, right? Let them know right off the bat that your site is secure with SSL.

Is your primary domain.

• By default, your primary domain is the first one you registered or transferred. Your primary domain is the one you want representing your site or business. This domain is the default when accessing FTP (file transfer protocol) or configuring mailboxes.

Turn any of these settings on or off by clicking on the toggle icon next to it. If the toggle is entirely grey then the item is turned off. If the toggle is green then the selection activated.

Section 2 – Domain Information

This section provides a brief overview of your domain name. It lists your domain, your registrar, the date your domain was registered, and when it’s set to expire. If you have auto-renew enabled then you’ll also see your renewal date listed in this section.

Section 3 – Domain Privacy + Protection

Domain Privacy + Protection keeps your personal information out of the WHOIS database and away from prying eyes. Whenever a domain name is purchased, the person or company registering it is required to supply their legal, accurate personal information. ICANN mandates that this information be made publicly available via the WHOIS database, but that means it can be scraped by spammers for unwanted emails and phone calls unless you enable Domain Privacy + Protection. It also helps keep your site and domain secure by running malware scans and working to prevent your domain from getting blacklisted.

If you already purchased Domain Privacy + Protection then you’ll see something else for Section 3 on your summary page. This is what it will look like.

As with Section 1, when the toggles are green that means that those items are activated. You’ll want to click on the arrow next to SMS Notification Settings to make sure the information there is correct. Here’s what you’ll see.

Section 4 – Email Accounts

If you haven’t set up a professional email address to match your domain name then you can do so right here! An email address that matches your domain name establishes credibility, supports your digital identity, and looks professional.

If you’ve already purchased email, then Section 4 will look a little different for you. This is what you’ll see.

Section 5 – Account Settings, Billing, Log Out

This is an important part of your account. If you need to update your personal information including phone number or address, or if you need to add your EIN/Tax #, you can do so right here. First click, Account Settings from the drop down menu and on the following page click the three dots next to Contact Information like you see below.  

Beneath Account Settings in the drop down menu you’ll see Billing. This section should be pretty self-explanatory, but you can click here to update your payment method and billing address.

You’ll also find the option to log out in the drop down menu under the Billing section.

Section 6 – Advanced Tools

If you’re looking for more information on your server or perhaps FTP, then this is where to go.

Section 7 – Help

Stuck on something in your account? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

We’re here for you 24 hours a day 7 days a week by phone or live chat. If you click on the Help tab you’ll see a menu pop out on the right hand of your screen. From here, you’re able to search for what you need help with, view some popular articles, and connect with our team via live chat.

Section 8 – Option between Domain and Hosting Summary

You can click between the Domain or Hosting options seen here to view either summary page.

Section 9 – Summary Menu

This summary menu provides a quick, easy way to access everything you need for your digital presence. Here’s a close up of what you’ll find in that menu.

From here, you can learn more about our options for easy website creation by clicking either WebsiteBuilder, to learn about our easy to use AI-powered builder, or WordPress.

If you’re looking for email and productivity solutions, click either G Suite or Office 365.

You can learn more about site security by clicking on SSL Certificate and SiteLock.

Next on the menu is Pointers & Subdomains. Your domain pointer determines how you intend to use your site (you can point it to your home directory, a URL, or even park it.)

Need to edit your DNS & Nameservers? Click on the appropriately titled link in the menu and have at it!

DNS stands for “Domain Name System.” The main concept behind the DNS is that people have an easier time remembering names than numbers (could you imagine typing strings of numbers for IP Addresses instead of a quick domain name?). In essence, the DNS is an extensive directory that’s regulated and contains information on all the unique, one-of-a-kind domain names that exist and the IP addresses tied to them. And in order for people to type in your domain and arrive at your site, there needs to be a nameserver attached to it. Be careful when editing this section and ask for help if you need it. We’re available to assist.

And while we’d hate to see you go, if you need to transfer your domain name you can do so through the Transfer link.

Looking for the WHOIS contact information for your domain? You can find that by clicking on Contact Information at the bottom of the menu. This information should always be current and your legal information — no aliases or pseudonyms.

Navigating Your Domain.com Account

We hope this guide to your Domain.com control panel and account is helpful and that it’s pointed you in the right direction.

Whether you’re looking to build your domain name portfolio, claim your online identity, start a website or a business, you can do it all with Domain.com.

And if there’s something you’re looking for and can’t find, let us know in the comments below!

If you’re like most people, you’re no stranger to online shopping. Each year the number of online shoppers climbs higher and higher, and we don’t see that trend declining any time soon. According to Statista, “Retail e-commerce sales worldwide are forecast to more than double between 2018 and 2023, surpassing 6.5 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023.”

Those statistics make starting an e-commerce website pretty appealing, don’t they? And if you need any extra motivation, think about how nice it’ll be to be your own boss, make your own hours, and be able to work from anywhere in the world.

Starting an e-commerce website

How do you start planning for your online business and creating your e-commerce site?

Before we discuss the elements every e-commerce site should have, let’s talk about getting your other ducks in a row. In order to build the best e-commerce website you can, you’ll need to consider:

• Your ideal customer.
• Your products or services.
• Your differentiator, or what sets you apart from the competition and makes people choose you over them.
• Sourcing your products.
• Inventory.
• Shipping.
• What you’ll name your business and online store (hint: it should match your domain name for consistent branding.)

Once you’ve spent some time on those items, you can get down to business creating a website to sell your goods and services so you don’t miss your piece of the e-commerce sales pie.

First impressions matter

Have you ever landed on a website to browse and do some shopping only to scan it and think, “This doesn’t look legitimate,” and then exited the site? What gave you the impression that the website wasn’t genuine or could be a scam?

Typos and bad grammar, no product descriptions or photos, a lack of contact information, an unsecure website connection, and cluttered design are all reasons we’ve heard for people leaving a website without making a purchase.

Elements every e-commerce website needs

When someone lands on your website, they shouldn’t be driven away by any of the reasons we mentioned above. You want to inspire trust in your site visitors and help them through your marketing funnel so they’ll become customers.

What elements does your e-commerce website need to inspire confidence in your site visitors?

• Security
  • The threat of having your personal and financial information exposed or hacked is real. With SSL, a secure connection is established between your site visitor and your website. That means any information passed from their end to yours (like billing details) is encrypted and kept safe from prying eyes.
• Cluttered design
  • Websites are visual things and humans are visual creatures. You can try creating your own website with code, or make life a little easier on yourself by using a website builder.
  • Domain.com’s WebsiteBuilder offers specific themes already optimized for e-commerce and you can drag and drop elements within these themes to customize your site.
• Product photos and product information
  • Again, humans are visual creatures. You need clear photos that accurately represent your products. You also need a clear description of what you’re selling. If not, you risk people not purchasing or purchasing, being disappointed, and leaving bad reviews for your new online store.
  • Here are some tips on how to photograph the products for your e-commerce store.
• Typos and bad grammar
  • If your online site is full of typos and errant punctuation, you run the risk of someone thinking it’s a fake site that’s set up to phish for your personal or financial information.  
  • There are many free online tools, like Grammarly, that can help you perfect the spelling and grammar for the writing and copy on your e-commerce website.
• Contact Information
  • We know you’re doing your best. Even so, mistakes can happen. On the off chance that there’s an error in an order, your customers will want to know how to contact you. Make sure that information is apparent and available from the moment you launch your site.

From a consumer perspective, your e-commerce site needs these things. Without them, you’re doing yourself and your online business a disservice.

Are you ready to start building your online store?

Check out Domain.com’s Website Builder today!

With WebsiteBuilder, you don’t just get highly-customizable templates. With our business plan you’ll receive dedicated e-commerce features in your builder like:

• E-commerce shopping cart
  • Sell your products across web and mobile devices.
• Inventory management
  • Track your inventory and stock.
• Payment processing
  • Choose from Stripe or PayPal.
• Coupon codes
  • You’ll have the ability to offer coupon codes to your visitors and customers to drive more sales.

So what are you waiting for? Get your domain name and start your online store today!

Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and that’s what we’ll discuss in this post. So stick around and let’s explore your options for website creation together.

Website Creation: DIY or outsource?

That’s a great question and we’re glad you’re asking it. It shows you understand how valuable your website is and that you want to create it the best way possible, and rightfully so. Your website is the hub of your digital presence, it’s where customers go to find you, interact with you, and hopefully, convert. (That means they take whatever action you’d like for them to take on your site, like making a purchase or signing up for the email list on your blog)

If your website is slow, clunky, or hard to navigate then your website visitors won’t be making any purchases or signing up for any lists; instead, they’ll bounce. If you have a high bounce rate, search engines will take note, and your website won’t show up as high in search results moving forward. So it pays to create a good site with your visitors’ preferences and needs in mind and to maintain your website. If you don’t, your site can get buried in the depths of the Internet.

Let’s consider the following points to help determine whether you should DIY or outsource the creation of your website.

What’s the goal of your website?

Have you stopped to consider your website goals? Now is definitely the time. If you don’t consider your goals, how can you create a plan for success?

If you’re a blogger your goal might be to increase the number of visitors to your site and the number of subscribers to your email newsletter. Why? Because those two things can help influence your bottom line by attracting advertisers or companies who’d like to work with you.

If you aren’t sure what your goals are, or how to achieve them, you may want to consider outsourcing your website to someone with experience building similar sites so they can guide you.

Or do you have clear-cut goals and understand how the layout and build of a website can influence them? If so, it sounds like you’re ready to DIY your own site.

Have you created a website before?

Creating websites isn’t as difficult as it was 5, 10, or 15 years ago. You don’t need a 4-year degree and a thorough understanding of JavaScript or any other programming language.

If you’ve created a website before then we have faith that you can do it again! And if you haven’t, we have faith in you, too!

Nowadays, there exists these handy tools called website builders. Website builders, like ours, turn website creation into a quick and painless process. Once you have your domain name and hosting, you can choose a theme for your site. The themes are varied and highly customizable, so you don’t have to worry about your site looking exactly like every other Dick and Jane’s site. You can customize themes by dragging and dropping different elements (like call-to-action buttons or about pages) exactly where you want them. What you see as you build your site is what you’ll get for a finished product.

Are you nervous about creating a website? Don’t be. You can practice by using our free website builder that allows you to create a 6-page site (it’s free with every domain name purchase.)

If after some practice you decide that you’re a website-building rockstar then good for you! As your business grows you may find that you need a larger site, so you can always upgrade your builder and hosting package and continue rocking those site creation skills.

What if you decide that website creation isn’t for you? That’s ok, we can help with our full-service offerings. We understand you may not have the time to devote to a website, so we provide a service that encompasses the following.

Professional Website Services

• Custom 5-page website including content creation for up to 3 pages.
• Drag & drop site builder so you can make changes to the site if you’d like.
• Professional branding because you deserve to look like the pro you are.
• Full website functionality including blog setup, photo gallery, and contact form.

And if that’s not enough, we’ll even help with your marketing.

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Managed Local Lift — working with online listing publishers like Yahoo! to make sure local customers are finding you.
• Content marketing. We’ll write articles and create content to support your organic search rank on major search engines.
• Monthly consultations with an expert because we’re here to help you succeed.

Do you understand the time investment and maintenance a website requires?

As much as we wish websites were set-it-and-forget-it, they’re not. (Although it’d be great, wouldn’t it — having one less thing to worry about?)

Alas, we can’t change the way websites and the Internet work for you, but we do our best to make it easier by providing all the options you’ll need to secure and maintain not just your site, but your domain name, too.

There are some bad people and automated programs online and you need to guard your website against them. You can run manual scans and attack the threats one-by-one, but the fact is, there are a lot more automated bots and programs than there are of you. If you’re new to building websites, you might not realize how essential domain privacy and site security are.

Domain.com offers SiteLock Security products, domain privacy + protection, and more so that you can keep your site free from danger without needing expert advice. But if you’d rather not take any chances and have someone else worry about it, then outsourcing your website is a good option. A 3rd party can help you to build your site, maintain it as needed, and advise you as to the best security options and plans for your site.

If I choose to outsource or purchase a DIFM (do-it-for-me) website package, am I stuck with it forever?

It’s a valid question, and we don’t blame you for wondering.

No, you won’t be.

If you need help getting started with your website, don’t have the time to devote to a website right now, or would prefer someone else maintain your site, then outsourcing is the best solution for you right now. But that doesn’t mean things won’t change.

Maybe you’ll hire some new people soon and have more time available to focus on your website and marketing; in that case, you can take ownership over your site again. You can switch plans with us at Domain.com for a self-managed site or make sure to ask any 3^rd parties about future arrangements prior to outsourcing your site.

There are many ways to build a website

With so many options at your disposal, you really don’t have an excuse for not having a site in this day and age.

Your website is the heart of your digital presence and your domain name is what leads people there. So don’t delay, get started today! 

Congratulations!

It’s a big step, and we’re excited for you.

Create a website: From planning to execution

Is this the first website you’ve created? Or has it been a while since you’ve made one? Either way, we’ll help you understand exactly what to do. Follow along as we discuss how to plan and build your website.

Planning Your Site

Not all websites are created equal. Depending on your needs and goals your website may consist of only a few pages, or it could be a large e-commerce website.

Before investing too much time in your design, or jumping straight into website creation, ask yourself the following questions to help plan your site.

• What is my business all about?
  • This is question #1 for good reason. Your website exists to support your business needs. Your website will be a means to an end, it will be a means to support and further your business goals.
  • If your site will be a blog, or to support a passion project, you should still clearly define what your goals and needs are to support your vision. Then consider how your site will support those.
• What will success look like?
  • For bloggers looking to monetize their site, they might consider site visitors a key performance indicator, or KPI, of their site. The more visitors they receive, the greater the likelihood of getting better partners and adverts on your site.
  • For e-commerce sites, you’ll want to think more along the lines of conversions (when a site visitor becomes a customer, or takes the action you want them to take on your site.)
  • You need to have a clear idea of what success will look like for you and the KPIs you’ll use to measure it so that you can design your website properly. If you’re trying to drive on-site purchases, but have no call-to-action buttons on site for people to “Buy Now” or “Checkout Here” then you’re doing yourself a disservice. Identifying what your success will look like helps you build the website to get there.

• Who’s my target audience?
  • Websites need visitors to thrive. But if you attract all the wrong people to your site, and they don’t end up interacting with your site or purchasing anything, then what does it matter?
  • Your target audience consists of the people in your ideal market. They’re the ones who your service or goods are designed to help and benefit. Cater your website to these folks, and you’ll reap the rewards.
• Do I have the right domain name?
  • Your domain name is the address that leads people to your website. It should be easy to understand, easy to spell, and hopefully, memorable. Think of it this way: If someone were to hear your domain name without ever seeing it, could they spell it and get to your site?
  • If you don’t have the perfect domain name yet, you can find one here.

Now that you’ve asked yourself these questions, you should have a better idea of what type of site you’ll need to create.

Creating a quick, beautiful website

Ready to design and create your site?

You can quickly and easily create a website to suit your needs using something called a Website Builder.

What is a website builder?

A website builder is a lot like it sounds — it’s a tool to help you create a website easily. Website builders usually come with drag-and-drop functionality, offer pre-made templates, and leave less room for error when creating a site.

You don’t need to have a 4-year degree or advanced understanding of code to use a website builder, but that doesn’t mean they’re strictly the purview of website novices. Many advanced web designers use website builders, too.

Domain.com’s Website Builder and Full Service Design

We offer a website builder to help you get up and running in no time at all. You can put together a quick, simple site in under an hour, or create a larger e-commerce site to sell your goods.

No time to create a site? That’s no problem. If you would rather have some one-on-one dedicated assistance in creating a site we have options for you, too. We offer a full service design and marketing plan to help you get up and running, and you’ll receive a dedicated account manager who’ll reach out every month to make sure all is well and review your marketing campaigns.

What are you waiting for – create your site today!

Creating a website has never been easier or simpler. Take some time to plan your site — identify your target audience and set your goals. Once you know what purpose your site will serve it’s easier to design it.

Need a hand or have any questions? Let us know!

Gone are the days when a copy of the bulky, softcover Yellow Pages would bring in the customers. Now, it’s as though your business doesn’t exist if you don’t have a website. People pick up their shiny cellphones and run online searches to find the business that fits their needs instead of flipping through musty old phone books and directories.

Recently, I moved. It wasn’t a huge move, but it was far enough away from my old surroundings that I wasn’t sure what businesses existed in my new town. After what felt like years of hauling a never-ending stream of boxes down multiple flights of stairs, I arrived at my new place — and I was starving. I like supporting local businesses, so I located my phone amidst a jumble of papers and used Google to find some nearby restaurants to sate my hunger. What was so special about what I did? Absolutely nothing. In fact, according to SEO Tribunal, Google receives over 63,000 searches per second on any given day. Even a small sliver of that traffic could do wonders for your business. 

Your website needs a domain name. We can help.

Does having a website guarantee that my business shows up first in search results? 

First off, if you don’t have a website you won’t be showing up in any search results. Secondly, your website has to be good. Search engines don’t reward bad websites with better placement in search results. 

Creating a good website that performs well and captures customer attention is a lot easier than it used to be with the advent of website builders. Website builders, like ours, help you create a good-looking, sensible website in a short amount of time. They provide a large selection of customizable templates for you to choose from; then, you click on the item you want (photo placeholder, text box, etc.), drag it where you’d like for it to appear on your website, and drop it in place. You can customize those elements with your own wording, photos, videos, and more. Search engines favor websites with good, informative content. If your website isn’t appealing to customers, or doesn’t answer their questions, it won’t appeal to search engines either. 

Do I need a website if I don’t sell products or services online?

Yes! Not selling products online is no excuse to forego a website. Think of your website as the digital face of your physical location. You always want to put your best face forward because you never know who’ll see it. 

Your customers, and potential customers, expect you to have a website as well. If they find you don’t have one, they’ll wonder why that is and could question whether or not you’re a legitimate business.

Your website is a goldmine of marketing opportunities.

On social media, you can’t control the conversation about your business. People can comment, like, react, or otherwise change your business narrative. But this isn’t the case on your website. On your site, you position your products and services (even if you don’t do e-commerce) exactly as you see fit, and tell your story the way it should be told.

You can even derive insights from the actions your visitors take on your site — what are they clicking on? How far down are they scrolling on the page? And so much more! Apply these insights to refine your messaging, your marketing, all the way down to your products and business M.O., if applicable. 

If you’d like to continue building a relationship with your site visitors after they’ve left your site, consider email marketing. Email marketing is a small investment of your time for a big return ($38 return for every $1 spent.) You’ll need to include an email marketing sign-up list on your website, but any good email marketing provider will give you premade options you can quickly add to your site. 

How do I start creating a website?

Good question! It all starts with a great domain name. You can think of your domain name as your website’s unique name and address. It distinguishes your website from all the others out there.

Your domain name should reflect your business, and if possible, match your business name. If you can’t find an available domain name to register, consider purchasing a premium domain name to really solidify your brand. 

Got your domain name? Good, let’s continue.

Plan your website, then create. 

It’s a smart idea to plan out how you think your website will be used, what pages should be included, and how to leverage content on your site. What you put on your site should be intentional and serve a purpose, whether that be to inform your customers or drive purchases. 

Before creating your website, ask yourself the following questions. 

• How many people do I expect to visit my website each day?
  • The amount of website traffic you expect to receive will influence what type of web hosting you need. Website hosting is where all the data and files that comprise your website live. It’s also what allows you to publish your website on the internet, thereby allowing people to find and visit it. You know how retail stores have a back room to store inventory for when it’s needed, and also a shop to handle customer foot traffic? Hosting is a lot like that, but digital.
• What actions do I want people to take on my site?
  • Are you trying to drive purchase volume? Or provide educational content? When you’re creating a website you’re designing an experience for your site visitors, and the actions they take on your site should benefit your business.
• What should visitors see when they land on my site?
  • Should they be greeted with your sale of the day? Your bright, beautiful face? Or an informative landing page? Again, think about what actions you want your site visitors to take, and about whether or not their first impression of your site will help lead them to that action.
• Am I providing them with a way to reach me if they have questions?
  • You can provide all the relevant and pertinent information about your business that you want, but someone is still going to have questions. That someone may be your most valuable customer. If they have a question and need to get in touch with you, they should be able to easily and quickly find your contact information. A “Contact Us” page on your site should suffice. 

So that’s it then, my brick-and-mortar needs a website?

The bottom line is, yes, you really do need a website. 

Creating a website for your brick-and-mortar business is a lot quicker and easier than it used to be. You can use a tool like WebsiteBuilder to create a site that reflects your business in the best light possible, and you can do it in less than an afternoon. However, remember that planning is half the battle in website creation. If you go into creating your website with clearly defined goals, you’ll have an easier time deciding where things should go and what information should be displayed. Your website will be the gift that keeps on giving — from visitor insights, to marketing opportunities, to new customers — so what are you waiting for?

Get the perfect domain name today.

You’re not on your own, Domain.com is here to help.

Need an extra hand when creating a website? Or do you have some lingering questions? We’ve got you covered. Our teams are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’re in need of assistance. 

If you’re a bit confused, worry not. In this guide we’re going to:

• Break down the differences between web hosting vs. website builder
• Explain the benefits of each
• Show you how to get started

What is Web Hosting?

When you rent a home, you’re paying for a piece of real estate to live in. Usually you fill this home with your own furniture and memorabilia, making it feel like your own.

Web hosting follows the same principle, except you’re paying for a home in what is called a “server,” where the data, content, and the information of your website will live. In order for you to claim this piece of real estate on the internet, you must pay to have it hosted. The bigger the piece you want, or the bigger your website, the more you’re going to have to pay.

But, at the most fundamental level, web hosting offers  a plot for people to build websites on. When it comes to the debate of “web hosting vs website builder,” a website builder would be useless if not for hosting services — how can you build if you don’t have land, or a server, to build on?

What is a Website Builder?

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a website builder?” you can think of it this way: it’s a tool that allows beginners and experts alike to build a website, without needing to know code. The pre-coded platforms work by providing a large variety of website templates and themes to choose from, which can then be customized and tailored to your needs. These tools are built to be user-friendly and often come with tutorials and technical support seeing as they’re designed to complement the DIY (do it yourself) method.

Since website builders exist on servers that users can access anywhere they have internet, they are in a certain sense also hosting your website. The sites are hosted on these servers regardless of whether or not a website is finished or launched. By returning to the real estate metaphor, think of website builder hosting like owning some acreage and slowly building atop the land. Once the home is complete and you’re done building, it’ll still be “hosted” on that land.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

Types of Web Hosting

Web hosting is an umbrella term and it refers to the act of renting space on a server; there are more specific types that fall beneath it. To understand the differences between web hosting and a website builder, it’s important that we break it down. Some common types of web hosting are:

• Shared Hosting
• Dedicated Hosting
• Website Builder Hosting

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is like an apartment complex; multiple small businesses rent apartments and share the resources. It’s the most affordable and popular type of hosting available, and usually it’s the first type of hosting used by different companies and individuals as they launch their website. This type of hosting is perfect for people who have relatively small websites and have less custom or elaborate needs. There are often storage limitations and can be limited to one or a few websites that you own.

Dedicated Hosting

Dedicated hosting is more expensive, and rightfully so as it’s a personalized type of hosting. On a dedicated host, a company or individual has a server all to themselves. They don’t share any resources, nor do they allow for any third party to rent or squat on their space. This allows for a full customization of the server, a higher bandwidth for traffic, and better security. If you have a bigger business or a website that experiences high volumes of traffic, take a close look at dedicated hosting.

Website Builder Hosting

You can use a website builder with any of the hosting types discussed above. However, keep in mind that all Website Builders are in a sense hosts. Think of it this way: no matter if you’re a big business or a small business, you want a quick and easy way of creating a beautiful, functional website. That’s what Website Builder is for. But, if you are a  business or organization that needs to accommodate high customer traffic and secure their information, you’d want to invest in a more advanced hosting option (like a Dedicated Server.) If you’re an individual or small business whose website doesn’t get a lot of traffic (yet) then you can use Website Builder to create your site and keep it “hosted” there as you build and grow. Check out Domain.com’s WebsiteBuilder — an easy to use tool that helps you create your website in no time.

If you’re using Website Builder Hosting as your primary hosting then it’s a good idea to also look at options that provide more security and room for growth of your website.

A Comparison of Website Hosting and Website Builder

When comparing web hosting and a website builder, semantics play a major role in defining the two. Here are some points to use to compare these products:

• Web hosting allows an individual or company to rent a space on a server, which will host all the data and information of their given website. This space can take many different forms and is often chosen based specifically on the needs and budgetary requirements of an individual or enterprise
• A website builder cannot host more than one website or act as a server for anything other than the website you’re building with it. It’s not designed as a hosting platform, it’s both a storage locker and construction ground for your website. Remember, “website builder hosting” is a bit misleading, what’s being hosted is the Website Builder software, not the website being created by the Website Builder.
• Web hosting is rented space or digital real estate, it’s not a service that allows you to build a website. If you purchased hosting and want to build your website with it, you’re putting the cart before the horse. Think of it this way: you need a website in order to host it. Some hosting packages will offer tools to build a website, but that’s an added feature and not a standard feature of web hosting.
• A website builder allows the user to actually create the website they’re going to host on a server. Website builders provide pre-coded and templatized “sections of websites” that you get to put together and customize to create your own website. Domain.com’s Website Builder offers drag and drop functionality, making it a breeze to use.

At its core, the main difference is that web hosting is a piece of land, while a website builder is what allows the construction to happen atop that land.

A Website Builder Explained

As we mentioned, a website builder is a software platform used to build a website. Engineered for both experts and beginners alike, they are usually offered alongside a hosting platform to create an all-inclusive package. There are two types of website builders:

• An online website builder – the website builder is hosted on the same server as the website and can be accessed anywhere there’s internet. This means that the user will never have to download or install software and can access their “build” — at any stage — so long as they have a healthy internet connection. These are more common than the following type.
• An offline website builder – typically thought to be geared more towards users with technical knowhow, an offline website builder is exactly as it sounds; a platform that works offline. This means the user will have to download the software and save the files locally, then upload them onto a server once they want to launch the website

If you choose to use a website builder hosting package that doesn’t mean that you’re bound to that specific hosting plan once your website has been built.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

What Should I Expect (And Want) from a Website Builder?

A quality website builder provides all the tools you need to build, maintain, and expand upon a website. A few common things to expect are:

Variety of Templates

The allure of using a website builder is that it’s pre-coded. This means that someone with zero knowledge of coding can utilize the user interface to create their own website. This is done by way of templates. Each website builder will have their own catalogue of templates which are  pre-coded, designed, and color coordinated. Once selected, these templates can be customized to fit a brand or personality.

Functionality

A good Website Builder will have an image editor, “drag and drop” functionality, and customizable templates. The functionality of a website builder should be easy to use and versatile.

Mobile Formatting

It’s no secret that people are just as likely to visit your website on their mobile device as they are on their computer. Today, mobile formatting is not only important for websites, it’s an imperative. If the website builder that you’re considering doesn’t format for mobile, run away. You can’t risk losing customers because a website doesn’t load properly on their mobile device.

User-Friendly Interface & Technical Support

Website builders are designed to be user-friendly, allowing even the most computer illiterate of us to easily create a site. To that end, every website builder should be backed by a reputable and diligent technical customer support team. If anything in the website happens to break, or if certain pieces aren’t fitting together, then a good provider would offer customer support to troubleshoot the problem.

Analytics Tools & SEO

Analytics and SEO (search engine optimization) are now utilized by every successful website, so you should expect your website builder to offer some form of both. This can mean offering a flawless integration of Google Analytics, or even some ground level keyword generation for SEO. These types of tools will allow a user to understand how well they’ve positioned themselves on the internet, what they’re doing wrong, and where to improve.

Key Takeaways

When it comes to spelling out the differences between web hosting and a website builder, it’s best to separate them entirely. Some key takeaways:

• Web hosting hosts both websites and website builders but by its definition is incapable of building a website.
• A website builder does not host a website so that consumers can access on the internet. Rather, it hosts the tools and pieces needed to create that website, allowing the user to build.
• Both web hosting and website builders work best in packages, where a website builder is utilized to create a website, then the website is hosted through the same bundle

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

I Understand Now, How Do I Get Started?

Now that you understand there is no choosing one or the other, rather it’s about working to integrate both web hosting and a website builder, how do you get started?

First, you need a domain name. Your domain name is going to be the name of your website, which should hopefully align with your brand or company. From there, you can choose what type of hosting and website builder package you want.

If you’re still confused about all the options or have any questions regarding domains, hosting services, and website builders, then feel free to reach out to the experts at Domain.com and they’ll provide the answers you’re looking for. You don’t need to be an expert coder to create a fantastic website, you just need a solid website builder and a decent web hosting plan.

In our thorough guide we’ll answer:

• What exactly is a website builder?
• Why do people use them?
• What characteristics are found in a good website builder?
• How do I get started?

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

What Is a Website Builder?

A website builder is as it sounds; an apparatus that allows you to craft your very own site. This platform or software is typically engineered to have a user-friendly interface, with plenty of drag and drop functionality and preset styles and website templates to choose from. They allow you to build a website from scratch by using prebuilt structures.

In this way, with a bit of invested time and some pointed tutorials, you can start creating your layout, style, and then integrating your brand’s elements and content. The code runs on the backend, but the frontend is a platform of digestible, easy-to-learn features which allow you to build your home on the internet landscape.

This can be done in two ways:

Online Website Builder

An online website builder is a platform that you access through your web browser. Instead of downloading the builder’s software, it’s hosted on the cloud, which you can access anywhere there’s internet.  

Offline Website Builder

An offline website builder requires the user to download software and host the files locally on their computer. It’s a general rule of thumb that offline website builders take a bit more technical knowhow and experience, seeing as the files will have to be uploaded onto a web hosting platform once the buildout is finished.

Why Do People Use Website Builders?

To put it in perspective, many renowned web developers use website builders, like WordPress, to put together websites. These tools are not reserved simply for novice users within the web development space. Of course, if the website is going to need extensive coding with complex functionality and advanced security, then a standard website builder might not be the recommended option.

But website builders are the perfect option for most small businesses and fresh enterprises. Here are some of the main reasons people use website builders:

• Creates a website in a snap
• Less room for error
• They don’t require technical knowhow
• Affordability
• Low Maintenance
• 24/7 Technical Support (offered by companies like Domain.com)

A Snap of the Fingers

In many circumstances, a small business needs scant more than a functional, good-looking website that is easy to navigate. Any web developer will tell you that a website builder can do this in the blink of an eye. They’re right. A website builder can create a good-looking, viable and functional site in a matter of hours.

Less Room for Error

Being that the website builder is pre-coded, there’s less room for error. The pieces you build, layer, and add together will work because they were designed to complement one another. You’re not creating new “pieces of a website” hoping they integrate perfectly, you’re integrating pieces that have been tested countless times before.

Caters to Low Technical Skill Sets

You don’t need to be a graphic design guru, web dev pro, or even understand HTML to use a website builder. One facet of website builders is their template catalogue. These templates come integrated with color theory, crisp designs, and functional processes. They do the work so that you don’t have to.

Affordability

It should be no surprise that it’s far cheaper to utilize a savvy website builder instead of hiring a web developer to do the work on your behalf. Truth be told, most of the web developers you hire will be using some sort of templatized platform—especially if your website does not require custom coding. Hint: most don’t.

Little Maintenance

Since website templates are pre-coded in website builders, there’s little need for upkeep and maintenance. Of course, the website should be continuously updated with fresh content for your audience to engage with, but this is another “plug-n-play” process of a good website builder.

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Support

Many small business owners or brand creators want to go the DIY method when it comes to their website. They want to learn how the process works and maintain full creative control, and that’s understandable. For many online website builders, companies like Domain.com offer technical support along with the builder. This means if you run into any issues, you can call them for free.

Now that you have a general understanding of why people utilize website builders, when you start your hunt, what features and characteristics should you be looking for?

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

What Makes for A Good Website Builder?

What makes for a good website builder is often subjective due to the needs and experience of the user. What one web developer may qualify as “good” can differ from the opinion of another. Yet, there are some ubiquitous characteristics shared by website builders which most everyone agrees are measurements of their quality.

You’ll find the most important features below:  

User Friendliness

The entire point of utilizing a website builder is for its ease of use. This is part of the “drag and drop” experience, as little else is required in reshaping your website other than dragging and dropping the pre-coded elements where you want them to be. These are also known as WYSIWYG web builders, which stands for “What You See Is What You Get.” Domain.com offers one of the best website builders that:

• Complements beginners and pros – The novice can learn how to navigate the platform quickly, and the pro can utilize its wide offering of features and functionalities.
• Allows the user to drag and drop nearly every element – This includes text, video, pictures, your logo, and more.
• Removes the necessity of plugins – You won’t need to download or install any 3rd party software. This further eases the process seeing as the entire platform is hosted by Domain.com.

Templates & Customization

A common fear with website builders is that the site is going to end up looking cheap. Another fear is that websites created using the same website builder might look too similar. Let’s put those worries to rest. Website builders allow you to customize a large wealth of templates so your website will look and feel unique to your business or brand. Features should include:

• A fully customizable design stack – This includes fonts, colors, layering, and graphic design.
• A fully customizable template catalogue – You don’t want to have static, stale templates — ones that seem to have been developed without the help of a professional graphic designer. This can indeed create a cheap looking website. Instead, you want a large selection of templates to choose from. Each one should be customizable (to an extent).
• Customizable images – You’re going to want to utilize a website builder that comes with an image editor. It should be obvious that the images on your website need to be purposefully selected, immersive, and engaging to the eye. Having a one-stop-shop image editor is the perfect way to simplify the process.
• Mobile responsive customization – It’s more likely that your audience will view your website via their smartphone than their computer, meaning it’s imperative to format a website for mobile. It is critical that the website builder you choose caters to mobile formats.  

Analytics and SEO Tools

One of the most important facets of a company’s growth is keeping track of their performance on the web. Today, with analytical tools, users can track every interaction a potential customer has with their website.

Additionally, SEO (search engine optimization) tools assist with visibility on search engines, meaning a company has a higher likelihood of “popping up” on a given search. You may be reading this and thinking, “SEO? Analytics? This stuff is jargon to me.”

Which brings us to our next point: a great website builder will integrate these elements as well as work to explain them to the user. In which case, a website builder should integrate:

• Analytic Tools – The most common you’ll see is Google Analytics, being that Google is the search engine every company wants to rank on.
• SEO Tools – A basic keyword generator and the integration of metadata with the possibility for further expansion.

Extras

Additionally, if you plan on shifting your business into an ecommerce platform or if it’s one from the start, then be sure that the website builder you choose includes tools to support your transactions. This includes but is not limited to:

• A shopping cart – You’ll want your website to support the shopping cart feature, as that’s the easiest way to purchase a given product.
• Inventory management – You’ll want your backend to have a one-stop-shop to track your inventory and stock.
• Payments – From Stripe, PayPal, to credit cards, you’re going to want your website to support online payments.

While the ecommerce features mentioned above are standard, the integration of them is not. The key is to find a website builder that seamlessly integrates each feature, seeing as they will be the pillars of your ecommerce platform.

How Do I Get Started?

Before building your professional website, there are a few steps that must first be completed. For instance, for your website to exist on the internet you’re going to need a domain name, which will also be the name of your website. And before you purchase this domain, you’re going to need to choose a hosting platform and website builder.

We’ll explain below.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

Starting with the Domain Name

If you go to Domain.com, there’s a search bar in the center of the page. Just enter the name of your business or the domain you want and Domain.com will assess its availability and then provide pricing. Once you’ve found an available name, you’ll need to enter:

• Both the domain name and the extension
• Your first and last name
• Your email address
• Your phone number
• Your physical address
• Billing information
• Administrative contact information

Choose A Host

Once you’ve obtained your domain, you’re going to have to choose a hosting plan based on your specific needs.

Create, Create, Create

Once you’ve settled on a domain name and chosen your host provider, now it’s time to utilize the website builder and start creating the website itself. Explore the large library of templates and then customize them. Try to evaluate exactly how you want to position your brand and what you’re trying to showcase, then find the perfect base template that complements your vision.

Customize and Integrate Images

Once you’ve laid a solid foundation for your website, it’s time to customize. Create a standout website by integrating stellar images that are brand-specific and original. Steer clear of anything “stock” or “filler-focused” and try to, if you can, place original content anywhere possible. This will further showcase your brand and add to the uniqueness of your platform.

Add in Analytics

Once your website is finished, adding an analytics tool is a fantastic way to measure its success on the internet. The data generated by these tools will allow you to understand how well you’ve positioned your brand, where to make changes, and where you’re succeeding. In today’s digital climate, it’s nearly impossible to compete with other brands without some sort of analytics tool.

Build Your Own Website!

A website builder is a tool that allows both novices and pros alike to create a professionally designed website. With pre-coded templates, user-friendliness, image editors, analytical tools, SEO tools, and more, it’s never been easier for someone with zero technical knowhow to build their own block of real estate on the internet.

At Domain.com you can buy your domain, set up your web hosting service, and utilize their powerful website builder all in the same place. Better yet, they’re available to answer any questions you may have and guide your through the building process. Reach out today to get started on building your online presence!

Sources:

Domain.com Services

www.domain.com

WebSavvy Marketing. What is a Website Builder? June, 2017.

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