It's been quite some time since browser-based free website builders have been available to the general public, and nowadays those looking to make a website are spoiled for choice, with a wide range of easy-to-use DIY tools. Although personal users are the most obvious market for these all-in-one website hosting and building solutions, business users too are increasingly well catered for with ever more sophisticated yet simple CMS platforms, complete with online store modules. Their quick setup and low cost makes them an amazing interesting option for small businesses looking to carve out their slice of the rapidly expanding online retail market.
For those businesses or individuals on the lookout for a website builder and e-commerce solution, there are a few points to consider before diving in. Getting off to a good start means defending exactly what to look for before beginning to make a website, and planning ahead to ensure your current needs are covered, so that whatever solution you choose to leave you with room to grow in the future.
It's important that whatever your choice of provider, you're able to meet your current and future needs in terms of space. Some solutions limit the number of pages that can be created, for example, and in many ways this is a far greater potential handicap to growth than limiting the online storage space made available for file hosting; while storage space can always be offloaded to third-party (and often free) file hosting sites, the same can not be done with web pages. It's also vital to consider the web technologies behind your website, and how they will influence the way your website can be viewed, and the way it will be positioned in search engine rankings. Flash-heavy websites, for example, are notorious for their limited browser compatibility (they are sluggish on Macs, for example, and will not display at all on many mobile browsers like the iPhone). They also rank poorly with search engines, as their text in unable to be 'read' by the automated search 'robots' sent out to analyze and index websites like yours to determine their content and search engine ranking.
Of course, there are many other things to consider, many of which will depend entirely on the specifics of your industry, business or simply the way you prefer to interact with your clients. The important thing is to take the time to establish your current and future needs, so you can then set about examining the kind of free website builder that is right for you, by comparing its features with what you're looking for. As you look, you should be prepared to make some compromises – nothing's perfect for every situation. Similarly, do not allow yourself to be distracted by flashy websites that promise the Earth, but deliver very little real value over the long term. Compare the real value that each solution offers, even the free ones, as money saved early on through poor selection can incur substantial costs in the long run.
With your choice of website builder made, you can finally get down to the specifics of setting up your website. Take your time getting your initial design figured out can save a lot of hassle later on, as the design itself often determines what you can – and can not – do with your website. Choose a meaningful name if you decide to register a personalized domain name for your website: one that incorporates key terms about your business, such as your company name and what you sell. These keywords are a vital part of ensuring your website will be found on search engines once it's up and running.
Do not be afraid to add those additional features that visitors love, but that may not seem immediately obvious. Features such as a forum or blog may appear at first glance to have little or no role to play as you build a business website. Yet these can be a very important part of your online presence, enabling visitors to interact directly with your business, for example through an after-sales support forum or a latest product news blog. Giving customers the ability to communicate with you directly, without having to leave their navigator, is important and can mean the difference a successful online business presence and a failure.
Finally, when your website is setup and online, do not forget to spread the word. Getting visitors is not easy, and you should waste no time. Start by telling your friends and family, and encourage them to do the same. Have your website address printed on your stationery, business cards and in your email signature. Getting online is just the first stage in the process of developing your online presence and making it a success. With a little thought and planning, you can get it right from the beginning, and it need cost nothing at all.
