Half of 2020 has already passed and most of us have not even begun to achieve what we set out to in January. No one predicted just how hard this year would be. Millions of people who started the year with job security are suddenly unemployed and, with the coronavirus still spreading like wildfire in much of the world, no one feels secure anymore.
It’s no surprise that many people are now starting small businesses to try and make their own money. Looking for work may not be an option, and a solo endeavor is a way of taking back your agency.
Every small business needs a website, whether your business has a number of staff or whether it is just you. Here is what you need to start a small business website in 2020.
Web hosting
The most fundamental requirement for every single website is web hosting. Hosting provides a way to get your website online, giving it space on a server that connects it to the internet. Because it is so fundamental, it is crucial that you choose the right web hosting for you.
When looking for web hosting for a small business, assess what kind of service your company needs. If you are very local or are not aiming for large amounts of traffic, shared or VPS hosting is perfect for you. If you expect your website to get increasingly heavy traffic, you may need to consider renting out a dedicated server.
Shared hosting is pretty cheap, at around $3 a month, and price really should not be your primary consideration. Choose what is right for you – the investment of time and money is worth it.
Content management system (CMS)
Hosting will get your website online, but you will need a content management system (CMS) to actually create your website. A CMS provides a range of tools to build an attractive and effective website. The most popular CMS include WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace.
There are thousands of themes to choose from, many of which are free. Certain small businesses are best served by particular themes, and if you join a Reddit thread or online forum you will be able to learn from the success of others.
Most CMS are free, and you will only have to pay for themes and plugins created by external developers. As with hosting, don’t skimp on the things that will make your website that much better.
A blog
In order to bring in the organic traffic your small business needs, a blog is one of the most effective tools. By writing about topics relevant to your industry, you make your website easy to find online while building trust in your expertise.
A blog does not need to be complicated. You do not need to be a professional writer. All you need is to show that you are well-versed in the current trends and that you know what you’re talking about.
Spend time building the perfect business website. It is your best marketing tool and no modern business can function without one.