Oct 21, 2024

Matleena S.

20min Read

Whether you’re flaunting your portfolio, selling your latest creations, or sharing valuable insights, your website is your online HQ, making it easy to connect with and captivate your audience.

However, creating a website from scratch may seem daunting, time-consuming, and difficult for many. Luckily, anyone can do it with the right tools and guidance, regardless of your technical background.

This guide will walk you through 12 essential steps to help you build a website that aligns with your goals, from defining your website’s purpose to promoting and maintaining your site after launch.

Defining the purpose of your website is a crucial first step in the website creation process. It sets the foundation for all subsequent design, content, and functionality decisions. Here’s how to do it:

Understanding the primary goal of your website is essential. Consider the following questions:

What is the main objective of your website?

Identify whether the website is intended to sell products, share personal insights, showcase your portfolio, offer services, or serve another unique purpose. This will help shape the overall structure and content strategy.

If you want to sell products, your website should have eCommerce features, product pages, and a user-friendly shopping experience.

On the other hand, if the aim is to provide information, the focus should be on delivering valuable and engaging content that attracts and retains website visitors. Consider looking for built-in tools like a media library and a blog for easy content management.

Who is your target audience?

Knowing your target audience helps you craft a site that resonates with them. Pay attention to these things when defining your audience:

Analyzing competitors provides valuable insights into what works and doesn’t in your niche.

Start by listing websites that offer similar products or services. These could be direct competitors or sites in related niches.

Analyze the site design and overall functionality. Map out the following:

Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to analyze competitor keywords, backlinks, and traffic sources. Check out Hootsuite or Buffer to monitor competitor social media activity and engagement.

Clearly articulate what makes your website unique from others.

Identify features or services your website offers that competitors do not. This could be exclusive content, superior product quality, or exceptional customer service.

Make sure your unique value proposition is clear and prominent on your website. This could be a tagline, a key message on your homepage, or specific content highlighting your strengths.

Establish measurable goals to guide your website’s development and track its success.

Decide what success looks like for your website. This could include metrics such as:

Implement tools like Google Analytics to track these metrics and measure your progress over time.

Choosing and registering a custom domain name is essential when setting up your website.

A well-chosen domain name can make a positive first impression on visitors and convey professionalism and credibility.

Also, while not the sole factor, having a keyword-rich domain name can contribute to search engine optimization (SEO) efforts by signaling relevance to search engines.

Choosing the right domain name involves several considerations to ensure it effectively represents your brand and appeals to your audience:

Once you have a few domain name ideas, use a domain name search tool to see if your desired domain names are available. If your first choice has already been taken, you may need to be flexible and consider alternatives.

While the most familiar domain extension is .com, there are many others, such as .net or .org, and industry-specific extensions like .store or .blog. Choose an extension that best suits your website’s purpose and audience.

If possible, register multiple variations of your domain name, including common misspellings or alternative extensions, to protect your brand and prevent competitors from using similar names.

With Hostinger, it’s easy to register and manage your domains:

Instantly check domain name availability.

Selecting the right website builder speeds up the website creation process, especially for beginners. The platform you choose will determine how easily you can build, customize, and manage your website.

Consider the following factors to ensure your platform meets your needs and goals:

Website builders are user-friendly tools that help you create websites without any coding knowledge. They are ideal for beginners who want to get their website up and running quickly.

Hostinger Website Builder is an excellent choice, offering several features designed to simplify the process from just $$2.49/month.

Hostinger Website Builder is a no-code builder, meaning it’s the perfect tool for beginners to design and customize their websites without needing technical skills.

You can easily add, move, and resize elements by dragging and dropping them into the right spot on the page. This visual and intuitive approach makes experimenting with different layouts and designs simple.

You can see the changes to your site in real time as you make them, helping you visualize how your website will look once published.

Hostinger Website Builder comes with AI tools that assist you in designing your website. They help you create a personalized website that reflects your branding and objectives, saving you time and effort in the design process.

For example, by answering a few questions about your website’s purpose and style preferences, the AI Website Builder suggests a layout and design that aligns with your goals.

Within the editor, the AI Writer helps create content for your web pages, speeding up the content creation process.

WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) renowned for its flexibility and extensive customization options. It’s suitable for a wide range of websites, from simple blogs to complex eCommerce sites.

One of WordPress’s biggest strengths is how easy it is to customize your website, even if you’re new to it.

Users can choose from thousands of themes to change the look of their site. Alternatively, you can benefit from our AI Website Builder for WordPress by purchasing the Business or Cloud plan of Hostinger’s Managed WordPress hosting.

Simply describe your preferred website appearance, and our AI tool will prepare it for you. From there, you only need to make some tweaks before launching the website.

Various plugins, such as WooCommerce for eCommerce and Yoast SEO for search engine optimization, are also available for added functionality.

If you want to use this CMS for your website, follow our guide on how to create a WordPress website.

Your choice of web hosting directly impacts your website’s performance, speed, and reliability.

If you’re using Hostinger Website Builder, hosting is already included in your plan, so you don’t need to worry about this step.

However, if you’re using self-hosted platforms like WordPress, let’s look at how to select and secure a hosting plan that suits your needs.

When selecting a hosting plan, consider the following factors to ensure the hosting package meets your website’s requirements:

There are several types of hosting plans available, each catering to different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the most common hosting options:

Shared hosting

With shared web hosting, multiple websites share the same server and its resources, such as CPU, RAM, and bandwidth. Hostinger’s shared hosting plans start from $$1.99/month.

The primary advantage of shared hosting is its cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for small websites or blogs with moderate traffic.

However, the downside is that other sites on the same server can impact your website’s performance, particularly if one experiences a traffic surge.

VPS (virtual private server) hosting

VPS hosting gives your site a dedicated portion of a server and offers more resources and control than shared hosting.

This makes VPS hosting suitable for growing websites needing better performance, increased security, and customization options. The trade-off is that VPS hosting is more expensive than shared hosting and requires some technical expertise to manage.

At Hostinger, you can get started with a VPS plan from $$4.99/month.

Cloud hosting

Cloud hosting distributes your website across multiple servers, ensuring high availability and reliability.

This type of hosting is highly scalable, reliable, and can efficiently handle traffic spikes, making it ideal for large websites or businesses. However, depending on usage, managed cloud hosting services can be more expensive than shared or VPS hosting.

Our cloud plans start from $7.59/month.

Dedicated hosting

Dedicated hosting provides an entire server exclusively for your website, offering maximum resources and control.

A dedicated hosting plan is best for large websites with high traffic volumes that require top performance and security. The major drawback is that dedicated hosting is the most expensive option and requires significant technical expertise to manage.

Managed WordPress hosting

Managed WordPress hosting is specifically designed for WordPress sites, offering optimized performance, automatic updates, and enhanced security features.

The advantage of managed WordPress hosting is that it takes care of all technical aspects, such as updates and security, helping you to focus on content creation.

Hostinger’s Managed WordPress Hosting has a user-friendly interface and top-notch support, making it an excellent choice for WordPress users who want a hassle-free experience.

Recommended by WordPress.org, our Managed WordPress plans start from $$2.49/month.

Planning your site structure is an essential step in creating a user-friendly website that is easy to navigate. A clear and logical site structure offers several benefits for both users and search engines:

A sitemap visually represents your website’s structure, outlining the hierarchy and relationships between pages.

Start by listing all the pages you want to include on your website, such as Home, About, Services, Products, Blog, and Contact.

Organize your pages in a hierarchical structure, with the main pages (parent pages) at the top and related subpages (child pages) arranged underneath them.

Identify your website’s core sections, which represent key content areas. Determine any additional subpages that fall under each main page and provide more specific information.

Choose clear and descriptive labels for each page to help users understand your site’s content. Use consistent naming conventions to avoid confusion.

Use a tool like Lucidchart, GlooMaps, or a simple drawing tool to create a visual sitemap that outlines the page hierarchy. This helps you see the overall structure and make necessary adjustments.

Design your website’s navigation to make it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for:

Highlight important information on your homepage, such as your main products, services, or latest blog posts. Use visual elements to draw attention to these areas.

Include clear CTAs on key pages to guide users toward desired actions, such as signing up for a newsletter, purchasing a product, or contacting you.

Organize content logically, guiding users naturally from one page to the next. For example, direct users from an introductory page to detailed service pages and then to a contact form.

You may need to add new content and features as your website grows. Plan your site structure to accommodate future growth.

Design a flexible structure that can easily accommodate new pages and sections without disrupting the existing hierarchy.

Consider how you can expand categories or sections as you add more content. Ensure your navigation can handle additional items without becoming cluttered.

Periodically review your site structure to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Adjust as needed to reflect changes in your content strategy or business goals.

A well-designed layout enhances user experience and encourages visitors to explore your content. Here’s how to design an effective website layout with Hostinger Website Builder:

Choosing the right template or theme is the first step in designing your website layout. Start by selecting a template that reflects your sitemap alongside your brand’s style and identity. Consider the colors, fonts, and overall aesthetics that align with your brand values.

Consider your site’s purpose and choose a template that supports the functionalities you need. For example, if you’re building an eCommerce site, ensure the template includes features like product pages and a shopping cart.

Ensure the template is mobile-friendly so your website looks great on all devices, including smartphones and tablets. Responsive design is crucial for both user experience and SEO.

Once you’ve selected a template, customize it to align with your brand identity and goals.

Start by choosing a color scheme that reflects your brand and evokes the desired emotions. Select readable, consistent fonts to create a cohesive look, and incorporate high-quality visual elements like images and icons that enhance your content and reinforce your brand’s tone.

Consistent branding is critical, so ensure your logos, taglines, and messaging are applied uniformly across your site to build recognition and trust.

Hostinger Website Builder makes it easy to customize your website. Use the drag-and-drop interface to add, move, and adjust elements. Thanks to the WYSIWYG editor, you see your changes in real time.

Organize your navigation logically, using clear labels and avoiding clutter. Break up text with headings, subheadings, and bullet points to improve readability and make information easy to find.

Strategic use of whitespace enhances readability and keeps the design clean and uncluttered. Include clear and compelling calls to action (CTAs) throughout your site to guide visitors toward desired actions like purchasing products, requesting a demo, or contacting you.

After designing your layout, test it to ensure it meets user expectations and functions smoothly. Conduct user testing to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.

A/B testing can help you compare different layout versions to see which one performs better. Use analytics tools to track visitor behavior and make data-driven decisions for design adjustments and improvements.

Adding essential pages to your website is crucial for providing visitors with valuable information and guiding them through their journey on your site. Each page serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall user experience.

Here’s how to effectively add and optimize these pages.

The homepage shapes visitors’ first impressions of your website. It should be inviting and informative, setting the tone for the rest of the site.

Start with an introduction that provides a brief overview of your website’s purpose and the value you offer. Clearly communicate what your site is about and what visitors can expect to find.

Use eye-catching visuals such as high-quality images or a hero banner that captures visitors’ attention and aligns with your brand identity to enhance visual appeal. Key elements like navigation menus, a search bar, and contact information should also be included to help visitors navigate your site easily.

Incorporate persuasive CTAs on your homepage to encourage visitors to take specific actions, such as exploring your products, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting you.

The About page shares your story, mission, and values, helping visitors connect with you and your brand.

Begin by providing background information about yourself or your company, including your history, achievements, and expertise. Highlight what sets you apart from competitors. Explain your mission and core values, emphasizing what drives your business and how you aim to serve your audience.

To make this page more relatable and engaging, use personal anecdotes or stories that share the journey that led you to create your website or business. If applicable, introduce key team members or contributors, showcasing their roles and expertise. This adds a personal touch and builds trust with your audience.

The Products or Services page provides detailed information about what you offer, helping visitors make informed decisions.

Start by clearly describing each product or service, highlighting features, benefits, and specifications in concise and persuasive language to convey value. Remember to use high-quality images or videos to showcase your products.

Offer transparent pricing information, including any available packages or options, to make it easy for visitors to understand and compare your products or services.

Include CTAs to guide visitors toward purchasing or inquiring about your products or services, using buttons like Buy Now, Learn More, or Contact Us to encourage action.

The Contact page makes it easy for visitors to reach you with questions or inquiries. Include a simple contact form that lets visitors submit questions, feedback, or inquiries, keeping fields minimal to encourage submissions.

If applicable, provide your email address, phone number, and physical address, ensuring this information is accurate and easy to find. Additionally, include links to your social media profiles, helping visitors to connect with you on different platforms.

If you have a physical location, consider embedding a Google Map to help visitors find you easily.

For inspiration, check out our curated list of the best Contact us page examples.

Adding a blog to your website can improve SEO and engage your audience by providing valuable content. Develop a content strategy that plans and creates content that resonates with your audience and aligns with your website’s purpose.

Focus on topics related to your niche that provide value, solve problems, or simply entertain. Optimize your blog posts for search engines using keywords, meta tags, and alt text, which helps attract organic traffic and improve visibility.

Encourage interaction by responding to comments on your blog posts and using social sharing buttons to encourage readers to share your content with their networks.

Depending on your website’s purpose, you may also want to include additional pages that cater to specific needs:

On top of customizing the look and feel of your template, you can add additional features to your site to enhance its functionality and user experience. Some popular features available on Hostinger Website Builder include:

Whether you want to integrate Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, WhatsApp, or other apps into your site, Hostinger Website Builder makes that process easy.

Simply access the Integrations settings directly from the builder and manage and add various tools to enhance your website’s functionality.

Creating high-quality content is crucial for attracting and retaining visitors. Engaging content helps convey your message, builds trust, and encourages interaction. Here’s how to fill your website with compelling content:

Focus on producing content that informs, entertains, or solves problems for your audience.

Tailor your content to address the needs and interests of your target audience. Use language and tone that resonate with them.

Hostinger Website Builder’s AI Writer helps you create content quickly and effectively.

Whether you need inspiration for blog topics or assistance crafting text for your pages, the AI Writer can suggest relevant content ideas, create drafts, and help you maintain a consistent tone throughout your website.

This tool is especially helpful if you’re short on time or need help starting your content creation journey.

It is also essential to ensure that your content is valuable and relevant to your audience’s needs. Offer insights, tips, or solutions that they find helpful or interesting.

Remember to maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. Whether you publish blog posts, articles, or videos, consistency helps build a loyal following.

Incorporate various content types to enhance the user experience and keep visitors engaged:

Optimizing your website for search engines is crucial for increasing visibility and attracting organic traffic. Here’s how to implement basic SEO practices effectively:

Hostinger Website Builder offers robust built-in SEO tools designed to help you effectively optimize your website and improve its visibility on search engine results:

Before launching your website, conducting thorough testing is crucial to identify and resolve any issues.

Start with cross-browser testing to ensure your site functions well on popular web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, using tools like BrowserStack or LambdaTest.

Next, perform device testing by checking your website’s responsiveness and compatibility across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

Remember to verify that all interactive elements, such as links, forms, buttons, shopping carts, and search bars, work correctly and provide a seamless user experience.

After testing, review your content for accuracy and consistency. Proofread your website to catch any spelling and grammar errors and ensure consistency in tone, style, and messaging.

Fact-check all information, including facts, statistics, and data, to ensure accuracy. Test all internal and external links to ensure they direct users to the correct pages and eliminate any broken links.

Once testing and content review are complete, it’s time to launch your website. After publishing, submit your website to search engines like Google and Bing for indexing using tools like Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.

After your website goes live, promoting and maintaining it is essential for attracting visitors and ensuring its long-term success. Below are key strategies to help you effectively promote and maintain your website.

Start by developing a marketing plan to increase your website’s visibility:

If it’s your first time, use our marketing plan template for a head start.

To further boost your website’s visibility, consider incorporating paid advertising into your promotion plan:

Maintaining your website’s relevance and performance is crucial for ongoing success:

Building a website from scratch is a rewarding process that starts with defining your purpose and understanding your audience. By now, you should know the steps needed to make your own website:

By following these steps, you can quickly build a professional website that effectively supports your goals, including growing your brand, engaging your audience, or driving sales.

The cost varies depending on your chosen platform, domain, and hosting services. With Hostinger Website Builder, you can create a website complete with web hosting and domain registration for just $$2.49/month.

Yes, anyone can create a website with the right tools and guidance. Platforms like Hostinger Website Builder make it easy for beginners.

A website enhances your online presence, allowing you to reach a broader audience, showcase your products or services, and build credibility.

Avoid cluttered designs, unclear navigation, and neglecting mobile optimization. In addition, make sure your website is user-friendly and visually appealing.

The time required depends on the complexity of the website. For example, a simple site can be created in a single afternoon, while more complex sites may take several weeks or months.

No, platforms like Hostinger Website Builder use a drag-and-drop interface that requires no coding skills. This makes website creation accessible to beginners yet offers plenty of powerful tools to build a professional-looking website.

You can monetize a website through advertising, affiliate marketing, selling products or services, and offering paid memberships or subscriptions.

Matleena Salminen

Matleena is a seasoned Content Writer with 5 years of content marketing experience. She has a particular interest in emerging digital marketing trends, website building, and AI. In her free time, Matleena enjoys cups of good coffee, tends to her balcony garden, and studies Japanese. Follow her on LinkedIn