5-components-of-an-efficient-business-websiteToday the idea that every business should have a website, and not a token but functional website at that, is more or less a given. However, how to make this website efficient and effective? It is another issue entirely – so let’s try and single out things that can help you get closer to the ideal.

1. Clear Purpose

Before you even start, you should have a very good idea of what kind of website you want. Is it going to be a static digital representation of your business? A stagnant site that serves as a virtual business card?Or rather go for a dynamic and engaging site where you will often blog about the activities of your company, provide useful information for your clients and a database of helpful articles? Each variant has its uses, and you would be wise to decide on the nature of your website beforehand. Sure, you can always change your mind later on,but it will take extra time and resources which is a big no-no. Make a blueprint of your website and figure out what’s the  optimal approach for your online presence.

2. Stable and Secure Web Hosting

Nowadays, there are virtually thousands of web hosting companies you can choose from.Alas, it is becoming extremely hard for a newbie to say at a glance which ones do their job properly and which will do their best to swindle you out of your hard-earned money. Start with a comprehensive list of business web hosting companies created by well-versed veterans in the field. Learning from the mistakes of others is always a good idea.

3. Right Domain Name

There are no clear-cut rules on selecting the domain name for your website. In addition to that, all too often one’s choice is limited by circumstances. However, there are some tips suggested by common sense. Try to keep it short and simple, avoid abbreviations, acronyms, numbers and ambiguities in spelling, make it easy to write down by ear. Decide on you TLD (top-level domain) – since many good .com names are already occupied, you may consider using .biz or .net. Another good idea would be to buy expired domains or snap them when possible, that way you might find gems.

4. Proper SEO

SEO doesn’t stand in one place – what was a good idea last year may be an unacceptable blunder today. That’s why it is usually better to hire a specialist with a good reputation and a lot of experience than to try and get into all its intricacies on your own. If SEO isn’t a core activity of your business, it will take too much time and resources to keep abreast of its ever-changing nature. And whatever you may have heard, SEO is pretty much alive – albeit in a different form than five years ago. Consider educating yourself on the best current SEO tactics and optimize your site gradually, but surely.

5. Testing, Testing, Testing

You should test your website before you make it public, and constantly test it in the process of use. Consistent efficiency can only be ensured by constant checks. In addition, it may be a good idea to make regular alterations to see if a new version of your website is going to work better.

Building a website that won’t become dead weight is hard, even if you are not going to design it yourself – especially if you are not going to design it yourself. Only a very clear understanding of your intentions and goals can ensure success – and we hope this article will help you get a bit closer to it.