I want to build my own business website - where do I start?

"A website can help your business interact with current clients and reach new customers - but getting online is just the start. Business owners need to consider how their website looks, as well as how people engage with it. This means getting the design and functionality right and ensuring it is optimised with the best keywords and content, so your small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) can be found among the top search results. Communication and ecommerce tools are also important."

"The first step is to select a domain name and then design your website and arrange web hosting to get it live across the internet. There are free options to do this, but that may mean facing restrictions with how much you can customise the web address and design of a website. Many experts follow a formula for web design that was devised by marketing academics Jeffrey Rayport and Bernard Jaworski in 2001. It is known as the seven Cs."

"These are: The seven categories are used to influence how a website looks and interacts with customers. Firstly, the context of your website covers the layout and design, ensuring it is visually appealing and easy to follow. Similarly, content must be engaging and informative, with a mix of text and images as well as the use of SEO. Social aspects or community are also useful. This could include forums, reviews and feedback."

A business website supports interaction with existing clients and helps reach new customers, but success depends on more than going online. Website appearance and how people engage with it must be addressed through correct design and functionality. Visibility in search results requires optimization with strong keywords and content, supported by search engine optimisation. Communication and ecommerce tools improve customer interaction and purchasing. Building a website involves choosing a domain name, designing pages, and arranging web hosting to make the site accessible. Free tools can help, though customization may be limited. Web design can follow the seven Cs framework, covering context, content, community, and connections to shape how the site looks and interacts with customers.

Read at The Independent