When you are starting on your first ever website, everything seems a little too daunting. I was the same and I still learn something every day.
So I thought I would create a website where newbies can find definitions and explanations of all the different terms, tactics, processes, and tools available.
I for one wanted extra help and a training system to lead me in my education. If you would like to follow my path, have a look at the link below:
It is still good to understand a few of the terms before diving in so this is where this place can help. However, if you want to jump right in, have a look above.
Getting Started With Personal Website Design
Understand the Purpose of Your Website
Creating a personal website from scratch might sound a bit overwhelming, but it’s doable with a bit of guidance.
The first thing to understand is your website’s purpose.
Maybe you want to showcase your portfolio, start a personal blog, or build your brand. Figuring this out will guide all your design choices.
Essential Elements
Now, let’s consider the must have elements for a beginner’s website.
Clear navigation, an engaging landing page, an about section that tells your story, and contact info that’ll make it easy for people to connect. These basics set the foundation for any solid website, ensuring visitors know where to click or what action to take.
Step by Step
Breaking down the technical steps.
You will need a domain name. That’s your online address, so pick something easy to remember and reflective of your brand or name.
Next, hosting. It’s like renting a space for your site on the internet.
Platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace can be great for beginners. They’re user friendly and have a lot of templates to get you started.
Things to Avoid
Keep things simple.
Don’t clutter your site with too much information or excessive media that slows it down. Your design should be clean and easy to navigate. Keep personal and sensitive information offline and focus on presenting your best self online.
Designing Your Website: Tools and Tips for Beginners
Popular Website Builders for Beginners
Choosing the right tools can make a big difference when you’re getting started with website design.
For beginners, popular website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress are top picks. They come with built in drag and drop features, making the layout process smooth and simple.
DIY Design Tips
When you’re designing on your own, think about blending aesthetics with practicality.
Choose colours that reflect your personality and ensure they contrast well for readability.
Fonts should be easy on the eyes, so skip anything too fancy or hard to read.
User Friendly Navigation
Creating user friendly navigation is crucial.
Visitors should be able to find key information within a few clicks, so keep the menus straightforward and visible on every page. Avoid overwhelming menus or hidden sections that might confuse users.
Mobile Phone Responsiveness
With more people browsing on phones, mobile responsiveness can’t be ignored.
Make sure your site looks and functions well on smaller screens, adapting layouts as required.
Thankfully, most website builders automatically include this feature, but it’s always worth double checking.
A little focus on accessibility goes a long way. Use alt text for images in case they don’t load or for visually impaired users. Ensure your site can be used with keyboard navigation alone, enhancing the user experience for all.
Content Creation: Building a Strong Online Presence
Identify Your Target Audience
Knowing who you’re speaking to makes a huge difference when crafting content for your website. Identifying your target audience helps tailor your message, making it more engaging and relevant.
Creating Engaging Content
Creating content isn’t just about adding words and images. It’s about being authentic and sharing your unique voice.
Whether it’s blogs, articles, or images, keep content engaging, true to you, and aligned with your site’s purpose.
What are the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of Content Creation
When considering what to publish, stick to the do’s.
Share professional achievements, skills, and personal stories that align with your brand.
Avoid the don’ts, like oversharing personal problems or adding irrelevant information that might clutter your site.
SEO for Beginners
A little bit of SEO knowledge can go a long way. Simple tasks like using keywords that match your audience’s searches can help boost visibility.
Also, pay attention to headings, metadata, and image alt texts. These small tweaks make your site more likely to appear favourably on search engines.
Launching Your Website: Final Touches and Maintenance Tips
Checklist for a Successful Launch
With your website ready to launch, a pre launch checklist will save you from last minute hiccups.
Double check links, ensure all pages load properly, and that your contact forms are working.
Giving your site a good once over ensures everything’s running smoothly.
Testing
Testing is a bit like giving your website a trial run.
Check performance across different devices and browsers to spot any potential issues with layout or functionality. You can use online tools to help with this, to make sure everyone visiting gets a consistent experience.
Update, Update, and Update
Regular updates aren’t just for style. They keep your site fresh and engaging.
This applies both to content and technical aspects like security features or plugin updates.
Regularly updating content encourages repeat visits.
Analytics
Keep an eye on your website’s performance with analytic tools.
They give insights into what’s working or what needs tweaking, based on visitor behaviour.
Gathering feedback from users helps refine their experience, making sure your website stays a valuable resource for them. Allow for user comments so you can see what people think. Take note and adjust accordingly.
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