You've probably heard about the power of websites. They're used by companies around the world to promote their products or services, provide customer support, and even sell products online. A well-designed site will also help you build your brand identity and increase traffic to your business.
However, creating these sites is not always easy. You might need some technical skills to design them yourself, which could mean hiring someone else. If that's all right with you, then there are plenty of great options out there. For example, if you want to set up an ecommerce store, you may consider one of the following platforms:
Shopify - Shopify offers several different plans starting from $29/month (for a single storefront) to $199/month (for unlimited stores). The platform only requires basic HTML knowledge and has drag & drop features for building custom layouts.
BigCommerce - BigCommerce allows users to develop their own themes and includes templates in its marketplace. It starts at just $49 per month and comes with 24/7 support as standard. Its built-in analytics tool lets you track sales performance.
Strikingly - Strikingly is another popular option for those looking to start selling online without any coding experience. This service provides a simple way to add content via text or images and integrates with PayPal for payment processing. Starting at $9/mo, Strikingly includes hosting, email marketing, and other essential functions.
If none of those sound like good fits, don't worry. There are many more ways to get started with a website, including using WordPress, Wix, GoDaddy, and others. But before you go any further, let's take a look at how to create a website for free of charge -- and make sure you know what you're getting into.
There's a lot of hype surrounding the idea of making a website completely "free" of charge. While this isn't entirely true, you do have options when it comes to choosing a web host. Most hosts offer a trial period where you can test their product before committing to anything. Some even allow you to try their tools for free while paying nothing up front.
For instance, Bluehost gives new customers access to their entire suite of tools for seven days. After that time, it takes effect automatically, but you still have 60 days left during which you can cancel your subscription and keep everything intact.
Do note that most of these trials require signing up for a recurring plan after trial expires. In fact, some of the best deals available today include annual subscriptions. So, if you really want something free of charge, make sure you check out our article explaining why you should pay for a web hosting company instead of going for a freebie.
The truth is, you won't find a truly free website creator anywhere online. Even if you decide to use a free service such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, etc., you'll likely end up spending money somewhere along the line. These social media channels usually need paid advertising to succeed, so they aren't exactly freebies.
In addition to ads, you'll have to spend money on things such as data storage, bandwidth, and server space. As mentioned earlier, hosting packages typically come with a limited amount of resources for each account. Thus, you might not be able to upload too many pictures, videos, files, or links, depending on the package you choose.
Many people believe that owning a website costs thousands of dollars upfront, even though this is false. Websites can actually be created for less than $10/month. Of course, this doesn't necessarily translate to total freedom, especially when it comes to SEO optimization.
Let's say you want to launch a blog or write articles for your website. Then, you'd need to invest in either a premium keyword research software or hire freelance writers who specialize in writing high quality content. Both solutions will cost money.
But hey, don't fret. There are several alternatives that allow you to post fresh and engaging content without ever having to touch a computer keyboard. Let us introduce you to 10 awesome blogging apps that will save you tons of cash.
Even better news is that you don't have to shell out huge amounts of money to buy a domain name. Many domains sold through Godaddy are totally free, and you can register hundreds of.coms for under $10. And yes, you can use a free website builder to create a professional-looking website for free of cost.
Most experts agree that running a successful website needs two main components:
A domain name
Hosting
So how much does it cost to run a website that sells shoes? Well, according to our estimates, here's how much it would cost:
Domain Name: $8-$20
Web Hosting: $6-$100+
Designer Website Template: $50
Total Cost: $18-$200
Still unsure whether buying a website outright is worth it? Try browsing our list of 30 Best Free Online Business Ideas.
As previously stated, it depends on how you define 'own'. When we talk about free websites, we refer to those hosted by major players such as Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Yahoo!, etc. That means that all the work involved in setting up a website goes directly into providing search engine visibility, mobile responsiveness, and app compatibility.
It also means that all the money spent on hosting, designing, and maintenance will eventually trickle down into your pocket. But as long as you understand that you're doing business with giants who benefit greatly from the existence of your website, then you're fine.
Of course, there are other factors that affect the overall success of a website. One important consideration is user engagement. Are visitors coming back regularly? Do they fill forms, comment on posts, share photos, and interact with friends? All these actions contribute toward improving your ranking in search engines, increasing organic traffic, and boosting conversions.
When deciding between free and non-free options, think about the value of what you're giving up. Is it worth investing in a top tier website that gets results? Or maybe you prefer to focus on developing relationships with existing clients rather than attracting new ones. Either way, remember that every dollar counts.
A website is one of the most effective marketing tools available today. It's inexpensive to set up (usually) and easy to use. But if you want it to stay that way forever, then you will need to keep paying for hosting or even building your site from scratch.
The good news is there are several ways to get started without spending any money whatsoever. The bad news is these options may require some technical know-how. So let's start by learning what exactly makes websites expensive. Then find out about the best alternatives so that you don't fall into this trap again when you're ready to invest more time in your online presence.
In general, yes, but not always. There are many web hosts who offer plans that include unlimited bandwidth, storage space, and email accounts -- all things you probably won't use very much unless you grow really big. You could also consider buying domains outright rather than renting them through an intermediary like GoDaddy.com. Domain names can be purchased directly through registrars such as Namecheap.com or Network Solutions. While you only need one domain per account, each additional domain costs $10/year. For example, my personal domain is.me which was purchased through Namecheap for just $9.99.
However, not everyone needs access to every single service offered by their host. If you plan on using WordPress as your content management system, you might prefer a solution like Bluehost instead. Their basic shared hosting package comes with a 99.95% uptime guarantee, 1GB RAM, 5TB data transfer, and 10 email addresses. That would easily cover everything needed to run a blog or small website right now. If you do expect to grow beyond those limits over time, though, you should look for a better deal elsewhere.
If you're looking for something cheaper, try Google Sites since it offers similar functionality while costing less than half what other comparable solutions charge. In addition, the team behind Google Sites has said that they "don’t intend to add new features" meaning it's unlikely to change significantly. This means it's stable enough to build a simple yet professional website around.
As far as security goes, there isn't much difference between the two services. Both allow you to install plugins to improve performance and protect against malware attacks. They both support HTTPS encryption when possible. And they both provide 24x7 customer support via live chat and phone calls.
So long as you aren't planning on growing your site past its current size, Google Sites is ideal for anyone starting out. Since it doesn't come with any extra bells and whistles, you'll likely spend less overall too.
No, but you still need somewhere to put your files. Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can upload your files without incurring any charges. These include Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, OneDrive, Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, and others. Some of these services give you 2GB of free space upon signup while others limit you to 100MB. Still, it shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes to fill up that amount of room.
While it does make sense to save yourself some money upfront, you should also think ahead before signing up. How fast will you grow? Are you going to be uploading lots of large files regularly? If so, then you might be wise to purchase extra storage space sooner rather than later. Also note that some of the above providers restrict file sizes depending on the type of media being uploaded. To avoid getting hit with excessive fees, make sure you read their terms carefully.
Finally, remember that once you've paid for a particular provider, you cannot switch to another one without losing your previous investment. So if you decide you'd like to move away after all, you'll either need to cancel your account or buy back whatever remains of your subscription.
Yes, absolutely. Websites continue to play an essential role in modern life whether you realize it or not. Whether you're selling products or creating digital content, having a website provides you with multiple benefits including increased exposure, brand awareness, SEO rankings, and conversions. Even if you sell physical goods, having a storefront helps people discover your product and encourages them to visit repeatedly.
It also allows you to engage customers in meaningful conversations. With social networking sites, you can share updates, track feedback, and ask questions. When done well, these interactions help you understand your audience's wants and needs. By taking action based on this information, you can craft a unique experience tailored specifically to them.
Plus, having a website gives you credibility within your industry. People trust businesses that maintain official websites, especially ones that appear legitimate. Plus, companies that fail to update their site risk falling behind competitors who are constantly adding fresh content. As a result, consumers become increasingly loyal to brands that consistently post relevant information.
Lastly, a website acts as proof that you exist. It shows potential clients that you're serious about doing business and that you care about maintaining a positive reputation. Without a website, nobody knows what kind of person you are and why someone should choose you over your competition.
Absolutely. Having a website is critical to success in almost every field. According to Hubspot, 92 percent of B2B marketers feel that a website is integral to their company's success. Companies that ignore their websites tend to lose traffic and revenue because prospective employees never hear about their opportunities. Meanwhile, companies that invest heavily in website development see higher conversion rates, more qualified applicants, and greater ROI.
Having a website helps you reach a broader range of potential customers. Instead of relying solely on local area searches, you can tap into national and international markets. And since search engines prioritize websites that contain high quality content and links, you stand to gain significant advantages.
Not convinced yet? Let us prove it to you. Take our quiz below to learn how you can benefit from having a website in 2022.
Click here to take our survey and find out how a website can impact your career in 2022.
A website has become an essential tool for every business owner that wants to reach new customers or increase their sales. While it's true that most people don't have time to build one themselves (or know where to start), there are plenty of websites available today that make building your own site easy and affordable.
If you want to learn more about creating a website from scratch, here are some great resources to get started with. And if you're looking for ways to monetize your existing sites without having to pay any monthly fees, keep reading below.
People use the internet for everything these days. For example, according to Statista, around 70% of US adults used the web in 2021 alone. That means millions of people will likely visit your website each month — which makes it all the more crucial to have a good-looking, functional design when you first launch. A well-designed website should also help you grow traffic back to your site over time by showing up organically in search engines like Google — so visitors won't go away as soon as they land on your page.
You may not think of yourself as a designer, but a basic understanding of HTML and CSS can give you the skills needed to create a beautiful website. There are many online courses out there that teach this skill set, such as Learn Web Design Online and How To Build Websites From Scratch With WordPress. If you'd rather take things slowly, then you can always hire someone to do the job for you instead. You can find freelance designers who charge anywhere between $10-$100 per hour depending on experience level.
In addition to its practical uses, a website can also provide other benefits to businesses and individuals alike. It allows you to showcase your personal brand identity while attracting potential clients. Plus, you can use it to spread awareness about your company through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. But perhaps the biggest benefit is that websites allow you to sell products directly to your audience. Whether those products are physical goods or digital services, selling them via a website gives you access to a global market.
The answer to whether a website is still relevant depends entirely on what you plan to accomplish with it. In the early 2000s, when the average person had only limited exposure to computers, the Internet was a relatively unknown concept. The idea of a "website" wasn't something that most people were familiar with, although it would eventually gain popularity thanks to the rise of social networks like MySpace and YouTube. Today, however, websites are commonplace due to our ever-expanding reliance on technology. According to Pew Research Center, 91% of American adults now own smartphones. This statistic shows just how much easier it is to share information across devices nowadays.
As a result, the importance of a website hasn't diminished. Even though the world is moving towards mobile apps, ecommerce stores continue to be popular among consumers because they offer convenient shopping experiences right inside your phone. Furthermore, the growth of smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home mean that anyone can easily add voice assistants into their homes to order groceries, schedule appointments, and control various appliances. All of this adds up to strong demand for ecommerce solutions.
So, if you already run a brick-and-mortar store, why wouldn't you consider adding a website to your inventory list? Or maybe you operate a small service business, such as cleaning carpets or lawn care work. Maybe you're working on developing your own app or software program. Regardless of your industry, there's almost certainly a way to leverage a website to attract new customers and expand your customer base.
According to statistics provided by Hubspot, nearly 50 million U.S. companies relied solely on their website for marketing activities in 2020. So, even if you aren't planning to promote anything specific yet, it's best to invest in creating a solid website before launching your next campaign.
Here are 5 reasons why you might want to consider investing in a site:
1) SEO optimization
Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a huge role in helping users find your content online. When you publish fresh posts regularly on your blog, you establish authority within your niche community and encourage readers to return to see what else you've got to say. By making sure your website appears high up in organic searches, you're able to drive targeted traffic to your site and boost your conversion rate.
2) Branding
Building a website doesn't necessarily require coding expertise. Many modern templates are designed to look professional regardless of your knowledge level. These pre-made designs usually include features like responsive layouts, drag-and-drop elements, custom fonts, and clean navigation menus. Once you choose a template, you can customize it using different colors, images, and text styles.
3) Ease of use
Having a simple user interface is key when creating a website. People typically prefer websites that load quickly and feature intuitive navigation options. They also appreciate sites that streamline common tasks, such as signing up for newsletters or submitting feedback forms. Having a robust suite of analytics tools helps you monitor visitor behavior on your site. This data can inform decisions regarding future improvements and changes to your product or service offerings.
4) Social sharing
Social sharing buttons ensure your website stays top of mind amongst your target audience. As mentioned above, mobile usage continues to skyrocket, so offering social sharing options is especially helpful. Adding social icons to pages enables viewers to post links to your content elsewhere on the web, including Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and others. Some services even let you embed interactive widgets on your site, allowing viewers to click through and read articles without leaving the platform.
5) Customer support
Many people assume that providing 24/7 live chat support is only necessary for larger companies with substantial budgets. But that isn't always the case. Smaller businesses sometimes struggle to stay afloat financially, and they could really use a friendly representative ready to assist them during off hours. Offering live chat support lets visitors contact your team immediately whenever they feel the need to speak with you. Providing a fast response ensures your customers remain satisfied and encourages repeat visits.
Despite the fact that websites have been around for decades, the number of people who actually rely on the internet remains fairly low compared to the population at large. Statistics show that the majority of Americans (79%) still use traditional methods like calling friends and family members, visiting local businesses, and going to restaurants for everyday purchases.
However, experts predict that this trend will change drastically in the near future. Over half of Millennials are expected to abandon offline retail altogether in favor of ordering products digitally. Another study found that 40% of people surveyed said they preferred buying items online than physically purchasing them. Meanwhile, another survey revealed that 81% of respondents felt comfortable paying for products and services online.
This shift in consumer behavior indicates that website ownership could become increasingly valuable in the years ahead. Although people may never completely ditch the old-fashioned method of doing business, they're becoming accustomed to relying on the convenience offered by online channels. What's more, the advent of AI-powered virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri means that shoppers can expect to interact with brands frequently through automated systems.
But does owning a website matter if everyone else owns one too? Not exactly. However, having a decent-looking, professional-feeling website is definitely preferable to having nothing at all. Building a presence on the internet requires time and effort, but it's worth it if you believe in your vision enough to put forth the extra effort required.
And remember, you don't need to code to achieve success online. Free website builders have existed since the dawn of the 21st century and are ideal for beginners who lack technical proficiency. Sites like GoDaddy, Squarespace, and Weebly are perfect for folks who want to test the waters before committing to learning more complex skills. Just remember to avoid hosting providers that charge recurring monthly fees after the initial purchase unless absolutely necessary.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.