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  3. Creating and optimising a website

Buying IT for your new business

From accounts software to building a website and sending emails, your business will need IT. Discover how to buy the IT kit your start up needs.

Commercial premises

There are many types of premises to buy, lease or licence from shops to warehouses. Discover how to find commercial premises for your business.

Start up business ideas

For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Basic IT security

IT security for a start up does not need to be complicated or expensive. Here are the steps to follow to make your business safe.

Premises security

Your cash, stock, equipment and data can be targeted by criminals. Insurance and robust security can help. Learn how to keep your premises secure.

Set up a business

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Business planning

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

Start up funding

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Tax and National Insurance

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Business law

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Sales and marketing

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Employees

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

Grow your business

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Setting up a website - checklist

You need a new website. Before you go bowling in, following these steps can help ensure you get your website right first time.

  • Set your objectives. For example: marketing to existing or potential customers, providing product and sales support, making direct sales online or recruiting employees.
  • Your objectives should be SMART: specific, measurable, agreed, realistic and time-limited.
  • Look at other websites to generate ideas. It's a good idea to review your major competitors, plus other organisations in your sector. You can also get inspiration from sites you like. Draw-up an outline of what you want your site to include.
  • Decide if you want to sell online. Creating an online shop is easier today than ever before, but still adds some complexity to the process. Take time to understand legal and customer security issues - and be aware of distance selling rules.
  • Evaluate the best way to build your website. There are three main options: create it in-house from scratch, work with an external web designer, or use a template-based website builder.
  • Source any technical or web design consultancy you need. Ask for references and evidence of successful projects.
  • Make sure you will own the original design files and website code and ensure all copyright is assigned to you.
  • Sketch out a site map and page designs (also called wireframes). This should detail what pages your website will have, what each will contain, and how they fit together in a logical structure. Wireframes help you picture and refine your site before it gets built.
  • Think about your website content early in the process. Can you adapt existing marketing materials or website text? Do you feel comfortable writing for your website, or do you need to bring in a copywriter?
  • Establish design guidelines in keeping with company style. Aim for visual clarity and easy navigation. Avoid complex designs which are slow to download.
  • Make sure your site is search engine optimised as you build it. For example, ensure pages include appropriate keywords, and descriptions to help search engines.
  • Think about how people on mobile devices will experience your website. Consider using responsive web design so your site adapts to fit smaller screens.
  • Consider accessibility issues for disabled users and ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
  • Make sure you can measure how the site performs. Use an analytics tool like Google Analytics to track visitor numbers and behaviours.
  • Find a suitable web host so you can publish your site online. If you are working with a designer, they should be able to help you choose. There are many business web hosting options available - most website builder packages include hosting.
  • Buy a memorable domain name, (like www.yourbusiness.com), so people can find your website. Your web hosting company should be able to provide a domain name.
  • Test the site, using different versions of various web browsers. Make sure the design looks right, pages load quickly and page links work.
  • Assess the site's appeal and ease of navigation. Ask employees and key customers for feedback and suggestions.
  • Launch the site and start promoting it. Identify sites you can link to and from and let your customers know about it. Include the address in your letterhead, brochures and all advertising.
  • Keep the site up to date. Add new, time-critical material, particularly on the home page, to keep visitors coming back.