It takes time to build a website and even longer to fill it with quality content. Search engines give more credence to well-established websites so it makes sense to get your site online as quickly as possible – before the final version is even made public. Let’s have a look at a few ways to get started.
#1. Domain name
These days it’s very easy to register your domain name; it’s actually more challenging coming up with a unique name that fits you! Try a tool like https://au.godaddy.com/domains/domain-name-search to see if your name has already been taken. Where possible you should try and register with a domain name provider in your country so that it is easier to get support.
#2. Change from domain parking to domain hosting
Once you’ve got the domain name, most providers will automatically “park” the address. That’s the default page that is displayed when someone types in your web address but no site has been set up. You’ll want to go into the domain’s management tools and enable either paid or free hosting.
#3. Landing page
Once your domain is directed to a host you can set up your landing page. You should do this as soon as possible. It doesn’t mean your entire site has to go live; just set up a nice landing page that says “Coming Soon!” or “Watch this space!” It can be as simple as uploading an index.html page to your hosted space. This gets you on the internet now and gives you an identity which you can start using. Your landing page should include your logo, branding, and offer some information. You might want to include a form which lets people register interest in being notified when the real site comes online. You could also include a downloadable media kit.
#4. Prelaunch – building recognition
Now you are in the prelaunch phase. The idea here is to build awareness of your new site. This is done a number of ways. Firstly, you need to build your social media accounts using your new online identity. In those accounts, you’ll want to include your web address. Make a page in Facebook and get your friends to “like” it — as many as you can. You might want to consider doing some guest blogging for other sites in your niche and in your credentials include your new web address. Do some research and identify any relevant online directories you can add yourself too. Good ones to start with are Google Business, Bing, Yahoo, and Yelp. If you have a physical business address create a location in Google Maps and Bing Maps. Add your web address into your email signature too!
#5. Prelaunch – building content
At the same time you also need to be developing your website’s theme and structure, as well as the actual content. Ensure it’s visually appealing but also easy to navigate. You don’t need to offer premium content such as multimedia at the start but you should future-proof your structure so it’s easy to add it later. You can develop your main content in a subfolder in the same hosted space as your landing page. For your launch you’ll want to offer five to ten good quality articles so people spend a good amount of time on your site and get a feel for what you’re offering. Generate even more buzz by offering some sort of special launch offer! Also, make sure you use plenty of long- and short-word key phrases in your content to aid search engine optimisation.
#6. Keeping track
Register your domain name with online tools like Google Analytics so that you can get live statistics about your new website’s performance. It takes a lot of time to build a good website but by taking this approach you actually kick-start your online presence before you even launch officially.
Luke Chaffey is a Digital Marketing Specialist with KBB Digital. For advice on Digital Marketing, including SEO services and Digital Strategy, visit www.kbbdigital.com.au
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