If you’re running an online business, whether it’s selling products or a service, one of your most important tools has to be your website. Your website can absolutely make or break your business. It can act as a portfolio, a marketing tool, a platform for people to buy products, and a point of contact.
But this only works if your website is functional and fit for purpose. With this in mind, here are some tips for how to design and build a website that your customers will love.
Choose Your Niche
Whether your business is based online or offline, one of the most important things you should do is to choose your niche and business idea from the very beginning. For example, the wellness industry is a great place to start, as it’s always popular among consumers. You can also explore a lot of different niches within this industry, so you can find something that suits you.
You also need to determine whether you’re running a service-based business or a product-based business. The main difference is that, when you sell products on your website, you need to set up an e-commerce site. This has different needs from a website where you simply tell people about what services you have to offer.
I always think the best niches are the ones that feel like a natural extension of who you are. If you’re genuinely excited about your topic — whether it’s crystals, fitness coaching, vegan skincare, or quirky handmade jewellery — that energy shows through your website. People can absolutely feel when you’re passionate about something. And honestly, running a business is so much easier when it’s built around something you’d happily talk about all day.
Design Methods
The next step is to work out how you’re going to design and build your website. Template services like Squarespace are a good option because they allow you to have a measure of control over how the website looks, but without too many options. They’re easy to use, and you always end up with a relatively affordable, good-looking website.
But what if you want something less generic? In this case, you can hire a website designer and developer to create a custom site for your business website. It takes more time and might cost more, but it’s often worth it.
Personally, I always think your website should feel like “your little corner of the internet” — almost like walking into your home and instantly knowing the vibe. If you love soft neutrals, go for it. If you’re more witchy and whimsical (hi, it me), let that magic seep into your fonts, colours and imagery. People remember personality, so don’t be afraid to sprinkle some of your own sparkle across every page.
Marketing and Search Engines
One of the best ways to use your website is to market your business online. You can use content marketing by adding a blog to your website or in your product descriptions. Make sure to integrate SEO tactics into your website, as this makes it easier for people to find your website when they search for services or products online.
You should also link your website to your social media pages, as this allows you to have a more unified and more significant online presence.
A quick note from someone who’s been blogging since dinosaurs roamed the earth (well… 2009): Google loves consistency and clarity. But readers love honesty and warmth. So try to blend both — be helpful, yes, but also be you. Share little behind-the-scenes bits, tell stories, and write like you’re chatting to a friend over a cup of tea. People come for information, but they stay for connection.
Checkout Functionality
You could have an absolutely stunning website, but if it doesn’t work properly, it won’t work well for you. If your site is buggy or slow, people might get frustrated and end up leaving. It can reflect badly on your business.This also applies to your checkout system. Abandoned shopping carts can crop up when your checkout system isn’t secure or is irritating for people to use. You can set up online checkout pages that are easy for you to use and easy for your customers.
And honestly, nothing kills the vibe quicker than a checkout that feels like a maze. Make it smooth, simple, and quick — especially for people shopping on their phones (which is most of us now). A clean, trustworthy checkout makes customers feel safe and cared for, and they’re far more likely to come back again.
This is a collaborative post
