Website Building Blocks
There is a lot that goes into a website behind the scenes, but it’s hard to know where to start sometimes. This Building Block Glossary defines the most important parts of a website and gives some great resources to help you create a website that's as brainy as it is beautiful.
DOMAIN
Your domain is basically your business's online address. It's the URL that you put in the bar when you want to navigate to your website. You have to purchase a domain (which can range anywhere from $9/year to $300/year) and there are many different places check for prices.
Squarespace (if you're creating a Squarespace website)
HOSTING
If your domain is your address, then your hosting is the plot of land you're building on. Depending website platform you choose, you may have built-in host (like with Squarespace) or you may need to purchase hosting separately and connect it to your website (like with WordPress).
Four of the Best Website Hosting Options (and How to Choose!) from Jess Creatives
Why I Love Squarespace for My Clients from Lemon and the Sea
Website Platforms and Squarespace Myths from Process to Profitability
SECURITY
Websites are just like any other home - they can be broken into. You need security for your website so that your information stays private, so you don't get hacked, and so your visitors know your website is safe.
What is SSL? Google’s Preference for SSL Websites from Marshall Web Studio
How to Back Up Your Squarespace Website in 4 Simple Steps from Joanna Kay
Website Platforms and Squarespace Myths from Process to Profitability
LEGAL
If you're running a business, you have to have legal documents in place to protect you and your visitors. These can include terms & conditions, a privacy policy, and disclosures. The best way to know that your website is legally up-to-date is to contact a lawyer who specializes in online businesses.
Every Business with a Website Needs these Documents in Place from Legal Road Map
Creating Contracts that Protect You and Your Client from Process to Profitability
BRANDING
Your brand is your business - what you do, who you serve, what makes you special, and how that all looks. Having a solid brand that reflects you and your dream clients is the first step to doing work you love.
Why Your Brand Needs to Reflect Who You Are from Lemon and the Sea
Your Brand is More than Just the Visual from Lemon and the Sea
SEO KEYWORDS
SEO (or search engine optimization) is what helps you show up when people search on Google or other search engines. And keywords are the words you choose to represent your business that you want to show up for. It's important to choose keywords that your dream clients are going to be searching for and use them throughout your website.
Squarespace SEO Tricks You Should be Using from Lemon and the Sea
Finding Keywords for SEO to Strengthen Your Online Presence from Market Beautifully
COPY
Copy is all the words on your website. When you're designing a website, you want to have the copy ready to go so that the design is built around it - this can include your Home, About, Services, Contact, and other pages.
How to Write Headlines that Sell on Your Homepage from Ashlyn Writes
Write a Killer About Page from Lemon and the Sea
How to Create a Sales Page Your Audience Actually Wants from Ashlyn Writes
Writing an About Page that Connects from Process to Profitability (COMING SOON)
IMAGES
The images on your website play a huge role in the overall design and in reaching your dream clients. You need to choose images that fit your brand and that you are legally allowed to use.
5 Ways to Successfully use Stock Photography on Your Website from Think Creative Collective
Connecting to Your Clients through Brand Photography from Process to Profitability
