Checklist for a Professional Website

The creation of a website generally includes two parts as concept of the website and the technical application of the website.

1. Plan

Each website starts with a good plan and a clear concept. The time you spend on concept will save you plenty of time in this way. You should start by asking yourself some questions. Who am I? What do I do? What am I going to provide? Who is my target group? What benefits will my customer receive? What kind of content do they expect? What type of questions will my customer have? Besides you need to perform a market analysis and competitor research by understanding their business. How will be the content? How can you separate yourself from the competitors?

2. Goal 

Knowing the purpose of your website is crucial if you want to succeed. You need to set priorities for your goals that you want to achieve and choose a major goal inside of them. This key goal should be written down and kept in plain sight on your website until it is accomplished. The layout, organization, and content of your website follows the next. Goals could include gathering email addresses, selling goods, informing, etc. Consider the greatest possible way to reach your primary goal after you have identified it.

3. Structure and Legalization 

Your website structured so that the visitors feel themselves comfortable when they are using it. The upper menu should include 3 to 8 menu points. You need to decide how many, and which pages the website should have. Make it clear what content you want to use by understanding their needs from you. Make it easy for them to find the information quickly. 

The user must legally have access to Impressum and Privacy page max. in two clicks. The best way is to place a link at the footer of the page on the website. Make sure the links work. Give the page a recognizable name like Impressum(or Imprint) or Legal notice or Privacy Policy. Each website requires one page each for imprint and data protection. Texts may not be copied anywhere unless you cite a source. Only use images that you own or have a license for. Don't copy videos and maps to your website or embed them. 

4. Domain Name and Web Host 

A website technically needs two things to go live: A domain name and a web host.  

Domain is the internet address seen as www.yourname.com. You can check the availability of your desired domain name on a host's home page. Enter your desired address and see your results. If it is not taken, you can use it. 

A web host (or Hoster) is about to rent a storage space. Web storage space is a need in order to add any content to your website address. Check the companies on the internet where you can rent a storage space. Keep in mind that the web host should be the one which does not affect the page loading time and its performance. 

5. Software and Theme 

The next is to choose the software so you can design your website. You can either build the website yourself or have a web developer do it for you. A web developer is also known as a software developer who is specialized in web technologies and programs websites or online selling platforms. 

It is important to do at least minor changes yourself like writing blog posts. That is why it requires a system that will enable you to reach your goals independently and simply. I also advise using WordPress or any other Content Management System. WordPress is just simple for beginners to understand and easy to use. Many very large and well-known companies are also using WordPress to build their websites. 

Additionally, you need to select a design template (or theme). You can either purchase themes or use a free one. Correct theme depends on both your own preferences and the features your website needs. Make sure it is suitable for mobile and tablet devices.

6. Logo

It is time to start thinking about your own logo, if you don't already have one, is now. Your logo should represent you, your brand, and your core values. You can either create your own logo or you can also buy a created one for you, depending on your budget. It should not be complicated as well but simple.  

7. Colors and Fonts 

Choose up to three main colors that you use on your website. Every business has a unique look, such as logo and the presentation. Set these colors precisely on your website and make an appropriate color combination.   

It is highly important that the fonts must be easy to read. That is why, font size must be min. 12px for a pleasant read. The font size 14px and 18px might even be better than 12. For headings you should use bigger font sizes depending on the overall design of your website. The majority of Internet users prefer dark text on white backgrounds and serifless fonts to read.  

8. Content and Pictures 

The most important part of your website is to have a high-quality content. Before you start writing, consider what information your readers want to read. What kind of questions do your customers frequently ask you? Which issues or solutions are they looking for? Which issue must you respond to immediately? Separate the topics, which your coworkers take over. Use an organizational strategy to keep your readers on the page. Important and interesting information should be kept in mind and should be highlighted at the beginning. 

Good images are also important. They give your website high marks and will talk to target audience emotions. You can buy photos through image databases or have photos created by a photographer. Always have a look if there is a need to provide a source reference. If the image has a CC0 license, no image verification is required. You may not use images from the Google Image Search. 

9. Plugin 

Plugins (add-ons or extension) are software additions that allow you to customize functions. It allows you to add new features without changing host program. Depending on what you need, you can install plugins such as shop, members area, spam filter, security, data encryption, connection to social networks, etc. 

There are countless plugins, the majority of them are free. You can also work with a web developer to install plugins for specific features. 

10. Security 

It is necessary to take some security precautions in order to avoid becoming the victim of a hacker attack one day. Use a username that is neither admin nor the same as your name. Use a password that has at least 16 characters such as including at least one capital letter and special characters. Check and follow the routine updates to your website to close security gaps. Add plugins that improve the security and install an antivirus software. Create regular data backups of your website so that it can be quickly rebuilt after a hacker attack. 

11. Search Engine Optimization 

Taking steps to move your website as high up in search engine when your audience does search in browser. This is only possible with writing a high-quality content that provides your audience a real value.  

It is required that your content must be maintained as current as possible. Remember that search engine optimization takes time like up to twelve months depending on the quality of your content. That is why you can refer to advertisement methods to make your website visible in a meaningful time. One of the most common methods is using Google Ads by taking an advantage of a Google Ads Consultancy. A Google Ads consultant can lead you through your digital journey of your visibility in search engines.