How to Build a Website: Go Beyond Busy Episode 8

Introduction
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Hi, I’m Christine Abela from Oxygen8 Consulting. I’m a business consultant with a strong tech background helping small business owners move from chaos to calm and take their business to the next level. In this podcast, I share practical ideas and simple systems to make your business easier to run, more profitable and more enjoyable to own.

Some of the content is created with the help of AI tools, but the voice you are hearing right now is mine and everything is grounded in real world experience. If you’d like to learn more, get in touch or download free notes and resources, head over to GoBeyondBusy.com.

Three ways to build a website – coded
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Hi, I’m Christine. Just a quick note about today’s episode. What you’re about to hear doesn’t actually cover the way I build websites. Let me explain. There are basically three ways to build a website today. From code, self-hosted or hosted. Back when I started building web pages and later websites in the 1990s, the only way to build them was from scratch. I had to use HTML and other quite technical tools to create a very basic webpage. These days, websites built from code like this are really only used by those with very technical requirements. The main problem is that you need a coder to change them, which is not going to suit most small business owners.

Content Management Systems
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Later, systems called CMSs, or content management systems, came along. With A CMS, there’s a much easier-to-use interface, or a place where you can log in and make changes to your site yourself. One of the CMSs I started using in the early 2000s was called CubeCart, and I still have some clients running these sites today.

A couple of years later, I moved to using WordPress, and that is still the platform I prefer today. As of December, 2024, around a quarter of the top 1 million websites use WordPress, so it’s very popular. It’s also not too difficult to find someone to help you with it if you need help.

With a self-hosted website, you have the code and everything else on hosting that you own, so you are in control of what is and what is not allowed to be on the site. You can also, if you want to, get access to the code, so you or a friendly coder that you know, can make changes to the technical part of the site.

Hosted CMS
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But with a hosted CMS, you pay a company like Wix or Squarespace a monthly fee, and they provide you with a website on their hosting. You need to comply with all their rules about content, and if someone complains, they’ll take down your website. You also don’t get access to change the code very much, if at all.

But having said that, these hosted CMS systems are very popular. Not as popular as WordPress, but hey. And they can be an easier learning curve for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time actually learning how to build a website, and they just want to get on with running their business.

So today’s episode will talk about how to build a hosted website using Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, Adobe XD, Framer, or Figma. These principles will apply to other hosted CMS systems as well. If you want help with your website or your business, feel free to reach out to me via GoBeyondBusy.com. Now, on with the podcast.

A website is more than just an online flyer
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You know, for any small business that’s really aiming to scale, especially if you’re doing say, between one and 10 million in turnover. Well, a website isn’t just some online flyer anymore. No, absolutely not. It’s your digital storefront, really. It’s like having a salesperson working for you 24/7.

Exactly. And we’ve gathered this, uh, fantastic collection of resources from Go Beyond Busy. There are checklists, eBooks, guides, even prompts, and a whole workbook. They’re all designed to help you, the business owner make your website a real asset. Yeah. Really practical stuff. So our mission today. We wanna cut through all the noise, all the tech jargon, and give you the absolute essential steps for building, and just as importantly, running a website that genuinely drives growth for your business. Think of it like your shortcut, your express lane to figuring out what really matters for your website’s impact. No getting bogged down. Right. Let’s dive straight in.

First impressions matter
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The resources we looked at, they really hammer home this point that your website is often the very first impression you make.

Oh definitely, and those first impressions stick. There was a Stanford University study, actually. It found that a massive 75% of people judge a company’s credibility just based on its website design. 75%. That’s, wow, that’s huge. It is. And it really underlines why getting those foundational bits right is just so critical from the get go. Visually, for instance, we’re talking consistent branding. Okay. Like colours and fonts. Exactly. Stick to maybe two or three main colours. Yeah. Keeps it cohesive. And fonts, pick one, maybe two max, that are super readable. Nothing too crazy. Good advice. And images. Yeah. Use high quality original images if you possibly can. You know, show your team, your products.

Lucidpress did some research showing that businesses with that kind of consistent branding can actually see like a 33% increase in revenue. 33% just from consistency. That’s pretty tangible. It makes a difference. And it’s not just about looking good, is it? There’s the whole technical foundation underneath.

Oh, for sure. That’s crucial. Like your domain name. The advice is aim for something memorable, right? Try to avoid hyphens or numbers if possible. And a.com or.net is usually the best bet. Yeah, keep it simple. And then reliable hosting is a must. Make sure it comes with an SSL certificate. That’s the little padlock you see in the browser bar. Signal security builds trust. Totally. And backups. Regular backups. You absolutely don’t wanna lose everything. It happens. Nightmare scenario. And mobile responsiveness: that that’s non-negotiable these days, surely? Oh, absolutely non-negotiable. Most traffic is mobile now. If your site looks broken or is hard to use on a phone, you’re basically waving goodbye to potential customers. Right.

So, looks good, works well technically. What about actually building trust and keeping people engaged once they land there? Good question. You need to show social proof. Think testimonials, customer reviews, maybe those trust badges like security seals or industry affiliations. Makes sense. Show you’re legitimate. And make it incredibly easy for people to contact you.

Like multiple options, contact forms, maybe a chat feature if you can manage it, and definitely clear phone numbers and email addresses. Don’t make them hunt for it. Exactly. And maybe the most critical part. Your value proposition, what you do, why choose you, needs to be crystal clear. Right there when they land on the homepage. Above the fold, as they say. Before they even need to scroll. Because people have short attention spans online.

Super short. And the resources mentioned this stat from Ledgeview partners: something like 88% of online consumers are unlikely to return to a site after a bad first experience. 88%. So you really only get one shot at that first impression. Pretty much. Nailing these fundamentals is step one. Okay, so fundamentals covered.

What do you choose to build the website?
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Now how do you actually build the thing? The materials explore different website builders, right? Yeah. And this is an area where things have gotten way more accessible, thankfully. You’ve got these visual sort of drag and drop builders. Squarespace is a common example, lets you design without needing code.

That sounds appealing for non-techie people. Definitely. And then there are even AI-powered tools now, like Wix ADI or Hostinger AI. You basically tell ’em about your business and they generate a starting website for you. Wow, AI building websites, that’s almost sounds too easy. Is it any good? It can be a really good starting point.

Yeah. Especially if you need something fast. But the resources compare some popular options more generally. Wix, for example, often gets recommended for creative businesses needing flexibility. Starts around $17 a month. Okay. Squarespace is great if visual impact is really key for your brand. That starts around $16 monthly.

GoDaddy is positioned as pretty user friendly for, say, local businesses wanting a quick setup, maybe $10 a month to start. And Hostinger? Hostinger is often highlighted as a really budget friendly option, especially for entrepreneurs just starting out. Some plans are just a few dollars a month. So quite a range in price and features.

How do you choose? Well, the key thing is: there’s no single best builder for everyone. It really boils down to your specific needs. What features are absolute must haves for you? Yeah. An online store, a booking system, a blog? Right. Think function first. And budget, of course, not just the sticker price, but any potential add-on cost for things like SSL or maybe a custom domain if it’s not included. And think about growth. Can the platform scale with you? Good point. Don’t wanna outgrow it in six months. Exactly. Also, consider, like, how good is their customer support? How well do sites built on their platform perform on mobile? Can it integrate easily with other tools you use, like email marketing or CRM?

Timaeline for building a website
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Lots to weigh up. The GoBeyondBusy stuff even gives the sample timeline, which seems helpful. Yeah, it breaks it down. Suggests maybe one – two days for planning. One – three days for the actual setup on the platform. Maybe three – seven days for getting your content together and then a crucial two – three days for testing before you hit publish.

And they recommend using free trials. Oh, absolutely. Best way to get a feel for a couple of platforms. Like test driving a car before you buy it. See if it feels right for you. Makes perfect sense.

Designing your website
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Okay, so you’ve picked your builder. Now designing it, making it reflect your brand. This is where the personality comes in.

It’s, it’s more than just sticking your logo on a template. It’s about carefully choosing those brand colours. They evoke emotions, you know? Mm-hmm. And picking fonts that match your brand’s voice. Are you sophisticated? Mmm. Modern? Approachable? The font choice says a lot. And images, again, avoiding those cheesy stock photos.

Please use authentic, high quality images to show your real team, your workspace, your products in action. It builds connection. Avoid the generic stuff everyone’s seen. And consistency is key here too, isn’t it? That’s where a style guide comes in. Exactly. A brand style guide is super valuable. It just lays out, here are exact colour codes.

Here’s how the logo must be used. Maybe even guidelines for button styles or spacing. It ensures everyone stays on the same page. Keeps it looking professional across the board. The guides also mention interactive elements like animations. Yeah, subtle things. Yeah. Hover effects. Maybe slight animations as you scroll.

They can add a nice layer of engagement, make the site feel more dynamic, but don’t overdo it. All right. Keep it tasteful. And obviously making sure it works on all devices; responsive design. Crucial. Test it on desktops, tablets, different phones. It has to provide a seamless experience everywhere. And think about visual hierarchy: guiding the eye to the most important information.

Using white space effectively helps with that too. It’s not just empty space, it helps readability. Exactly. And they briefly touch on accessibility. Which is important. Things like good colour contrast, so text is easy to read, and adding alt text descriptions to images for people using screen readers. So design isn’t just about looking pretty, it’s about usability and perception.

Totally. It directly impacts how easily people find what they need and how professional they think you are.

What are the essential pages or elements?
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So we’ve got the design. What actually needs to go on the website? What are the essential pages or elements? Well, the resources highlight a few must haves. Your homepage, obviously. Right. That main hero section needs to instantly tell people what you offer.

Apparently a clear value proposition right there boosts conversions significantly. Makes sense. Hook ’em immediately. Then the about page. This is your chance to tell your story, build that trust, connect on a human level. They even say including genuine team photos helps studies show personal elements can really lift engagement.

Yeah, people connect with people, especially important for small businesses. And then obviously, pages for your products or services. The key here is to focus on the customer, explain the benefits clearly, use great visuals, make pricing easy to understand, and tell ’em exactly what the next step is. How to buy or get in touch. Clear call to action.

Definitely. And don’t forget a blog or maybe a resources section. This is brilliant for showing your expertise, building authority, and driving traffic to your site through useful content. Websites with blogs tend to get way more leads. Establishes you as a thought leader. Solid advice. It’s really about making the website work for you.

What else does a website need?
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Beyond the pages, there are other crucial bits. Robust security, like that SSL certificate we mentioned, and those regular backups. Can’t stress backups enough. And setting up website analytics. Google Analytics is the standard so you can actually understand what visitors are doing on your site. Where are they clicking?

How long do they stay? Data is gold. You need to know what’s working. Ensuring accessibility too. Yeah, and thoroughly testing everything before launch or major changes. Plus committing to regular maintenance. It’s not a set it and forget it thing. No way. The guide suggests a pretty practical approach.

Maybe focus on getting your core pages built in week one, then dedicate week two to sorting out security, setting up tracking, and doing really thorough testing. Breaks it down into manageable chunks.

Pre-launch
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Okay, so the site’s built content’s in ready to launch. What’s the pre-launch drill? Preparation here is absolutely critical.

Remember that stat about thought first experiences? Mm-hmm. You want launch aid to be smooth? Yeah. So that pre-launch checklist is vital. What’s on it? Testing every single link. Testing every contact form, make sure submissions actually arrive, checking how it looks and works on different phones and tablets.

Proofreading all the content one last time. Typos look unprofessional. Gotta catch those typos. If you’re selling online, triple check, the payment process works flawlessly. And test your site’s loading speed. Aim for under three seconds if you can. Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights are great for this.

Okay, speed matters. Anything else crucial before hitting the button? Make absolutely sure that SSL certificate is installed and working. That padlock needs to be there. And consider a soft launch. Maybe show it to a small group first to catch any last minute bugs. Good idea, like a final beta test. And critically, get your analytics tracking code installed before you go live.

You want to capture data right from visitor number one. Right. Track from the start.

Launch day
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So launch day itself. Yeah. Any specific protocol? Yeah, a few key things. Maybe do one final security scan. Take a fresh backup of the site right before you make it live. Remove any coming soon or maintenance mode pages.

Don’t forget that. And then especially in those first few hours, keep a close eye on your server performance. Make sure it’s handling the traffic okay, and everything’s running smoothly.

Post-launch monitoring
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Okay, launch successful, but the work doesn’t stop there, does it? Post launch monitoring? Nope, definitely not. Especially those first 48 hours are key.

Watch the server stability. Look at user activity and your analytics. How are people actually using the site? Keep an eye out for any error messages popping up. If you take payments, double check they’re processing correctly. Vigilance is key initially. And ongoing, you need to track those key metrics, load times, user engagement, conversion rates, error rates.

They tell you how healthy your site is. And commit to ongoing maintenance. Daily checks for security, weekly reviews of analytics, and have a plan for fixing problems quickly when they arise. It’s like tending a garden needs regular care.

SEO
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Now the site is live, it’s stable, but how do people find it? SEO time.

Search engine optimisation. Ah, yes. SEO. Yeah. Super important. The resources point out that something like 68% of online experiences start with the search engine. So if you’re not visible on Google, you’re missing out big time. 68%. Yeah. So how do you get visible? Is it just stuffing keywords everywhere? No, definitely not like the old days.

Modern SEO is really about creating genuinely valuable content that answers the questions your potential customers are actually typing into Google. So understand your customer’s questions first. Exactly. What are they searching for? Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you figure that out. And think about why they’re searching.

Are they just looking for info or are they ready to buy? Your content needs to match that search intent. Match the content to the need. Makes sense. What about building authority? Yeah. That’s important too. It’s not just about your own site. Getting links to your site from other reputable websites helps a lot.

Google sees those as votes of confidence. Okay. Backlinks. For local businesses, having a complete accurate Google Business Profile is absolutely essential. And encouraging happy customers to leave reviews online that boosts rankings and builds trust. Reviews are powerful. What about things like voice search?

Good point. People are using voice assistance more. Often asking questions in a more natural, conversational way. So thinking about those kinds of questions in your content can be smart. Optimise for how people actually talk. And track your progress. Yeah. Keep an eye on metrics in Google Analytics. Like how much traffic you’re getting from search engines, how long people see on your pages from search, and if they’re converting.

Quick wins for SEO
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And the guides mentioned some quick wins for SEO.

Yeah, simple things you can do. Use clear descriptive titles for your pages. Make sure your site loads fast. Fix any broken links. Add that alt text to your images. Submit a site map to Google. Basic housekeeping, but it helps.

Keep it fresh
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Okay, so SEO is an ongoing process too. You’ve got the site live, optimised, but you can’t just let it sit there, right? It needs to stay fresh. Exactly. It needs to feel alive. The resources mentioned data showing that sites updated regularly see much higher engagement. Think of it as a living part of your business. So how often should you update? Maybe schedule quarterly content reviews. Look at your analytics.

What’s popular, what’s outdated? Create a rhythm for publishing new stuff that makes sense for your business and audience. Find a sustainable pace. And repurpose content. Turn a blog post into social media snippets or a short video. Encourage user generated content too. Customer reviews, photos, stories: that adds real authenticity.

Let your customers contribute. Smart. And always be ready to tweak things based on how people are actually using the site. Let the analytics guide you. The Go Beyond Busy stuff had a monthly checklist for this too, didn’t it? Yeah. A handy reminder. Things like updating time sensitive info, checking forms and links are still working, quick security check, compressing new images, reviewing customer feedback. Just regular upkeep. Anything else to keep it engaging? You could add interactive elements, maybe a calculator relevant to your industry, or quizzes. Personalizing the experience where possible can make a big difference too. But always measure against your business goals.

Don’t just add features for the sake of it. Measure what matters. Got it. Got it.

Future-proofing
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So looking even further ahead. How do you future proof this digital asset? It’s about seeing the website as this dynamic engine for growth, not just a static thing. How can you integrate it better with your other tools, your CRM, your email marketing, your social media, make everything work together.

Create a connected ecosystem. Exactly. Keep using those analytics to find opportunities for improvement. And be thoughtful about adding new digital tools as your business grows. Don’t just jump on every new trend. Choose tools strategically. What about emerging trends? AI, virtual reality? The resources touch on that.

Things like AI chatbots for customer service or personalized recommendations based on user behaviour. Maybe even immersive tech, like virtual showrooms eventually. Sustainability and digital is also becoming more of a focus. Interesting stuff on the horizon. But critically, even with automation and AI, you need to maintain that human touch.

Don’t lose sight of the customer relationship. And regularly review your whole digital strategy to stay agile. Constant evolution.

How a business consultant can help
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Now, bringing this all back to the listener, that small business owner may be doing one to 10 million in turnover. Based on all this fantastic practical advice from Go Beyond Busy, it really seems like working with a business consultant who gets technology could be incredibly valuable.

Oh, absolutely. Someone like Christine Abela from the Go Beyond Busy podcast you mentioned. What’s great about someone like her is that she bridges that gap between tech, which can feel daunting and the actual day-to-day of growing a business. Right. She speaks business language, not just tech jargon.

Exactly. She has this knack for explaining digital tools and strategies in a really clear, non-technical way, helping you simplify things, use tech smartly to scale. Plus that strong business network she has is a huge asset too. Yeah, I can see how that would help. So a consultant with that kind of tech savvy business focus could really give you tailored advice on your website strategy, help you pick the right tools, get your SEO right. And ultimately save you a ton of time and probably help you get much better results than trying to figure it all out alone.

It’s about having that experienced partner who understands both the tech and your business goals. It really drives home the point that the right support can make all the difference. Definitely. Strategic guidance is key.

Wrap up
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So just to wrap things up. We’ve really gone deep today into what it takes to build and crucially maintain a successful website for your small business, leaning heavily on these brilliant resources from Go Beyond Busy. And the big takeaway is clear. A website that’s well planned, well built, and consistently cared for, isn’t just nice to have. It’s absolutely fundamental for growth today. We covered everything from getting those foundations right: the design, the tech, through choosing your platform, designing for your brand. Adding the essential content, launching successfully, and then that vital ongoing work, monitoring SEO, keeping it fresh and thinking about the future.

It all connects. And we strongly encourage you if this resonates. Head over to GoBeyondBusy.com. You can find detailed show notes for this deep dive plus links to download all those fantastic free resources we mentioned. The checklists, eBooks, guides, prompts, the tool stack, the workbook. It’s a real gold mine of practical advice, and you can connect with Christine Abela and her team there too, if you’re looking for that kind of expert guidance we talked about. Absolutely worth checking out. It’s a great chance to take what we’ve discussed and get started with real tools and support. Couldn’t agree more. Put it into action. So as you think about everything we’ve unpacked today, here’s a final thought to leave you with. Considering all these different pieces, what’s the one immediate change you could make to your website starting today that you think would have the biggest positive impact on your business goals?

Mull that over. That’s your first step. Thanks for joining us for this deep dive.

Thanks for listening to Go Beyond Busy. If something in today’s episode struck a chord or you’d like support to get your business to the next level, head over to GoBeyondBusy.com. You’ll find more resources there and an easy way to get in touch. I’m your host, Christine Abela from Oxygen8 Consulting, helping you to fall in love with your business all over again.

Thanks for joining me.