You have decided to build a website for your small website and there are so many choices to make. It gets more complicated when you want to make a website that is SEO Optimized from the beginning. From hosting to domain names it gets complicated. This blog will help you get a website up and running with little coding knowledge and on a budget.
*Note: This is NOT an affiliate blog post and I am not getting paid for any of these suggestions.
Table of Contents
- Website Builder vs CSS Frameworks vs WordPress
- Choosing Hosting
- Choosing a Domain Name
- Choosing a WordPress Theme with SEO in Mind
Website Builder vs CSS Frameworks vs WordPress
I’ll be honest up front, my favourite and go-to website option is WordPress. It’s super affordable, SEO adaptible, easy to customize, easy to update, and easy to maintain. If you agree you can skip over to Choosing a Hosting!
What’s Wrong with CSS Frameworks?
I’m a certified front-end developer experienced in Frameworks like Boostrap as well as Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress. Don’t get me wrong, a hand coded website is usually faster than a CMS. Also, coding a website with html and css frameworks is incredibly rewarding and fun. But they aren’t great for multiple reasons:
- Nightmare to update (all manual)
- More expensive if you hire someone to build it
- You can’t update without help if you don’t know how to code
Why not a Website Builder like Wix or Square Space?
Every time anyone asks about website builders in r/SEO there is a collective sigh. Website Builders like Wix are notoriously difficult to optimize for search engines. Website Builders may advertise themselves as “free” but almost everything is behind a paywall. Almost every tool you pay a monthly access fee for is free in WordPress.
You may think that you don’t need all of those extras now but as your business grows you will. In the long run your most affordable and easy to use option is a free CMS like WordPress on Shared Hosting.
Choosing Hosting
Anyone you ask will have their preferences in terms of hosting. I’ve heard bad things about GoDaddy and have had slow server issues for a client on BlueHost. I personally use DreamHost and love it. I pay 300$ every 3 Years for Shared Hosting with DreamHost. Reasons DreamHost is great:
- Free Email for Each Domain
- 1 Click Install for WordPress
- Unlimited Hosting
- Unlimited Websites
- Free Backups
I can only speak for my experiences. I recommend doing your own research on what works for your business and your budget.
Shared Hosting or WordPress Hosting?
Since I’ve got you all excited for WordPress why don’t I use WordPress Hosting? WordPress Hosting is more expensive than Shared Hosting but for a good reason.
- Shared Hosting is like living in an apartment building and sharing resources like internet and water with other tenants.
- WordPress Hosting is having a custom built house made just to your speficiations. No need to share any resources.
While Shared Hosting may not have the same speed as WordPress Hosting it has worked well enough for me for over 10 years! As awlays, it’s important to do your research and decide what fits your budget and business.
Choosing a Domain Name
The other stuff was very technical but now for the fun stuff, choosing a domain name! Domain names are charged yearly. Depending on the domain name you choose rates can be from 10-70$ a year. No need to keyword stuff your Domain just keep it relevant to your business. Most Domains automatically renew and I highly recommend keeping that on.
Some tips to keep in mind when choosing a domain name:
- Buying your Domain Name with your Host is Easiest
- .com is the most well known default
- .io is commonly used in the tech industry but more expensive
- Use country based Domains for Local Businesses (.ca / .us/ .eu)
Choosing a WordPress Theme with SEO in Mind
When choosing a WordPress Theme there are plenty to choose from, many are free even! You will want to find a theme that has a layout a content layout you like, colours and images can be changed yourself.
More things to consider when choosing a theme:
- Avoid Themes with Page Builders
- Look for themes that are “Light Weight”
- Just because it says “Optimized for SEO” doesn’t mean it is
- 50$ (one time fee) for a well reviewed theme is usually worth it
My Favourite WordPress Theme? Generate Press
My number one recommendation for anyone looking for an adaptible and light weight theme is Generate Press. I’ve been a happy customer for over 3 years and I just like it more over time. Even the free version is loaded really well and intuitive no matter your coding level.
Now Your Website is Ready to Go!
In the end I pay $115 USD a year for shared hosting and a domain name. I paid 45$ USD for the Generate Press Premium WordPress Theme that I can use on multiple sites. As a front-end Developer I don’t pay anyone to create or edit my websites. That being said WordPress continues to become more and more user friendly I truly think anyone can learn to use it.
Is there any part of the process I missed? Do you have a favourite theme or host? Let me know in the comments!