The website has come a long way from being a smart option to highlight your company to a business necessity. So much so that companies are constantly updating the look and feel of their digital presence. It calls for a dynamic website that is easy to maintain as the business expands.
The size of a company does not matter any more when it comes to creating a website. For a small and growing business, though, it makes sense to understand the various elements of the website development process and the ones most suited to its interests. That way, they can optimise the cost of developing the website.
The major components of a website
Domain Name: This is where the journey starts. A company needs to secure a name that aligns well with its business, for example, selecting www.ai4healthcare.com for a company using AI in the healthcare industry. Some domain extensions, such as .net and .web, are cheaper for a small company to consider.
Hosting: Website hosting provides the server (Windows or Linux) space where your website’s files live. A reliable hosting provider ensures your site is accessible and runs smoothly.
Content Management System (CMS): A CMS such as WordPress and Joomla allows you to create, manage, and modify website content without extensive coding knowledge.
Design and Layout: The website should have a well thought of selection of colours, fonts, and overall design. The design should align with your brand.
Navigation: The site should have a clear navigation structure. It should not require more than three clicks to reach the desired page.
Content: Like they say, content is king. The image and video quality should be top-notch, and the content should be engaging; only then would it appeal to visitors.
Responsive Design: With the ubiquitous presence of mobile devices, it’s a must to have a website that looks and functions well on them. It calls for a mobile responsive design.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation): A site that has been optimised for search engines stands a greater chance of coming up in search results of potential customers.
Security: Using SSL certificates, regular updates, and security plugins helps protect your website from online threats.
Analytics: By integrating tools such as Google Analytics in the website, you can monitor website traffic and user patterns. This valuable information comes in handy for future updates and improvements in the website.
So how much does it cost?
The cost of a website is mainly divided into two parts, viz., design and development and hosting. The actual cost of each depends on your requirements and willingness to spend extra money on extras. A simple website would start anywhere from Dirhams 3000. Annual hosting packages start from Dirhams 1000 and depend on the storage and the number of email accounts required.
Small businesses should start looking at a website as a long-term investment and not as an expense. A digital presence of your company would only add value to the brand.