Let me tell you a little secret about how to create a website: websites are never done. Even when they are “done” done. They are always evolving and forever changing. I mean this for even the most seasoned wedding planners. Even when websites are professionally done, they can still be improved upon. So now that I just spilled the beans, know that your first website will forever be a work in progress too.
Create a Website
When it comes to creating a website, understand that done is better than perfect. And that is why if you’re a newer wedding planner teeter-tottering of the idea of DIYing your own website, you need to get out of your own head and just start today. In this post I’m going to share with you the formula for getting started so that in a week’s time, you’ll have a tangible, actual, living, lead-generating website. Use these steps to create a website you love!
Preparation
Preparation is the key to any great website. It’s important to have all your ducks in a row before even attempting to create your own site. This means research—lots and lots of research. Check out other wedding planner companies in big cities like New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Denver. Write out a list of things you like and don’t like including design elements, copy, pictures, brand style, and even how the website made you feel. Write your website copy during this phase. Gather pictures you want to use and make sure you have your brand nailed down now. To take a lot of the guesswork out of this part of creating a website, check out the DIY Website Workbook in our shop.
Buy a Domain
Next, you’ll need to buy a domain name. It should be very close to your company name. Try to avoid using any numbers or symbols in your domain name. If at all possible, choose a .com versus any other options. True, .com domains tend to be a little more expensive, but they can be better for your SEO (or so I’ve been told). I also recommend buying one from GoDaddy for a few different reasons. One, I have personally used them and have never had any issues, and second, they are a very reputable company with a long track record. Additionally, I would recommend buying a domain name separate from that of your web hosting or website builder. It makes jumping ship a lot easier if and when that time comes.
Choose a Website Template
Now it’s time to choose a website template. Man, oh man, the options are endless. The four main website builders for wedding planners are WordPress, Wix, Showit, and Squarespace. They all have their own pros and cons. For new planners who are just getting their feet wet, I recommend trying out Wix. Wix is an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop website builder. Tons of wedding planners use Wix. You could also look into Weebly as another great, low-cost option. Wix has a free plan, but if you want to use your own domain (and to come across professionally, you should), you will need to upgrade to their paid hosting. But this is a very affordable option for a new planner. If you’d like step-by-step directions on how to design your first website, look into your DIY website workbook.
Conclusion
Designing a great website starts with preplanning (just like a wedding, right!). Once you’ve done that, the design will be much easier to create. Remember, done is better than perfect. Your first website is not going to be your forever online home, but you need one now to get in front of brides, so there’s no time like the present to create one. Get this informative workbook today if you’re planning to DIY your own website.
