How To Build A Rockstar Website On A Startup Budget

You’re not the only Startup operating on a tight budget these days. Today’s entrepreneurs should be looking to cut costs wherever they can get a break to stay on track with budgets, reach success, and put money aside for rainy days.

For budding entrepreneurs, the practice of saving money is vital. And yet, sometimes the first thing entrepreneurs have to do when testing a market with a very good idea, is to spend money on building a web presence.

The Startup Budget Site

If you recently came up with an idea for a business, it doesn't matter how great your idea is if you have no way to figure out if your business can make a viable start. You'll need to be looking to test out your market audience. If you can't get funding for your project through a site like kickstarter or the bank of mom, then building a website is a great way to help your efforts find their footing. To ensure you avoid any unnecessary expenses while building a site on a startups budget, we have some other non-budget-busting suggestions.

Here’s What You Need To Know

Step 1: Secure A Domain Name

Your first step to scoring a rockstar website on the cheap starts with securing a domain name. Typically you should work to nail down a domain name and brand name at the same time. Remember, domain names aren’t cheap and settling on a brand name like “GoodFood” will be much more expensive to pay for than a unique or made up one like “Google” or “Yahoo.”  

Be sure to select a name that is catchy and outside the box. Google is a household name now, but years before the search engine kicked off, it was a name no one recognized.

Once you come up with a list of names, search inexpensive sites like GoDaddy.com to see if they’re available for purchase. Avoid buying a name from someone who owns it because they will undoubtedly charge you more money than you need to spend.

Instead, go for a domain that is available for registration. Sites like GoDaddy make it easy to check and register your domain name for as little as $10.69. While you’re at it, be sure to check the web for coupon discounts before you click the “checkout” button!

Step 2: Get A Host

Most people figure websites just exist somewhere and can just be conjured out of space with the snap of a finger, or using one of the genie's three wishes -- but the reality is they’re based on computers.

A host is someone who owns the computer that your site actually lives on. To secure a host, consider picking out one that is managed. Having a managed host, figuratively speaking, is like living in a building with a live-in landlord. Meaning any problems that come your way will be fixed sooner than on a non-managed host where, in a similar scenario, the owner lives on the other side of town.

Never underestimate the internet: your site will ultimately come face to face with some dilemma in which maintenance or updates will be required. Managed hosts like WordPress, Squarespace, and Weebly will all take care of issues that occur for you. All are very user-friendly and can help you avoid the added costs of hiring an IT expert to solve your problems.

Step 3: Hire Students

Get in contact with a program director of a local art college in your area. They’ll be able to refer you to students who are talented in website design and likely looking for intern experience in designing for a business on their résumé.

In the most expensive scenario, they’ll charge you but at a significantly lower rate than a professional designer. Once your art student has created a design mock-up that you’re satisfied with hiring another student to turn it into a working site.

Student or novice website developers will be much more likely to negotiate rock-bottom prices with you than ones with more experience.

Step 4: Start Creating Content

Once you’ve built your site you have to move on to creating content. Remember, the point of your website is to build up a community of consumers who participate in your online conversation in some way or another; whether it’s actually commenting on your posts or buying products or services.

The best way for websites to stir up conversation and action amongst users is to provide them with valuable insight and information through content.

Conclusion

Creating content is an easy enough task for you to do on your own. More established sites with bigger budgets will often buy writers or bloggers to craft content, but with the right ideas and management of trending topics, you’ll be able to do this all on your own.

Be sure to monitor online conversations on news sites your audience will most likely subscribe to as well as the social channels they are present on. You’ll want to watch these channels for conversation topics to include in your content. The more you can optimize your website with well-written SEO content, the more attention you will gather to your site.