Website Fundamentals
Your website is your digital home—a brick-and-mortar store on the internet. It's where people come to learn about you, ask questions, and discover your products and services. Most importantly, it's where you control the customer journey.
Essential Pages Every Website Needs
1. Home Page
Your digital front door. Should clearly communicate who you are and what you do in seconds.
2. About Page
Tell your story. People connect with people, not businesses. Share your mission, values, and why you do what you do.
3. Services/Products Page
Clearly outline what you offer. Make it easy for visitors to understand how you can help them.
4. Blog
Share your expertise and insights. Blogging helps you rank in search engines and establishes you as an authority.
5. Contact Page
Make it easy for people to reach you. Include a form, email, and any other relevant contact methods.
Pro Tip: Your Mission & Purpose
Your mission should be clear on every page. What problem do you solve? Who do you help? Why should someone trust you? Answer these questions consistently across your website.
Technical Setup: Domain & Email
Step 1: Purchase Your Domain
A domain is your address on the internet (like yourbusiness.com). It's how people find you online.
Where to Buy a Domain:
- Namecheap - Affordable and user-friendly
- Google Domains - Simple integration with Google services
- GoDaddy - Popular but can be pricey
💡 Tip: Keep it short, memorable, and relevant to your business.
Step 2: Set Up Professional Email
Having an email at your domain (like hello@yourbusiness.com) looks professional and builds trust.
Recommended: Google Workspace
Google Workspace gives you:
- ✓ Professional email at your domain
- ✓ Gmail interface you already know
- ✓ Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Calendar
- ✓ Reliable and secure
Starting at $6/user/month
Alternative: Microsoft 365
If you prefer Outlook and Microsoft Office, this is a solid alternative with similar features.
Creating Your First Landing Page
A landing page is a focused page designed for a specific purpose—like capturing emails, promoting a product, or driving people from social media to learn more about you.
Why Landing Pages Matter
When someone clicks your Instagram link or YouTube description, where do they go? A landing page gives you control over that experience and helps you convert visitors into customers or subscribers.
Anatomy of a Great Landing Page:
- 1. Clear Headline - Tell them exactly what you offer in one sentence
- 2. Compelling Subheadline - Expand on the value proposition
- 3. Visual Element - Photo, video, or graphic that supports your message
- 4. Benefits/Features - What's in it for them?
- 5. Call-to-Action (CTA) - Clear button telling them what to do next
- 6. Social Proof - Testimonials, reviews, or client logos (if you have them)
Example Use Cases:
- 📸 Instagram bio link → Landing page with your services + contact form
- 🎥 YouTube description → Landing page with free guide download
- 📘 Facebook post → Landing page for your online course
Your Website as Your Digital Home
Think of your website like a brick-and-mortar store. Social media is like having a booth at a farmers market—it's great for visibility, but you don't own the space. Your website is the store you own.
❌ Social Media Alone
- Platform owns your audience
- Algorithm changes affect reach
- Can lose access overnight
- Limited customization
- No control over experience
✅ Your Own Website
- You own your audience & data
- Full control over content
- No algorithm gatekeeping
- Complete customization
- Build lasting relationships
Controlling the Customer Journey
When someone visits your website, you decide the experience. You can:
- ✓ Guide them through your story and offerings
- ✓ Capture their email for ongoing communication
- ✓ Showcase testimonials and build credibility
- ✓ Present clear calls-to-action
- ✓ Track analytics to understand what works
🎯 Key Takeaway
Social media brings people in. Your website converts them into customers and keeps them engaged. Both are important, but your website is the foundation you control.