Millions of people use the internet to find information, and many of them also actively publish their own content, sharing ideas on their own websites. Unfortunately, many personal and small business sites struggle with quality, often simply due to a lack of guidance on web standards.
Fortunately, with a little foundational knowledge, it is easy to level up your website’s quality. And the best part? It’s fun!
Here is a quick checklist to help you approach your own website projects.
What Do I Need for My Web Presence?
Going from an initial idea to a live site is a satisfying journey, but it requires a few key steps. Let’s break down the essential components you need to get right.
1. Domain & Hosting
You need a domain name (like s2s2.org) to serve as your digital address, and web hosting to store your site’s files on a server. Choosing a host that offers reliable uptime and fast loading speeds is key.
2. Content Management System (CMS) or Site Generator
To create and manage content, you can use a modern static site generator (like Hugo) or a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress. These tools help you structure texts, images, and other assets.
3. Email Infrastructure
Setting up a professional email address tied to your domain builds trust and ensures visitors can reach you directly. You can set this up through your host or forward emails to an existing address.
4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
In order for your website to be found on the internet by search engines, use basic SEO best practices: descriptive page titles, clean HTML, fast load times, and structured content.