Steps in creating a website – From choosing a domain name to going online.

In the case of this article, we assume that the name of the business has already been chosen and that strategic thinking about the site has already been carried out. This is the prerequisite before talking about the steps involved in creating a website (whether it’s a showcase site, an e-shop, a platform, etc.).

It’s important to note that every project is unique, so the steps may vary and so may the order, depending on specific needs. And, above all, this is a blueprint that usually needs to be adapted to the project in question.

1. Define a strategy / Draw up specifications

Before even thinking about the site’s technical design, it’s essential to define a clear strategy. This involves understanding the site’s objective, its target audience, and the functionalities and services it is to offer. Drawing up detailed specifications helps formalize these elements and guide the site development process.

2. Create a visual identity adapted to the web

The step of creating a visual identity adapted to the web is fundamental to the design of your site. Before you even start designing the site itself, it’s essential to establish a solid visual identity that reflects the essence and values of the brand. This visual identity includes elements such as the logo and its variations, colors and typography, and these will serve as a reference for the visual styles such as photos, illustrations, colors, effects, etc. used on the site.

By aligning the site’s design with the brand’s visual identity, you create an authentic and engaging online experience for visitors, reinforcing your brand’s recognition.

3. Choose a domain name

Choosing a domain name is an important step, as it will represent your company’s online identity. It should be short, easy to remember and easy to spell. Opt for a distinctive domain name that will set you apart from the competition. Also think about the extension of your domain name and choose the one that best suits your business, your location and the geographic area of the audience you want to target.

4. Choose a web host

A web host is used to store files and data for a website, making it accessible online. There are several factors to consider when selecting a web host:

• Guaranteed availability
• Speed and optimization
• Bandwidth
• Storage capacity
• Security
• Ease of use
• Customer service

 It is essential to choose a reliable hosting service, offering a good level of security and technical support.

5. Design the site architecture

To ensure intuitive, consistent navigation on a website, it’s crucial to plan and organize the structure of the pages and the way they are connected to each other; this is known as the tree structure. The starting point of this tree structure is the home page, which then leads to different categories, which are in turn divided into further sub-categories.

The tree structure of a website plays an important role, both in terms of user experience (UX) and search engine optimization (SEO).

6. Develop content

Content is the heart of the site. It must be relevant and engaging to attract and hold visitors’ attention. Content development can include writing text, creating images and gathering information. Prioritize quality over quantity – there’s no point in overwhelming visitors with information.

7. Create site wireframes

Now it’s time for the creative part. Wireframes are simple models that represent the structure and layout of the elements on each page of the site. They allow you to visualize the organization of content and plan the user experience (UX), so you have a solid foundation before moving on to graphic design.

8. Create the design

The site’s design, including its user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), plays a crucial role in the site’s appeal and usability. It must be in harmony with the company’s visual identity, while offering an optimal user experience. Internal links and call-to-action (CTA) buttons are essential to facilitate navigation and improve natural referencing.

9. Develop the site

Once the design has been approved, the site can begin to be coded using the appropriate programming languages and technologies for each project.

10. Test & Optimize

Before the official launch, the site must undergo a series of tests to check that it functions correctly and is compatible with different browsers and devices. It’s also important to test all links and buttons to make sure they work properly. This will help identify any problems that need to be resolved and optimize site performance.

11. Go live

Once all tests have been carried out and adjustments made, the site is ready to go live. This stage involves configuring the domain, transferring files to the server and making the site accessible to the public.

12. Performance optimization

Ongoing optimization of site performance is essential to ensure an optimal user experience. This may include optimizing loading times, adjusting functionality based on user feedback, etc.

13. Monitor and update

Once the site is online, it’s important to regularly monitor its operation and carry out updates to maintain its relevance and security. A website is an evolving project that requires continuous attention to remain competitive in the ever-changing marketplace.

In conclusion, creating a website is a complex and methodical process. Each stage is crucial to the success of the project. Depending on the complexity of the project and the speed of exchanges with customers, completion times can vary from a few weeks to several months.