DIY
Website
Information
The do-it-yourself option that provides you, the small business owner, with the tools and skills to help you design your own website.
DIY
Steps to Create Your Own Website
Scroll through these 6 steps for a general guide on creating your own small business website.
Free Resource!
Learn more about who your ideal customer is and why it’s important to know this before you design your website. Then download the 15-question worksheet to discover your ideal customer for pinpoint accuracy & success in your marketing.
Which Website Builder Should You Use?
There are dozens of different website builders that you can choose from to create your website. Some are easier to use but lack that professional end look … while others are more complex and take a lot of learning. Using information from other websites along with my own perspective and opinion, the information presented here will help you decide which builder is best for you & your small business.
Learn more about: Squarespace • WIX • Shopify • WordPress
I thought Squarespace would be better than it was but I was left feeling like I was designing a website with my left hand tied behind my back. It was pretty intuitive to use. I love how the builder is organized along with an easy-to-follow-along menu on the left side of the screen.
COST: $16 – $49
TEMPLATES: 100+
FREE DOMAIN: Yes
PROS: Ideal for creatives (if you don’t need anything too fancy) • Best templates & designs • Good for blogging
CONS: Limited customization & flexibility • Limited 3rd party integrations
Wix and Squarespace typically are the top DIY website builders available. I’ve used both. While Squarespace has some amazing templates, Wix is generally more flexible and allows for more creativity. That of course takes a little more “learning” as you figure out their builder.
COST: Starting at $16 (Free plan available)
TEMPLATES: 800+
FREE DOMAIN: Yes
PROS: Free plan for small projects • Beginner friendly
CONS: Can’t switch your template once the site is live • Can feel overwhelming
I’ve only used the Shopify builder a handful of times. It’s not the most robust builder out there but it does a good job for e-commerce if you have a product or service you need to sell online. Just don’t expect anything great from its design abilities.
COST: Starting at $29
PROS: Great for online stores, especially those with large inventories
CONS: Not an easy builder to use • Relies heavily on apps • Limited customization
1 out of 3 websites are built with WordPress. Far & wide the most popular website builder available – but also the most challenging to learn and use. WordPress sites are built using a variety of plugins, many of which are free. You can also use a page building plugin like Elementor that allows you to use a drag-and-drop feature to build a site without any coding.
COST: Free! (Hosting & domain not included)
TEMPLATES: You can access an unlimited number of templates from various 3rd party sources, some of which are free.
PROS: Robust • Unlimited creative possibilities • Plugins for everything • Scalable • 100% customizable
CONS: Complex • Steep learning curve • Previous web experience needed • Separate hosting
Online Courses
Learn the skills that you need to create an amazing website for your small business on your computer and at your own pace.
Learn how to use the phone in your purse or pocket to take amazing pictures that will be perfect for your website!
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In just 3 easy steps you’ll be able to have your first video on your website. Taught with easy-to-follow along with videos.
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Show up at the top of the local search results by claiming, optimizing & maintaining your Google Business Profile.
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The ultimate guide to designing the perfect small business website to take customers from interested to buyers. Coming Fall 2022.
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Buy the Course Bundle and Save $50!
- DIY Small Business Photography
- DIY Small Business Videos
- Your Google Business Profile
Purchase all 3 courses ($147 value) for only $97.
In Person Classes
Offered through the Bitterroot College and taught in the RCEDA Business Center conference room. Classes offered 2-3 times per year.
June 2022 @9-11am
Learn the ins and outs of marketing your business in today’s modern world. Learn about techniques and strategies that work online and in a digital way.
June 2022 @9:30-11am
Learn how to claim and optimize your Google My Business listing so new customers can find your business when they search online.
June 2022 @9-11am
Create a more successful website by learning the designs skills and marketing strategies for optimal success with your website.
(Currently Unavailable till Spring 2022)
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