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(406) 369-5884

Office

274 Old Corvallis Rd, Suite T, Hamilton, MT

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.

Steps to Create Your Own Website

Scroll through these 6 steps for a general guide on creating your own small business website.

Step 01
Step 02
Step 03
Step 04
Step 05
Step 06
Domain
First, you need to find a domain that's not being used. I like to go to omains.google.com where you can see if your domain is available. You can then purchase it with your builder (see Step 02).
Choose a Builder
You need to decide which builder you want to use to build your website. You can choose from a variety of options such as Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, WordPress, etc.
Set Up an Account
Once you decide on your platform, you'll need to setup an account and purchase a plan that fits your business's needs.
Learn the Program
Depending on your skill set and comfort with technology, website builders can be complicated, frustrating, and take some time to learn. There are however plenty of tutorials and videos to help you.
Design Your Website
Once you've learned how to use the builder, it's time to design the site. Many builders have pre-made templates for you to use. But to design it right & with the customer in mind, check out my course.
Get Found
No matter how awesome your website looks. it won't matter if people can't find it. If your business serves local customers, check out my Google Business Profile course to learn more.

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: SquarespaceWIXShopifyWordPress

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)

Articles to Help Your Website & Business

Looking for something specific? 
Do a quick search in the box below.

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Turn Your Bitterroot Valley Storefront into an Online Sensation

I know you’re passionate about your business and you’ve probably poured countless hours into your brick-and-mortar store. But in this digital age, having an online presence …

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Privacy Policies and the State of Montana

In today’s digital age, online privacy is becoming an increasingly important concern. With the rapid development of technology, it has become easier for companies to collect …

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Using Chat-GPT to Help a Client Find the Right Words

I need your opinion.  I recently had an interesting, almost humorous, experience with AI (artificial intelligence) earlier this month. It was intriguing, but I had some …

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Every great website starts with a conversation

Hamilton Website Design

Let’s sit down and talk about your business & website … free of charge & no obligation. Simply fill out the form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible to set up a meeting.

Business Address: 
274 Old Corvallis Road, Suite T
Hamilton, MT 59840

Questions?

What can I help you accomplish online?
Please fill out the contact form to get the conversation started.
I’ll do my best to get back to you within 24 hours Mon-Fri.

What happens if you click the big orange button? I’ll get back to you within 24 hours (unless I’m lost in the woods). I don’t sell or use your email address for anything, not even for a newsletter, although I have one you can subscribe to. My business is built on trust and that starts with your privacy. 

See You Soon!

I’ll get a hold of you soon to find a time that works best for both us. 

In the meantime, learn a little more about the guy you’ll be meeting with ;) 

Woo-hoo!

I’ll have your personal website assessment sent to you in the next 24-48 hours. Watch for an email from [email protected] (and check your junk email just in case).

In the meantime, have you signed up for your free consultation?

Awesome!

As a subscriber, you can expect some great emails in the near future to help you & your business. Hooray!

In the meantime, have you signed up for your free consultation?

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