From years of experience in business and reorganization, I’ve worked on various platforms such as Etsy, Shopify, WordPress, and Wix to launch accessible websites tailored to my goals. For social media outreach, I’ve utilized platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, Reddit, and more to effectively connect with my target audience.
Considerations for a New Website Launch
When planning a new website, it’s crucial to define your goals clearly before selecting the right hosting platform. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve with this website?
Website Expectations
- Reliability and Speed
These are fundamental to any successful website. Your host must support your website’s traffic load while maintaining fast, seamless performance. Consider this: If a store link fails to load, do customers typically troubleshoot the issue, or do they close the page and move on? Most likely, they leave—potentially a lost sale.To monitor your website’s speed and uptime, many hosting services provide dashboards or SEO tools. However, keep in mind that these tools may also log your own activity (e.g., editing or refreshing the site), so spikes in website hits might not always reflect customer traffic. - Security
Security is critical, especially if your website includes an online store or login areas. Customers need to trust that their personal and payment information is protected. Choose a hosting platform with robust security features, such as SSL certificates and encrypted data storage. Security doesn’t just safeguard your customers—it also protects your business’s private information. - Storage and Bandwidth
Storage and bandwidth are essential for managing website data.- Storage: Holds images, videos, descriptions, and other content.
- Bandwidth: Determines how efficiently your website transfers this data between your host and users.
If your site relies heavily on photography or other large media files, you may need additional storage or bandwidth, which often comes at an extra cost. For smaller websites, like those for Mom-and-Pop stores, basic hosting plans are usually sufficient. - Backups
Regular backups are essential to safeguard your website against accidental deletions, poor updates, or other technical issues. Think of backups as your “just in case” solution. Personally, I create backups both before and after making significant changes to my websites. Backups also make it easier to migrate your site to a new host if necessary.
Customer Experience and Ease of Use
Customer satisfaction hinges on how easy it is to navigate your website. This includes both the hosting platform’s interface for you, as the owner, and the design of the website itself for your visitors.
- Host Interface
A good hosting platform should encourage ease of use, allowing you to create posts, pages, and larger websites without difficulty. - Website Design
A well-organized, thoughtfully designed website makes a strong impression on customers. Ensure:- Links and buttons function as intended and direct users to the correct destination.
- An “About Us” page highlights your story and success, leading customers toward a “Contact Us” page.
- Your logo and business name are prominently featured in the header, linking back to your homepage.
Testing is critical. Click every button, test every link, and ensure every page functions as expected. A smooth and intuitive user experience leads to more satisfied customers, increased trust, and higher conversion rates.
Final Thoughts
The planning and organization involved in launching a website may feel overwhelming, but the effort is worth it. A strong foundation leads to a better user experience, greater customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the success of your website.
Have anything you want to add? Leave your comments below.
Tech Support by Laura 
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