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The 7 Essentials to Build a Website as a Complete Beginner

  • Writer: Nancy Espinosa
    Nancy Espinosa
  • 6 hours ago
  • 4 min read
team of young people designing a website
team of young people designing a website

Building your first website can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re not “techy.” But here’s the good news: in today’s digital world, you don’t need to be a coder or a professional designer to launch a polished, functional site. Whether you want to start a blog, open an online shop, or showcase your small business, the right tools make it possible. With custom website design platforms like Wix, Square, and Canva, beginners can learn how to make your own website quickly and affordably.

This guide will walk you through 7 essential steps to build a website from scratch even if you are a beginner. By the end, you’ll feel confident taking your idea online and creating a digital presence you’re proud of.


1. Define Your Website’s Purpose and Goals

Before diving into design, you need clarity. Ask yourself:

  1. Why am I building this website?

    • To sell products or services?

    • To share content, like blogs or photography?

    • To build an online portfolio?

  2. Who will visit your site?

    • Customers, readers, clients, or fans?

By defining your purpose, you’ll know what features you need—like e-commerce checkout for an online store, or a gallery for visual work. Square and Wix are both good choices because they let you tailor your site to those goals.


2. Choose the Right Website Builder

For complete beginners, using a website builder is the easiest option. These platforms offer drag-and-drop tools, customizable templates, and built-in hosting—so you don’t have to worry about code or technical headaches.

Here are three of the best:

  • Wix → Perfect for small business owners who want professional, flexible custom website design with lots of features.

  • Square (formerly Weebly) → Best for product-based businesses; it’s designed with e-commerce in mind.

  • Canva → Ideal for visually creative entrepreneurs who want simplicity and design-first layouts.

Each of these ranks high as the best website builder for small business depending on your needs.


3. Pick a Domain Name That Stands Out

Your domain is your online identity. It should be:

  1. Short and memorable.

  2. Relevant to your brand or niche.

  3. Easy to spell and type.

Most website builders like Wix and Square let you purchase a custom domain directly through their platforms, simplifying the process. A professional domain adds credibility and trust to your website.


4. Select a Template (and Customize It)

This is where custom website design comes into play. Builders like Wix, Square, and Canva offer professionally designed templates for industries like:

  • Restaurants and cafes

  • Fitness and wellness

  • Online shops

  • Photography portfolios

  • Personal blogs

Pick a template that matches your industry, then customize it:

  • Replace stock images with your own photos or branded visuals.

  • Adjust colors and fonts to match your brand identity.

  • Reorganize sections to highlight your most important content.

Customizing ensures your site looks unique, not like a cookie-cutter template.


5. Add Essential Pages Every Beginner Website Needs

Even the simplest site should have these foundational pages:

  1. Home Page – A clear introduction to who you are and what you offer.

  2. About Page – Builds trust by sharing your story.

  3. Products/Services Page – Explains what you sell or do.

  4. Contact Page – Makes it easy for visitors to reach you.

  5. Blog (essential) – Great for SEO and sharing expertise.

Depending on your business purpose, you can also add a Shop Page for selling products online with integrated payment options.


6. Optimize for Mobile and SEO

Today, most people will visit your website on their phones. That means mobile-friendly design is a must. Wix, Square, and Canva automatically adjust templates for mobile viewing, but always double-check to make sure your text, images, and buttons look great on smaller screens.

For SEO (Search Engine Optimization):

This helps your site show up on Google when potential customers search for your products or services.


7. Publish and Promote Your Website

Once you’re happy with your design, it’s time to hit publish! 🎉 But your job doesn’t end there. To attract visitors, promote your site through:

  • Social Media → Share your new website on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or LinkedIn.

  • Email Marketing → Announce your site launch to your email subscribers.

  • Business Cards → Include your domain on every piece of printed marketing.

The more visibility your site has, the more it will grow. Over time, you’ll be able to expand with more features, pages, and content.


Conclusion: You Can Build Your Website Today

Creating your first website doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With beginner-friendly tools like Wix, Square, and Canva, you can learn how to make your own website step by step. Whether you’re starting a small business, sharing your passion project, or exploring custom website design, there’s a platform tailored for you.

The secret is to start small: define your goals, choose the best website builder for small business, and grow from there. Soon, your website will be live, polished, and working hard for you—24/7.

💡 Remember: every great brand starts with a single page online. Your turn is now.

 
 
 

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