Business Marketing 101: From Business Cards to Websites


Growing your business doesn't happen overnight. There are a lot of different factors that help your business stand out. Marketing goes beyond letting potential customers know about your business. These days, the most successful businesses market across Internet platforms to push their brand and send a positive message that encourages consumers to buy in. People new to marketing may not realize that customers often have to hear your message several times before it sinks in, which means consistent marketing is key, and the Internet can be a big help with this goal.

Why Does Your Business Need a Website?

Even if you aren't planning on selling your products or services through a website, having that virtual presence is important for consumers. It has become a way to legitimize your business and draw in new customers that may not have found you otherwise. In a world that is steeped in technology, websites act as the new face of a business to a larger population.

Website Design & Set Up

A good website is a necessity for the success of your business. Creating a good and engaging website can go a long way in effectively marketing your products and services in an online marketplace. Building a website takes a little bit of skill and practice so you can choose to either learn to do it yourself, hire a web designer, or use a free design service to get started. It doesn't matter how you choose to design it, as long as you go in with a purpose and an idea of what your website should achieve for your business, then you can turn those ideas into a reality.

HTML & Programming

Every website is built using a programming language or "code". This code tells the computer what to display, what the font looks like, what pictures are placed where, and everything else you see when you access a website. Common coding languages include HypertextMarkup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and Javascript, which can all be used in tandem to build a unique website. Everything on the Internet is built out of these programming languages and while there are dedicated degree programs for learning how to do them yourself, anybody can learn online for free with some research and practice!

Web Graphics

Websites often use graphics to catch a consumer's eye. The most important graphic you should have is your logo, which should be eye-catching, but not too busy so it doesn't overwhelm your customers. Aim for a memorable design that will be recognized and remembered as your brand. If you're selling products, you may prefer to use photographs of the products you sell as the main graphics found on your website, but if you're selling services, you may need to find ways to get creative with how you portray your work to the world at large.

Parking: Web Hosting & Domains

You can't have a website if you don't find a hosting service! These services facilitate the existence of your website, particularly the URL it lives on, and help you keep up with the maintenance so you can get your website out to the whole world. These hosting services allow you a place to put your code and many of them offer easy design elements for novices, no coding required.

Getting Along: Website Testing & Management

Once you have your website almost ready to go, you should test it out before it goes live so you can pick out any potential. Website testing allows you to check for performance issues, functionality, usability, security, and compatibility across web browsers. Once you've completed your website testing and you've made sure it's ready to go, you need to remember to keep your website well-maintained by paying for domain fees, making sure any new images you add are accessible for consumers of all abilities, and that all the content on your page is legible.