I get it, you might not have the time or resources to outsource your website just yet. So you’re left with DIY’ing your site. But, have you ever done that before?

Chances are your business website is the first site you’ve ever designed. And you’re learning SO many things as you build it. But, you might miss a few things because it is your first website, and also not something you’ve studied up on—besides the hours of Googling to learn the best platform, find SEO tips, and a few other things.

That’s why I’ve created a DIY website checklist, so you have all your how-tos in one spot. And to help you navigate this online world smoothly.

I know that updating or creating your own website takes you away from your passion and perfecting your craft, that’s why this simple checklist goes over the top best practices, the reason why you should implement them, and some easy tips you can carry into the maintenance of your DIY website.

What Are Website Best Practices

Websites, like any other craft, have a set of guidelines that we all abide by. Some are more well-known than others. So I’ve included the ones that I feel are industry standard to help you polish up your website. Check out my DIY Website guide!

I don’t want to give them alllll away, because the guide is filled with so many helpful tips. But here are the top three things I implement in all my website designs.

1. Make sure you mobile site is functioning!
   More than half of your website users are comiong from mobile devices. Make sure your mobile site is easy to navigate and use
2. Don’t make it hard to find the information.
   I highly recommend putting your most important information at the top of the website. And making it easy to find what your ideal client is looking for. If they enter on your homepage, make it easy for them to find your pricing, contact you, or view your work. Try doing this in less than three clicks from when they enter the site.
3. Have clear calls to action
   Your website should lead your user on a story, with a mix of your copy (text), images, and calls to action, you are guiding them on a path to hopefully work with you. Be strategic on the placements of the calls to action, and direct people to other places on your website, in case they aren’t ready to purchase.
   Clearly tell them waht you want them to do. Do not be afraid to boldly ask “Book Me!”

Go download the guide to see more best practices.

Things to Know Before You Hit Publish

Not everyone will use the website the same way you will. Especially since you’ve been nose deep into designing it. Have a few friends look over your site before you’re about to publish. Ask them for constructive feedback to make sure you’ve included enough information, made it easy to navigate, and not left them to scroll for ages.

When asking for feedback, be sure to ask more questions about the functionality than the design. While the design can be helpful, we tend to get more answers like “I wouldn’t have chosen those colours” or “I don’t like those fonts.” But if you ask

1. Are you able to find your way around my website easily?
2. Do you know what I offer? Is that clear?
3. Is it easy to find my pricing or contact page?
4. Did you have to scroll a lot to find what you were looking for?
5. Were there any issues? Broken links, typos, missing pages?

Asking those questions will help put your test viewer into the right mind space to help you have a polished website.

Similarly, after you publish the site, you can ask your clients if they found what they were looking for easily. Or if they provide feedback on your website, take note of that.

Not everything will be beneficial, but if your ideal client is having an issue with your site, you might want to evaluate and see how you can fix it. They might not be the only ones experiencing that issue.

Too Much On Your Plate?

If you’re reading all this, and have downloaded the guide, and now your palms are sweating, maybe we need to hop on a call to see if you need help with the redesign. I know that DIY’ing a website is not for the faint of heart. I’m really proud of you for taking that step. But sometimes, we need to have extra hands to help us cross the finish line.

I’d be honoured to help you design the site of your dreams. And if you’ve looked at the guide, you know there is a sweet little treat in there, too! (If you haven’t downloaded the guide yet, what’s stopping you!?)

If you have any questions or want some help with your website editing, or full customization, let’s chat!