- Domain Name: The best domain name is 2-3 words written as 1 word that tells potential customers exactly who you are and what you do.
- Domain Extension: Choose.co.za if you operate nationally. Choose .com if you operate globally. There are other extensions for organizations, networks, etc.
- Domain Hosting & Renewal: Choose a reputable company, as they will have intimate access to sensitive information. I have been a reseller for Xneelo (formerly Hetzner since 2002, and there is none better. You can either self-host, or host through a third party like South Cape Net. Both have advantages and disadvantages. There is an annual domain renewal fee payable in both cases. Make sure that the package you choose is suitable.
- Web Design & Maintenance: Again, choose a reputable company as they too will have intimate access to sensitive information. I have built over 200 websites since 1999. Over 100 of these are still active.
- Website Type: E-Commerce.
- Search Engine Friendly vs SEO. Search Engine Friendly means that there are as few barriers to the search engines indexing your site as possible. SEO is something best left to the professionals.
- Structure: This should be user-friendly, and coherent with an emphasis on the solutions your products/services offer.
- Content: This should be to the point with well-written copy and high-quality images. The company’s post-sale responsibilities (in terms of return policy, guarantees, and warranties) need to be clearly spelled out on the website. Compliance issues (privacy policy, terms & conditions) are essential.
Free initial build using Wordpress.
If you host your domain with South Cape Net, I will design and build your website provided you supply all images and text. This includes the setup of your online store [excluding the loading of your products]. Major changes will be charged at R 250/hr. I exclusively use WordPress which makes the maintenance of your site relatively simple. Read more…
Have a look at my Client Portfolio.
The so-called Content Management System [CMS] platforms like WordPress have given us the tool with which we can:
- Take complete control of your site – no more waiting for your webmaster to make changes. Read more…
- Drive your internet marketing strategy by writing and publishing articles.
- Fully integrates with the Social Media Platforms.
- The Search Engines love WordPress as it is built with Search Engine Optimization in mind.
- WordPress automatically generates RSS Feeds which can be shared on other websites, creating valuable backlinks. Read more…
WHAT PAGES DO YOU NEED ON YOUR WEBSITE?
- HOME PAGE: Every website needs a home page, it’s the first page visitors land on when they visit your domain name.
- ABOUT US: Your about page is where you tell potential customers more about your company and what you stand for.
- PRODUCTS/SERVICES: You should have a page for each product or service you provide, clearly highlighting the features and benefits of each.
- FAQ’s: Visitors may be looking for answers to questions, a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page can help you provide them.
- PORTFOLIO: Visitors may want to see examples of your previous work, a portfolio page is where you would showcase them.
- TESTIMONIALS: Visitors may want to see reviews from previous customers, a testimonial page is where you would show them.
- BLOG: Your blog is where you show visitors that you know your stuff. Give them free tips on a subject they need help with.
- CONTACT: Your contact page is where you tell visitors how to contact you. Include a form and map to show your location.
- TERMS/PRIVACY: This is where you put the boring small print regarding the use of your website and your products or services.
WHAT FEATURES ARE INCLUDED?
There are too many to list here, so just ask if you need something you can’t see!
- IMAGE SLIDERS: Easily display multiple images in a rotating slideshow.
- IMAGE GALLERIES: Display images in a fixed gallery format with popups.
- VIDEO INTEGRATION: Embed video from hosting sites like YouTube and Vimeo.
- SOCIAL MEDIA INTEGRATION: From simple profile links to embedded post feeds.
- MOBILE FRIENDLY: Your site will work perfectly on phones and tablets.
- CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Edit your site anytime you like using the WordPress CMS.
- SEARCH ENGINE FRIENDLY: Easily optimise each webpage for your target keywords.
- CONTACT FORM: Receive contact form submissions instantly by email.
- GOOGLE MAP: Show website visitors where you are located on a map.
- NEWSLETTER SIGNUP: Encourage visitors to subscribe to your site for updates.
- RSS FEED: Syndicate your blog posts. Read more…
E-Commerce
WooCommerce is an open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress.
It is designed for small to large-sized online merchants using WordPress. Launched on September 27, 2011, the plugin quickly became popular for its simplicity to install and customize, and free base product. Wiki
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J6ECW_cglM
Online Learning
Planning to launch an eLearning platform for your own courses or an academic institution?
Tutor LMS is here for you! Get your online classroom started with the intuitive course builder, advanced quiz creator, reports & more in Tutor LMS!
