Starting a Website in 2013 - What You Need to Know!

2013 Vertical Are you creating your first website this year? Here are some facts you need to know before you begin.

1) WordPress Continues Its Reign

There are many ways to build a website these days: Static HTML website (from scratch), use a template, Dreamweaver, Site Build It!, you name it.

However, WordPress continues its dominance.

Why?

Because it's easy to setup and you don't need to know a thing about web coding or buy any software to get your site up and running.

The WordPress script comes free with almost any paid hosting plan these days and it's a one-click install.

And if you start your WordPress site at Website Palace, you'll get your domain name (yoursite.com) for only $1.99 the first year. Just make sure you add hosting to your cart first and that will activate the special offer.

There are thousands of free themes (designs) you can select, and if you get tired of your current theme, switching to a new one is pretty much hassle-free.

And I can't forget about the plugins.

Want to create a notification banner at the top of your site to promote a special offer? Need a rotating photo gallery for your sidebar? Installing a shopping cart system to collect payments?

Just search the web for a WordPress plugin that will do the trick. Install it via the admin panel, and you're ready to rock and roll. Many of them are free!

Learn how to begin your WordPress website here.

Also, WordPress is not just for blogging (content ordered by dated posts). My WordPress guide shows you how to use the platform to build a more traditional site if you desire.

2) Don't Be Afraid to Outsource

Need a logo? Want someone to create a custom design for your site? There are so many reputable online places to get things done today.

Fiverr is an online marketplace for small services that will only cost you $5. This is an ideal place to go for a simple logo, header, or other small tasks that you may not have time for or know how to do.

For larger projects like full custom website designs, etc. I would recommend Elance, vWorker or oDesk. I've personally used vWorker for quite a few small projects.

I used LogoMyWay for the logo design on this site.

3) Solid Copywriting Will Take You Far

You don't have to be a professional writer to run a website, but you should plan to polish up your writing skills because it will have an impact on how (or if) your readers will interact with you, subscribe, order, etc.

If you need help with copywriting, sign up for Copyblogger's free online marketing autoresponder course here.

This is absolutely the best course I've ever taken online.

4) Go Clean With Your Design

My first website was incredibly busy. There were many colors, flashing images, and all kinds of distractions. I cringe just thinking about it.

Today it's all about clean designs, good use of white space, minimal images, large fonts and small paragraphs that are easy to scan.

If you're going to use WordPress, consider using the Genesis WordPress themes. You can watch me use it here.

5) Diversify Your Presence Online

While it's a great idea to start with search engine optimization, the best way to stabilize your business is to establish a presence in more than one space.

You can create YouTube videos, engage your audience with social media, create a newsletter/autorepsonder course, develop a podcast, host a webinar, etc.

I cannot say enough about what my YouTube channel has done for my business. My 3 active channels combined have over 70,000 subscribers!

Not only has it allowed me earn additional passive income through the YouTube partner program (via Google AdSense), but it helps me sell ebooks, make money from affiliate marketing and more.

Diversify, diversify, diversify and take advantage of how social the web has become.

6) Aim to Sell Your Own Product

While affiliate marketing and Google AdSense are super convenient ways to make money with your site, your ultimate goal should be to sell your own product.

Products can come in many different forms today. You could create your own consulting service and charge an hourly rate, develop an ebook to sell on Clickbank, sell your own hard goods, you name it.

You can also develop an additional revenue stream by offering an affiliate program and let others promote your product(s) from their sites as well.

Start by building interest from creating large amounts of useful, free information on a very niche topic. Promote your site on YouTube, social media, email, etc. This is how you build credibility and warm people up to purchase your product(s).

7) Take Advantage of Google Authorship

If you want to make sure all your content and YouTube videos get claimed and credited to your name, setting up Google Authorship is a great way to do this and improve your overall AuthorRank.

8) Use a Responsive Web Design

Responsive web design means the site auto adjusts to read nicely on mobile devices.

This is crucial because so many people now browse the web via their phones and smaller devices (tablets, etc.)

If you happen to be reading this site on a phone, you can see that the site drops down to one column for easy reading.

If you view this site on a Desktop, you will see the normal 2 column layout.

Fortunately, you don't need to know a thing about coding to create a responsive website. All you need to do is use WordPress to create your site and buy a theme like Prose. That's what I use on my blog.

Once you publish your site, it will already be mobile friendly!

Ready to Begin Your Website?

Register your domain and/or host at WebsitePalace.com and get my WordPress guide for free! (Download from the final confirmation/order page).

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