4 Basic Parts of a Website and 5 Benefits of Having One
Having a website is a crucial part of running a business so knowing the basic parts of a website is key to running a business or brand well.
A website is a series of web pages made from HTML (HyperText Markup Language) code that is under a common domain name and is stored/ hosted on a computer server that is connected to the internet. A person can set all of this up themselves and host their site on their own computer server but they still need to buy/register the domain name from a name registrar if the website will be on the internet.
The basic parts of a website are:
- Home/Landing page
- About us page
- Content page(s)
- Contact us page
Benefits of having one
1. Expectations
Users and customers expect companies/brands to have one. In one study, 40% of people under 50 EXPECT businesses to have a website. Any business that does not appear in a quick Google search is instantly distrusted. Much like a business not being on BBB (Better Business Bureau), users expect a scam of such companies.
2. Credibility
In the same study as above, more than half of all users found a website makes a business more credible. Credibility is crucial to a brand since it is what makes users decide if they believe that the products or services are as advertised and if they are worth their time and money.
3. Presentation
Use your website to show what you do, your purpose, and your values to users. Show not just tell with examples and testimonials of your work and its results. Design your site with pictures of before and after your services or delighted people using your products. Use icons to symbolize your values, standards, and goals.
4. Marketing and Advertising 24/7
A website can show your work, products, and/or services to potential clients across the nation (and, if you set it up right, the rest of the world as well) all day, everyday. Showcase your most popular services/products in prominent places (possibly with extra items that are often bought together) Collect emails of users to directly announce when a new product or service is available. You can even make your website a shop where users can directly buy products and services.
5. Online Customer service
No one likes being confused. Make it easy for customers and clients to reach out to you with questions, concerns, and potential problems. If you want to make your users happy, easing their experience with your site and other work is critical.
No one knows the pain points (problems) of your customers better than themselves. Make it easy for them to let you know their common problems with your site/products/work, and you can make the changes to better your user’s experience.
Basic parts of a website
There are 4 basic parts of a website: a landing page, an ‘about’ page, content pages, and a ‘contact’ page. These can all technically be on one page, but I don’t recommend it since most users hate scrolling down a long page.
1. Home/Landing Page
A landing page is what users first arrive on when they get to a domain. This is typically a ‘home’ page. It can be other things like a collection of posts or a list of products. Hey, if users only come to a website for one reason, make that reason as easy and quick as possible. For example, a hotel could make the way for making reservations their landing page.
2. About Us Page
Who are you? Where did you get your start? What sets you apart from your competition? What are your values? What is your passion? Why are you even doing what you are doing? Use this page to give a self introduction and share your story with your users. It can be as simple or in depth as you want to make it. Just remember that this section also serves as an ad-free background pitch to potential customers and clients, so keep it professional and factual.
3. Content Page(s)
What these are/used for depends on the purpose of the website. Is it for an individual or a business? A site for an individual usually has content pages for their works (i.e., their portfolio) and possibly hobbies; a site for a business usually has content pages for their products and services. Some sites have pages for blog posts, and some have helpful articles or FAQs (frequently asked questions) to aid their users.
4. Contact Us Page
Whether or not you have a way to collect email addresses or other contact info, make sure to have an obvious contact page. Any site that doesn’t have one looks shady and suspect; after all, those who plan to take the money and run don’t want people’s comments or to be contacted again. This page is for people to let you know if they have a question or concern about your work or its results, a problem with a product or service, or a happy comment (it can happen!).
If you are using a contact form, make sure to have a way to contact a user back if they contact you (email is most common), but know that the more required fields a contact form has the less likely a user will use it. They will likely give up rather than continue to fill out the form.
Summary
A website is a series of web pages made from HTML (HyperText Markup Language) code that is under a common domain name and is stored/ hosted on a computer server that is connected to the internet. Having a website is a crucial part of running a business so knowing the basic parts of a website is key to running a business well.
The basic parts of a website are:
- Home/Landing page
- About us page
- Content page(s)
- Contact us page
