Building your new website: What to expect from start to finish.
Building a new website can feel like a big project—but broken down into manageable stages, it’s a lot easier than you might think. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing site, this guide walks you through the process from the first decision to go live.
1. Start with your domain name.
Before anything else, you’ll need a domain. Ideally, this should match your business name or come as close to it as possible. If it’s available, secure both the .co.uk and .com versions—owning both is a smart move to protect your brand, and it usually costs around £30 per year.
Most domain providers also include email services so that you can set up branded addresses like info@yourdomain.co.uk or sales@yourdomain.com. It’s a small touch that adds big credibility.
2. Choose the right website platform.
Next up: the platform. These days, WordPress is the best all-rounder. It’s evolved massively over the years, offering powerful functionality, great SEO potential, and quick loading times right out of the box. Plus, it’s flexible enough to grow with your business.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish brochure site or a feature-rich e-commerce setup, WordPress gives you a solid foundation.
3. Lay the foundations: hosting, database & blank canvas.
Once your domain and platform are sorted, it’s time to get things set up behind the scenes: your hosting, your database, and a fresh install of WordPress. At this point, your site is technically live—but it’s a blank canvas waiting for content.
This is where the real magic begins.
4. Plan your content with SEO in mind.
Before adding content, it’s important to consider what search engines are looking for. In 2025, that means:
Fast loading speeds
Responsive design across all devices
Clear, logical navigation
High-quality written content
Optimised images and engaging media (including video)
Your content should be helpful, well-written, and answer the real questions your customers are asking. Don’t forget the basics either—include your contact information, location, and opening hours prominently.
5. Sketch it out: Wireframes and Brand Story.
Great websites start with great planning.
A simple wireframe—think pen and paper—can help map out the structure of your pages and how users will navigate your site. This helps prevent confusion later in the design phase.
We also run a brand scripting session during the initial consultation. This includes your audience, goals, tone of voice, and how your website should ‘speak’ to your customers. It’s a deeper dive than it sounds… but that’s part of our secret sauce.
6. Time to build.
With your plan and content in place, the design phase can begin. This is where your website comes to life:
Visually engaging design
Clear calls-to-action
Well-written, purposeful copy
A smooth, intuitive user experience
Once it’s all in place—it’s launch time!
7. Now the real work begins: SEO & visibility.
Going live is just the start. Your website needs to be indexed by all major search engines—not just Google—and each one has its own quirks.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is an ongoing process, not a one-off task. It takes time to climb the rankings, so patience is essential. Resist the temptation of ‘quick fixes’ or shady “guaranteed ranking” offers. They usually involve black hat SEO tactics that can get your website penalised or even blacklisted.
Stick to ethical SEO, and your visibility will grow over time.
8. Keep it fresh and evolving.
The truth is: websites are never really finished.
Technology evolves. Trends shift. Customer expectations change. A static website can quickly start to feel outdated, and search engines will take note.
That’s why ongoing maintenance, updates, and content tweaks are so important. Regularly refreshing your layout, adding blog content, or fine-tuning your navigation helps keep your site competitive.
Final thoughts.
If you’re in the process of building your website—or you’ve hit a wall—We can help.
From domain setup and platform selection to content, SEO and post-launch strategy, I’m here to guide you through every stage and make sure your site delivers results.
Need a nudge to get things moving? Let’s talk.