Websites

This website page is for businesses looking to build a website BEYOND what we do during the BUS 130 Intro to Entrepreneurship course using Google Sites. If you are in the BUS 130 class, please refer to your classwork in Blackboard to learn more about the website.

What to consider when deciding on a website platform to use:

Does it offer SSL Security? In a nutshell, SSL Security is an encrypted safeguard for your data (for example, if you are collecting credit card info).
Does it have SEO Tools built in? In a nutshell, SEO means Search Engine Optimization, and helps your website organically move up the search engine results. This is a subject that is too great to get into in this class, but know that you will need to understand this in the future OR hire someone to help you understand it in the future. You will learn more about this in BUS 218.
Does the template allow you to add tools that might be helpful to your kind of business? For example, do you need scheduling tools for meetings, appointments, reservations, etc. Will you give webinars, need to add maps, etc.

Recommended if going to take payments online:

Shopify (ecommerce template with URL purchase; great support; connects to sell on IG easily)

Square Space (ecommerce template websites with URL purchase)

Oberlo (ecommerce template websites that make drop shipping easy)

Recommended if just need a website for info:

Launch a Co (template websites with URL purchase)

1and1 (reserve URL, website templates)

Template Monster (website template)

Wordpress (very popular way to have a very inexpensive website)

Google Sites (this site!)

Go Daddy (reserve URL)

Check these out as well... any of these work as support sites that you could also have a presence on?

Explore Amazon Storefronts - learn more here

Amazon for homemade

Mercari Marketplace

What kind of information should be on your website:

Business Name & Logo
Contact Info
- - Location info
  - Do you need a PO Box?
  - Do you need a Google Voice # in place of your cell #?
Value Proposition
- We'll learn more about this coming up, but for now, is it clear what problem your business is solving for the customer and what your solution offers?
Product or Service Info
- - How much does it cost?
  - Do you have professional pictures?
  - Clear description
Email Sign Up of current and future customers
Check out other websites from similar businesses like yours. What do they have that you don't? What do you want to do in the future?

How to make a starter website on my own:

Use your entrepreneurial skills! Know that you may not get it right, but that you are willing to give it a try to get something started. Remember for the starter website, the goal is done not perfect!
Review the template website options above
Look at examples they provide
Review videos and resources that each website shares
Use the free trail version that most of them offer to get started
Give it a try! Remember for the starter website, the goal is done not perfect!
Once you get everything you need on the website and you practice using it for a bit, and once you know what domain name you want to buy, you'll be able to go back and connect your site to a domain.