3. Establishing a Professional Website
At Strike Labs, we specialize in building robust web applications (portals) that drive significant business functions. These projects are complex, dynamic, and tailored to specific needs, often priced at $250k and up. These web applications go far beyond what a basic informational website can offer; they include features like data management, user portals, secure client areas, and integrations that support high-level operations. However, for many small businesses, especially at the start, a simple website is sufficient and can be created quickly and affordably while the application is built built.
Marketing Website: A Simple Start
When you're just beginning, a professional website can be put together for a few thousand dollars and might only take a few days to create. A talented high school student or a recent RISD graduate could develop a clean, functional site for around $5k. This basic website can then link to the web-based application that may serve as your company’s core product. Ideally the ones Strike Labs is are building for you.
Why Your Website Matters (Even If It's Basic)
The purpose of your first website is not to act as your main sales tool; it’s there to make sure you look professional and trustworthy when someone looks you up. When you meet a potential client or partner, and they take your business card to check out your website, you want them to find something that aligns with the conversation you had—not a blank page or an unprofessional site that could raise doubts.
Key Elements to Include in Your Website
To ensure your website is effective and professional, make sure to include:
Home Page: A quick overview of who you are and what your business offers.
About Us: Share your story and team details to add personality and build trust.
Contact Page: Make it easy for visitors to get in touch with a simple contact form and relevant details.
Blog Section: Include a space for sharing updates, insights, or news. This can be called anything that fits your brand, such as “Updates,” “Musings,” “Happenings,” or “Insights”. Regularly updating this section can help keep your website fresh, provide valuable content for your audience, and demonstrate your expertise in your field.
Pro Tip: Levege the Blog
Including a blog on your website, along with a subscribe feature, opens up a valuable communication channel with your prospects and target market. This section isn’t just for sharing thoughts or updates—it’s a tool for nurturing relationships and maintaining a consistent presence with potential clients.
When you meet new contacts, add them to your subscription list and keep them updated with monthly posts. Use these updates strategically to announce important milestones: the launch of your product, countdowns to early trial periods, or stories of early successes. This consistent communication not only keeps your audience engaged but also builds excitement and creates a sense of scarcity that can drive interest and prompt early sign-ups.
A well-maintained blog paired with a subscription feature keeps your prospects informed, makes them feel included in your journey, and primes them for future collaboration or product adoption.
Why You Shouldn’t Overthink Your First Website
For your first year or so, your website is unlikely to be the place where people find your business and sign up on the spot. As long as it’s professional and clearly ties to your business name, it serves its purpose. What’s more important is that when you hand someone your business card or they look you up after a conversation, your website reassures them that you’re legitimate and ready to do business.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Sign Up for a Squarespace Website
Visit the Squarespace Website:
Go to squarespace.com.
Start Your Free Trial:
Click on “Get Started” or “Start Free Trial”.
Choose a Template:
Browse the available templates and pick one that best suits your business’s style. Don’t worry too much about this step; you can always change your template or customize it later.
Click “Start with [Template Name]” once you’ve chosen one.
Create Your Account:
Sign up with your email address and create a password, or log in with an existing account.
Step 2: Create a Basic Page
Navigate to Your Dashboard:
Once you’re logged in, you’ll be taken to the Squarespace editor.
Add a New Page:
On the left sidebar, click “Pages”.
Under “Main Navigation”, click “+ Add” and select “Page”.
Choose a Page Layout:
Pick a layout that aligns with the content you want to display (e.g., a standard informational page).
Enter a page title (e.g., “Home”).
Customize the Page:
Click on the sections to edit text, add images, or modify elements to match your business’s needs.
Use the drag-and-drop editor to rearrange sections as needed.
Step 3: Establish a Blog
Add a Blog Page:
Go to “Pages” and click “+ Add” under “Main Navigation”.
Select “Blog” from the available page types.
Customize the Blog Layout:
Click on the blog page to edit its settings and design.
Use the blog editor to set up categories, manage posts, and adjust display options.
Create Your First Post:
Click “+ Add Post”.
Enter a title and write your content in the editor. You can add images, embed videos, or format text to fit your style.
Click “Save” or “Publish” when you’re done.
Enable the Subscribe Feature:
Navigate to “Marketing” on the left sidebar and click “Email Campaigns” to set up a subscribe feature for your blog.
Follow the prompts to integrate the feature, allowing visitors to subscribe to updates.
Step 4: Set Up the Contact Us Page
Add a Contact Page:
Go to “Pages” and click “+ Add” under “Main Navigation”.
Choose “Contact” from the page types.
Edit Contact Form Fields:
Click on the contact form to edit or add fields (e.g., name, email, message).
Customize the form text and add any additional details, such as phone numbers or office addresses.
Configure Form Settings:
Click on the form settings (gear icon) and specify where form submissions should be sent (e.g., your business email).
Adjust any confirmation messages or redirects that will appear after a visitor submits the form.
Add Additional Contact Information:
Add text blocks or map widgets if you want to display your business location or phone number.
Step 5: Connect Your Domain Name
Step 5: Connect Your Domain Name to Namecheap
1. Navigate to Domain Settings in Squarespace:
Go to “Settings” in the left sidebar and click on “Domains”.
2. Connect Your Existing Domain:
Click “Use a Domain I Own” and enter your custom domain name.
Follow the prompt to confirm your domain ownership.
3. Get Your DNS Settings from Squarespace:
Squarespace will provide specific DNS records that you need to update in your domain registrar account.
4. Log in to Your Namecheap Account:
Visit Namecheap and log in to your account.
Navigate to “Dashboard” and select your domain.
Click on “Manage” next to your domain to access the Domain Details page.
5. Update DNS Settings in Namecheap:
Go to the “Advanced DNS” tab.
Scroll down to the “Host Records” section.
Click “Add New Record” and select the record types (e.g., CNAME, A Record) as provided by Squarespace.
Enter the values exactly as shown by Squarespace and save the changes.
6. Verify Your Domain in Squarespace:
Return to Squarespace and click “Refresh” to verify the connection.
It may take up to 24-48 hours for DNS changes to propagate, but the connection often verifies within an hour.
7. Confirmation:
Once verified, your custom domain will be connected, and your Squarespace site will be live with your unique URL.
Final Thoughts
Your website doesn’t have to be a masterpiece at the start. It just needs to work, look professional, and relate to your business. As your company grows and you need more functionality, that’s when you can turn to web application experts like Strike Labs to build out tailored portals and systems that scale with your needs. For now, invest in a simple, clean website and focus on delivering quality and building relationships that will drive your business forward.
