If you don't have a website for your business or brand, you're already behind the times. But building a website can feel like a daunting task. We build websites for our clients all the time, so we know how intimidating a blank screen can feel. Here are our top 5 tips to implement if you're DIYing your website.

1. Make Sure Your Website is Responsive to Size Changes

Your website should function no matter the size someone has their browser expanded or minimized too. Check out the example of Target's website below. When the browser is minimized to half screen, the whole site responds and becomes smaller. The menu options are condensed, but it's still easy to how to navigate the site. You want to make sure that when people make their browser smaller, your website's menu and images aren't being cut off and hidden. Some website building software does this for you automatically. If you're building with Wix (our fav here at Media A La Carte), you want to make sure you keep all your important content within the gridlines to keep your website responsive to browser size changes.

2. Have Clear Menu Options

While we all want to stand out from the crowd with unique websites, a place you shouldn't try to innovate too much is your menu. People want to get to their desired page as quickly as possible when they land on your site, and it's in your best interest to help them get there. Some key menu options you should always include for business websites are: Home, About, Services, and Contact. You can add more than this, but you don't want to overwhelm your audience with choices. Check out Media A La Carte's clear menu options below.

3. Include CTAs on Your Site

CTAs aren't just for Instagram captions and advertising. You need to include them on your website too. In the photo above, did you notice the CTA in the top right corner? As soon someone lands on our site, you want to invite them to engage. If you click through our website, there are subtle CTAs on almost every page. Don't overwhelm your audience with flashing gifs are bright colors just for the sake of getting their attention. Keep your CTAs simple, in the same tone as your brand, and within your brand colors so you don't turn off your audience.

4. Use Readable Fonts

Sometimes we're drawn to beautiful, calligraphy style fonts because they seem unique and elegant ... but those fonts aren't easy to read, especially in paragraph form. When you're picking fonts for your website, make sure they match up with the fonts you use in graphics on your other platforms. You can choose more intricate fonts for headers and large key words on your website, but make sure they are big enough and have a high contrast background behind them to help their readability.

5. Create Easy Contact Options

Contacting you should be a breeze. Make sure you have a menu option that takes users to a contact form where they can fill out their information and send you a message. Make use of the footer of your website. It should include all of your social media links, your business phone number, and your business email. Hyperlink your email so when people click on it, it opens up a blank email addressed to you. Add buttons across your site that encourage your audience to contact you. It should never be a chore to to get in touch with your business. If it is a chore - people simply won't do it.

Building a site still feel like too much for you to take on? Bring Media A La Carte on board, and we can have an effective website up and running for you in no time. It's okay to get professional help to fill the gaps in your business plan.

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