Before you go about creating your blog, you must first address a very important item and that is your web hosting. This will be the company that will house all of the components that are a part of your WordPress blog.

What to Look For in a Website Hosting Company

When you're building your website, you might not think about your web hosting service too much.

The reliability of the hosting service is the difference between having your business website working for you 24/7 and one that loses business in downtime.

Here are 4 things to look for when choosing a website hosting company for your business.

1. Work out what you need

Are you a small start-up company, or a big organization? Does your site have an e-commerce function? Choose a hosting provider that will accommodate your business growth and changing needs in the future.

2. Customer service and Tech Support

If your website is down or there are technical issues your business will suffer, so look for a company that provides good support.

Being able to chat with someone live is best, or quick email service.

Don't choose a hosting service that only provides a support forum. Glitches of some kind are inevitable, so you need to be able to talk to someone to get it fixed fast!

3. Flexibility

Look for a hosting provider that will allow you to make changes to your site.

4. Read the fine print

Another business basic but do make sure you check to see exactly what you're buying and look out for 'extras' that you might expect to be part of your package.

The other fine print issue is to make sure you can take your business elsewhere if you're not happy with your web hosting service, especially whether you can take your domain name with you if you leave.

Your domain name is your business' internet identity, that's pretty important!

Experts say there are many standard web pages that every business website should have.

Make sure your website has all of these, it will be set up to become one of your best business tools/assets!

1. Home

This is where people will land and make the decision to stay and look around or keep going.

2. About

A brief overview of your business, who is involved, and why your business is different from your competitors.

3. Services

What services does your business offer? Give a summary and put more details in separate landing pages.

4. Products

Like the Services page, your Products page should give a clear, summary of what products your business offers with more detailed descriptions on separate landing pages.

5. FAQ

An FAQ page enables you to provide succinct answers to questions people often ask about your business. Keep the questions and answers framed positively and honestly.

6. Testimonials

A page of testimonials gives you the chance to show off! Tell your customers that you are the best through other customers' reviews and recommendations.

7. Contact

Don't forget to let people know how to contact you or to find your business.

8. Privacy Policy

Outline how you protect your customers' privacy, including how you collect, use, and safeguard their data.

If you have or expect to have customers in the European Union, you are obliged to comply with the General Data Protection Regulations 2018.

Make sure your website is explicit on your acknowledgment of the GDPR and how you meet their requirements.

What to Include in Your Website Sidebars

The sidebar is the most important part of your website after your home page.

Sidebars are where potential customers will head to find out more, subscribe to your list, follow you on social media or buy your products.

There are some important things to keep in mind when designing your sidebar.

• Have the essentials visible. Where do you want people to go first?

• Make it clear. Catch your reader's eye but don't make your sidebar distracting. It's a path into your website, not the main event!

• Give visitors a purpose for clicking on your website. Give your reader something to do, such as looking at your products, subscribing to your list, or downloading a freebie.

So, what should you put in your sidebar? First of all, consider what you want your reader to do right now. Do you want them to sign up for a course, hire you for a project, or subscribe to your newsletter?

Many experts recommend you have no more than five widgets in your sidebar, including:

1. A profile or bio widget. Put a face to the business and make a personal connection with your customers.

2. An opt-in form. Make it easy for people to sign up for your list. Keep your opt-in up near the top of the sidebar and consider an incentive, a freebie, or a bonus for subscribers.

3. Social media links. A social media platform is a vital part of your marketing strategy. Make it easy for people to follow you.

4. A call to action. Direct your reader to your online shop, newsletter sign-up, or course material.

5. A search function. Make it easy for people to find what they're looking for on your website.