My First Website, What Do I Do?

Published: April 2026 | Level: Beginner

My First Website, What Do I Do?

What is the first thing I should do when building my first website? 

The first step is to choose a reliable hosting provider and decide on a platform that aligns with your long-term business goals. While DIY builders like Wix offer speed, a technically capable solution like WordPress provides the SEO foundation needed to rank on Google. You must also decide whether to build it yourself or partner with a professional who understands both technical design and lead generation.

1. Which hosting provider should I choose for my website?

When embarking on your journey, you’ll encounter several approaches to where your website “sits.”

• The Budget Option: I recommend IONOS (ionos.co.uk) if you are being budget-conscious. However, keep in mind that lower costs often mean a slower backend (like when you press the save button) and limited technical support. Their backups are also only retained for five days.
• The Professional Choice: If you want to invest more for a better experience, I always suggest Siteground. While pricier, they offer a much smoother editing experience, top-notch technical support, and an excellent backup system that lasts for nine months.

2. How do I choose a professional to help build my website?

When seeking a professional, always review their portfolio first. Surprisingly, many developers struggle to maintain their own sites! This often indicates they focus solely on technical skills rather than business or marketing expertise.

A successful website builder needs to understand business dynamics and lead generation. My aim is to be a technical partner who helps you drive sales—technical competence and marketing strategy are two different dynamics that must work together for you to succeed.

3. Should I use Wix, GoDaddy, or WordPress?

The ideal platform depends on your objectives:

Wix and GoDaddy: These are user-friendly if you have an existing customer base and just need a site quickly. They require no technical expertise. However, these platforms often lack optimised pages and may not perform as well in search engines.
WordPress: While it can be a challenging platform to learn and may require technical assistance, this is where a professional solution really shines. It allows you to do the job thoroughly in a way that aligns with what Google and social platforms are looking for.

4. Why is a website safer than relying on Social Media?

Relying heavily on a single income source, like TikTok or Instagram, is risky. A sudden shift in algorithms could swiftly diminish your customer base. It is a much safer long-term strategy to make your website search engine friendly first, and then expand to social platforms.

Investing more time upfront to build a technically sound website is a “win” that ensures you aren’t at the mercy of platform changes.

Summary

Starting your first website is an investment in your business’s future. By choosing the right hosting, the right platform, and a partner who understands your sales goals, you create a foundation that grows with you.

About the Author: Helen Jones

Helen Jones is the founder of Elumin – a one-woman creative studio helping founders and small brands build bold, distinctive identities. With 25+ years of hands-on experience in design, websites, and campaign strategy, Helen blends strategic thinking with practical execution to deliver work that actually works.