Starting a website in the United Kingdom is not as difficult as it sounds, but it does require some planning and research. In addition to having a strong understanding of the online market in the UK, you will also need to know what laws and regulations are applicable to your business, how much it will cost you each month to host content, and which tools are available to help with this process.
Before you get started, keep in mind that creating an internet presence for your business is more than just creating a homepage. Your website is your virtual business card — the first impression customers have of your company and its services. Therefore, it’s important that your site conveys the image you want visitors to have of your business and services rather than hiding anything negative about yourself or your company.
What is the internet in the UK?
In the U.K., the internet is broken down into two different categories: the public internet and the private internet. The private internet refers to websites accessible only through a login or computer address that allows a person to enter their username and password to gain access.
On the other hand, the public internet is accessible through any device with an internet connection. The public web can also be accessed by people with no login or computer address, which means anyone can access it whether or not they have permission to do so.
How to Start a Website in the UK
There are many ways to start a website in the UK. It is essential to consider your specific needs when creating your website and to note how you want it to look and what information you want it to contain.
For example, if you need the ability for your customers to communicate with you, then you will need a contact form on the homepage or a link from other pages on the site that directs visitors back to this page. If you need an email marketing service or blog, then those features should be included as well. You can also hire someone specialising in website development for this process if you do not have available time or expertise.
Website Hosting Services
First, you will want to look for hosting services in the UK so that your website will be physically located in the UK and not overseas. Free website hosting services should be avoided because they will contain adverts or collect your personal information without your consent.
Next, you will want to evaluate the costs of website hosting fees and domain fees. Many companies charge a one-time set-up fee and monthly or annual fees for hosting, web design, and bandwidth. Professional business website hosting is essential for any serious business as it will include as standard high speed servers, full backup and comprehensive support.
You will also need to know how many people your business is targeting when designing your website. This can dictate what type of template you plan on using, along with other aspects like the colour scheme and font selection.
Domains for Websites
Choosing a domain name for your website is one of the first steps you will need to take before starting your site. At this stage, you should consider what type of business you are launching, whether it is a personal or a corporate site. If it’s a corporate site, then you should avoid using the word “company” in your domain name since that is reserved for companies in the UK; i.e. domain names which end in “.com”.
In addition to deciding on your domain name and hosting service, you will need to decide on how long your home page will be.
You can opt for a short homepage with only two or three paragraphs that focus on products or services your company provides; or a longer homepage with many more product and service pages that include pictures and descriptions as well as links to social media profiles or contact information.
Privacy Tips for Website Owners
Although the UK is no longer a member of the European Union there are still specific laws regarding personal data; most notably GDPR. By collecting customer data, you are required by law to protect it from hackers. When you collect personal data on your website, there are a few things to keep in mind:
● Don’t share the collected data with any third-party service providers or add-ons
● Do not use any form of tracking software
● Keep your site secure and provide regular security updates
Legal Requirements for Websites
As a business owner, you will have to abide by certain legal requirements for your website. For example, if you plan on selling products or services through your website, you’ll need to register for VAT. You’ll also need to make sure that the information on your site is up-to-date and compliant with UK laws and regulations.
Make sure that any content you put on your website is in compliance with local laws and regulations as well. Many companies mistakenly think they can ignore this requirement because they’re not directly involved in the business side of their site. However, it’s important that any content found on the site accurately reflects what the company does and how it operates so visitors have an easy time understanding what your company does and how it can benefit them.
Final Words
If you are thinking about starting your own website, don’t be overwhelmed. This post has given you tips for how to get started and a few things to consider before diving in. Please contact us for help specific to your business.