What is a website?

This is collection of web pages and related content that is identified by a common domain name and published on at least one web server. Website contains specific information which has been provided by an individual or an organization.eg https://kenic.or.ke, https://safaricom.co.ke, https://kplc.co.ke

Anyone or an organisation can have a website; a student, farmer, photographer, Teacher, Doctor, Entrepreneurs, SME’s, NGO’s, Government, Schools, Hospitals etc.

Types of websites

  1. E-commerce: Allows users to shop and buy products/services online.
  2. Personal website: This is a website where individuals create content about themselves. Eg https://joel.me.ke
  3. Blogs: This feature regularly updated articles, photos and videos.
  4. Portfolio: Allows creative professionals a place for showcasing their best work. Eg filmmakers, furniture builders, designers
  5. Landing pages: This is specific type of a website created for a marketing campaign that drives visitors to take a specific action.

Advantages of a website for your Business or Profile

  1. Marketing: Both start up and established business can market their products or services on websites. This helps to reach out a wider audience.
  2. Easy access to Business information: With a website customers can easily access information about a particular business/ product.
  3. Securing your brand online: Having a website helps you to protect your business brand online.
  4. Publicity and Advertising: Its cost effective to advertise online compared to TV or fliers.
  5. Business credibility: If you have a professional looking and user-friendly website consumers and customers will likely have a greater chance of considering your business credible.
  6. Competitive Opportunity: Most competitors who have websites use them to their advantage, in order to keep up or surpass having a website is a must.
  7. Build Customer Base: Consumer/ customer communication via the website can help you build your customer base.

Steps on how to create a website.

  1. Identify the type of website you need.
  2. Choose a good domain name for your website. A domain name is the entry point. Choose a .KE domain. There are various extensions of .KE depending on the website chosen.

https://kenic.or.ke/ke-domain/. While choosing a domain name ensure that;

  1. It’s short
  2. It’s easy to spell.
  3. It’s memorable.
  4. Use the proper extension.
  5. It does not conflict with an existing brand. This helps to avoid any form of dispute.
  6. Purchase secure and reliable hosting. Identify a web developer either a freelance developer or a web development/hosting provider(registrar).