Navigating the World of Websites: My Journey as an Apprentice 

By Ben Farrington 27/11/24

As the apprentice at Start Digital, I’d like to share what I’ve learned about building and managing websites for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As someone new to the industry, I’ve been amazed by the level of strategy, creativity, and problem-solving involved in creating an effective online presence. 

For SMEs, a website is much more than a digital storefront—it’s a vital tool for attracting customers, building credibility, and driving growth. Here’s what I’ve learned about web hosting, website builders, and making the most of your online space. 

The Foundation: Choosing the Right Web Host 

One of the first things I discovered is how important web hosting is for a website’s performance and reliability. Think of web hosting as the foundation of a building—everything depends on its strength and stability. 

For SMEs, three stand-out options are: 

• IONOS by 1&1: Budget-friendly and scalable, ideal for small businesses with limited budgets. It’s easy to use and offers free SSL certificates and domain registration for the first year. 

• SiteGround: Renowned for speed and reliability, this host is a bit pricier but provides robust security and excellent customer support. A great choice for businesses prioritising reliability. 

• Krystal Hosting: A UK-based, eco-friendly host powered by renewable energy. If sustainability is important to your business, Krystal offers great performance with ethical hosting. 

The right host depends on your business goals. Whether you need cost-effectiveness or premium features, there’s a hosting provider to suit every SME. 

Bringing Your Vision to Life: Website Builders 

Once you’ve chosen a host, it’s time to design your website. Website builders make it easier than ever for SMEs to create a professional online presence without needing technical expertise. Here are the top tools I’ve explored: 

• Wix: Offers a drag-and-drop interface, making customisation simple. With hundreds of templates and a feature-rich app store, it’s highly versatile for creative businesses. 

• Squarespace: Known for its sleek and professional designs, it’s perfect for businesses that want a polished look. Built-in e-commerce tools make it great for brands looking to sell online. 

• Shopify: Tailored for e-commerce, Shopify simplifies inventory management, payment processing, and shipping. If selling products is your focus, Shopify is an excellent choice. 

• WordPress.com: Brilliant for content-heavy sites such as blogs or portfolios. Its flexibility allows you to start small and scale as your business grows. 

Choosing a builder depends on your business type. For instance, a boutique retailer might thrive on Shopify, while a design studio would benefit from Squarespace. 

Lessons Learned 

Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve learned that creating a website is about much more than picking tools—it’s about tailoring them to meet your business’s needs. A successful SME website should be user-friendly, reflect your brand, and drive action, whether it’s sales, bookings, or enquiries. 

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up:

Focus on Speed: Slow websites drive visitors away. Choosing a reliable host and optimising images can help.

Prioritise Mobile: With so many people browsing on their phones, a mobile-friendly design is essential.

Invest in SEO: Even a great website won’t succeed if it’s not discoverable. Use tools to optimise your content for search engines.

Keep It Simple: A clean, intuitive layout works best. Don’t overwhelm visitors with cluttered designs. 

How Start Digital Can Help 

Building and managing a website can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling the demands of running a business. That’s where Start Digital comes in. 

We specialise in guiding SMEs through every step, from choosing the right hosting and builder to creating a website that perfectly fits your brand. We also offer ongoing support for SEO, content updates, and analytics, ensuring your site remains a valuable asset for growth. 

Ready to take the next step? Visit Start Digital today to book a free consultation and discover how we can help your business thrive online. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing site, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.