Websites are an important part of any business. As technology evolved, more tools and resources became available to people who want to build their own sites. While you could still pursue a degree in Web Development, many people have utilized online classes to quickly pick up new skills and build valuable sites for their businesses.
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Why Do I Need to Have a Website for My Business?
Building a website is crucial for a modern business. Not only will a new webpage help you attract new sales, it helps you connect with existing customers. Your webpage will make the information your customers need readily available, encouraging them to spend their money with you.
Whether you work from home or have a large business that relied on local traffic and word-of-mouth advertising, building a well-designed webpage can help make your business appear more professional. The better your branding, design, and overall web presence is, the more credible your company appears to be. You’ll also have the opportunity to brag about your credentials or the things that set your business apart from the competition.
Some additional reasons to build a business webpage include:
- Inform potential customers about your services
- Seamlessly make online sales
- Show customers where you are located or how to contact you
- Display customer reviews
- Keep your customers informed about your industry
- Encourage long-term and repeat business
Is It Difficult to Build a Website?
There are infinite ways to build a website, and some methods are easier than others. For example, some business owners may set up a WordPress, Wix, or Shopify site without too much difficulty; however, they may find the templates and designs are limited.
The best sites are unique and have their own feel that aligns with the company’s brand. To build a custom layout, you will need some advanced design knowledge. Some visual web development applications are available, but if you want a one-of-a-kind look, you may need to build parts of your webpage from scratch. This means learning a little bit of programming language.
While there is a learning curve to web design, it is possible to create a basic site rather quickly. If you are completely new to web design or digital marketing, taking an online class would be a good idea. If you are having trouble learning how to build a specific design element or want to elevate the content you already have, you may be able to find specific tutorials on YouTube, Coursera, or Skillshare.
The Best 5 Online Web Design Courses
There are thousands of free and paid web design courses. Several universities and community colleges offer online masters Web Design degree programs. If you work from home or just want to spruce up your business’ online presence, you won’t need to spend years pursuing a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree to achieve your goal. Here are a few of the best online courses available.
Build a Full Website Using WordPress
This course by Coursera is a free guided project designed for beginners. The self-guided course takes about two hours to complete and teaches students how to use themes, plug-ins, and other design elements to customize their page. You’ll learn how to build a homepage, publish blog posts, and make edits.
This course is perfect for anyone who wants a good starting point. While the course won’t teach you how to make online sales, brand your business, or create advanced design elements, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make a basic site for your business.
Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization
Among the top web design courses on Coursera is this detailed course offered by the University of Michigan. While the 6-month course is beginner-friendly, you will learn several advanced web development techniques, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
Because of the overall length of the course, don’t expect to complete it during Coursera’s free trial. If you already have some advanced computer skills or can dedicate more than the suggested 3 hours per week to your studies, you may be able to complete the course in less than 6 months. When comparing costs of courses, estimate that you will need at least 6 months of membership.
Web Design for Beginners: Real World Coding in HTML & CSS
One of the most popular web design courses on Udemy was created to help people start a new career in the industry. If you are looking to build a custom site for your business without hiring a professional, this self-guided course could be the answer. The course teaches students how to create an engaging layout and responsive design. You’ll also explore advanced elements like CSS3.
The entire course has an estimated completion time of 11 hours and includes additional downloadable resources. The course has a suggested price of $129.99, but you may be able to find it on sale or through Udemy’s personal plan.
Introduction to Web Development
Led by Raspberry Pi, this introductory webdesign course guides students through the basics of building an interactive website. During the 6-hour self-guided course, students will learn some basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The online class also focuses on the Document Object Model and Validation.
While the course is very basic, it doesn’t cost anything to take, making it a good choice for people wanting a little more guidance building their custom business page.
Design 101: Product & Web Design Course for Beginners
This introductory webdesign course focuses more on the visual elements of building your site, such as choosing a typography or layout. Unlike the other courses mentioned above, Design Lab’s course includes mentor sessions with an industry professional. You’ll also complete several hands-on projects throughout the 40-hour online course.
Because this course offers a more hands-on experience and mentorship, it has a higher price tag of $399.
Websites are a necessity of modern businesses. Building a unique site from scratch can be time consuming and have a learning curve, but it can have a significant impact on your business. Find individual how-to guides or full online courses to help you grow your skills and create something that matches the needs of your business.