The Easiest Way to Get a Website in Ann Arbor, MI
Making a small business website can be intimidating. So, let’s make this easy. Here’s everything you need to know.
As a creative, educational, and tech hub in Michigan, Ann Arbor has no shortage of talent that can help you market your small business online.
At Jottful, we’ve built hundreds of websites for small businesses, often working with Ann Arbor professionals. Based on what we’ve learned, here’s how your small business can get an easy and affordable website in Ann Arbor:
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What & How: the pieces you’ll need and how they fit together
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Who: a list of people and companies in Ann Arbor that can help
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Getting Started: let’s go!
1. WHAT YOU NEED & HOW IT ALL WORKS
To create a website, you’ll need a domain registrar, CMS software, website designer, and website hosting service. Here are three ways you could get all these things.
| you will need: | Domain Registrar + | Software (CMS) + | Designer + | Website Hosting Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EASIEST WAY: Work with Jottful | you select your own (e.g., GoDaddy, Network Solutions, etc.) or use Jottful | Jottful | Jottful | Jottful |
| MOST CUSTOM WAY: Hire a Designer or Agency | you select your own | typically WordPress | agency or freelance designer | you select your own |
| CHEAPEST WAY: Do it yourself, using website builder software | you select your own or use the website builder software company | Website builder software (e.g., Wix or Squarespace) | you | Website builder software company provides |
2. WHO YOU NEED
Sometimes it takes a village to build and market a website. You may need someone to:
- Design a logo or create illustrations
- Write the text for your website — and maybe your blog and social media posts, too
- Make sure your website appears in search results (SEO)
- Help you market your small business online, with SEO or paid search
- Take and edit photos and videos
For your convenience, we’ve compiled this list of top website and online marketing professionals — all of whom serve small businesses — right here in Ann Arbor. Most of these professionals have worked with Jottful on other small business website projects.
3. GETTING STARTED
Alright — you know what you need and you’re ready to get started! Here are the next steps, depending on your preference:
- Easiest website solution: Contact Jottful to make an appointment to discuss your website needs. If we don’t think we’re the best solution for you, we’ll let you know — it’s in our best interest, as well as yours.
- Cheapest website solution: Search online for “best of” lists to help you determine which website-builder software company will be the optimal fit for your business. Then sign up for an account with one of them and get started creating your own website!
- Most custom solution: Search online for website designers in Ann Arbor. You’ll find individual designer and agency websites as well as some lists of local options. Be sure to ask each designer for similar websites they’ve done in the past so you can contact those small business owners to get a reference before you invest in making a hire.
Who is Jottful?
Jottful is the world’s easiest way for small businesses to build a website. We design it, update it, and host it. We also help connect you to the other online marketing services you might need, from logo design and content writing to SEO and social media posting. And we do all this starting at just $59/month. Make an appointment to chat with us about your website needs >
At Jottful we know it takes a village to market your business online. That’s why we’re more than just an easy website. We also connect small business owners with the best local experts for their website and online marketing.