When I first started building websites, I made a lot of mistakes that, looking back, could have been avoided with a little more guidance. The truth is, there’s a learning curve to creating a site that’s both visually appealing and functional. If I could go back and give myself advice, here’s what I’d say. Hopefully, it helps you too.
1. The Right Hosting Matters More Than You Think
Hosting affects website speed.
Not all hosting services are created equal. One of my earliest mistakes was choosing a host based solely on cost, and I quickly realized that some cheaper options come with painfully slow server response times. If your site takes forever to load, users won’t stick around, and no amount of great design can make up for it.
You’ll miss out on critical features with the wrong host.
Hosting isn’t just about storing your website—it’s about the features and support that come with it. Hosts like SiteGround offer 24/7 support and even handle tricky tasks for you. Automatic backups, which higher-end hosts often include, are a lifesaver. In contrast, hosts like BlueHost and GoDaddy may leave you stranded with poor customer service and fewer tools.
We host all our client sites on SiteGround’s managed cloud hosting because their speed and support are unmatched. Backups are fully automated and hassle-free, giving us one less thing to worry about. This has saved us more than once—when testing code that unexpectedly breaks functionality, we can easily roll back to a previous backup and restore everything in minutes, keeping things running smoothly for our clients.
You get what you pay for.
Cheap hosting may save you money upfront, but it’s not worth the headaches. Spending a little extra on a reliable host gives you peace of mind, better performance, and fewer issues in the long run. Trust me, the investment is worth it.
2. Use Templates and Look for Inspiration
Templates can be your best friend when you’re just starting out. You don’t have to use them exactly as they come, but they’re great for sparking ideas and giving you a head start.
Templates save you time.
When I discovered Divi by Elegant Themes, it was a game-changer. They offer thousands of pre-made templates and layouts to choose from, giving you a solid foundation to build on. This can save you hours of work and stress.
Get inspiration from competitor sites.
Look at competitor sites. See what’s working for them and adapt those elements for your projects. It’s not about copying; it’s about learning and optimizing your own designs. Taking time to research upfront can save you a ton of trial and error.
3. Don’t Undersell Yourself
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is recognizing the value of my work. Building websites is no small task, and clients aren’t just paying for your time—they’re paying for your expertise.
Charge an appropriate amount.
It’s tempting to undercharge when you’re starting out, but resist that urge. Pricing your work too low not only undervalues your skills but also sets a precedent that’s hard to break later.
Stand firm on your prices.
Some clients may try to negotiate or manipulate you into lowering your rates. Stand firm. Your time and effort are worth it, and the right clients will recognize that.
Keep Practicing and Building
The more websites you build, the more confident you’ll become. Each project teaches you something new, and over time, things that once felt overwhelming will become second nature. Keep challenging yourself, trying new tools, and experimenting with designs. It’s the only way to grow.
Building websites isn’t just about coding or design—it’s about learning, adapting, and constantly improving. If you’re just starting out, take these lessons to heart, and know that every mistake is a step toward mastering your craft.
