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Polylang Language Switcher Complete Strategy! The Definitive Guide to Building a Multilingual Website #2

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Prepare Before You Open Your Business! The Complete Guide to Avoiding Failure in Website Creation

You are thinking about opening a business, do you need a website? Are you wondering if you need a website?

In fact, in this day and age, a website is as important as a store sign.

This page will tell you all about the benefits of having a website, what types of websites are available, how much they cost, and what you can do to avoid mistakes.
Take the first step toward success by preparing your website well before opening your business.

Importance of opening website

Successful opening of a business requires a variety of preparations, the most important of which areThe launch of the website.Even if you have a physical store, attracting customers to your business via the Web has become indispensable. Understand the importance of having a website before opening a business, and get ready for it.

A website for opening a business that directly attracts customers

The website is,Salesman working 24 hours a day, 365 days a yearIt is. Unlike flyers and advertisements, they can reach a large number of people at any time and place. In particular, with the recent spread of smartphones, more and more people are gathering information anytime, anywhere. Therefore, a website is a powerful tool for acquiring new customers.

Having a website will also attract customers from search engines; if your website appears high on Google and other search engines, it will increase the chances that potential customers will discover your business, thereby increasing your effectiveness in attracting customers. For example, if you are opening a restaurant, if your website is displayed to users who search for keywords such as "area name + restaurant," it is more likely to lead them to visit your restaurant. Furthermore, by setting up a blog on your website and updating it regularly, you can increase the SEO effect and attract more customers.

Combining your physical store with your Web presence will create synergy and attract more customers. For example, you can promote store visits by posting coupons on your website as well, or you can offer a campaign exclusive to your website to attract more customers from the Web. A well-developed website strategy before opening a business will greatly contribute to the success of your business.

For specific web customer attraction strategies,Overall picture of attracting Web customersfor reference.

Salesman working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

The website is,Even outside of physical store hours.Keep your customers informed. Even late at night, early in the morning, or during regular holidays, if you have access to the site, it is an opportunity to let people know about your business. This is a great advantage because it allows you to reach your customers without incurring labor costs.

For example, in the case of an esthetic salon, by posting information such as treatment details, fees, and staff introductions on the website, customers can check the information whenever they want. A customer who browses the website after business hours and becomes interested in the salon can then use the reservation form to inquire about the salon's services. In this way, the homepage can beWithout the constraints of time and location.It is an efficient way to promote your business and attract customers.

For more information on how to attract customers with a 24-hour website,How to attract customers through your websitefor reference.

Fostering a Sense of Trust

The website is,Increase business credibilityIt plays an important role. Having a well-developed website can give customers a sense of security and foster a sense of trust in your business. Especially for a business just starting out, it is important to gain the trust of customers. By carefully communicating your business description, philosophy, and achievements through your website, you can build a relationship of trust with your customers and lead to long-term business success. For example, in a highly specialized business such as a professional business, it is easier to gain the trust of customers by posting your expertise and achievements on your website. In addition, by posting customer testimonials and case studies, the website can provide a more concrete image of your business and increase trust. In addition, the design and structure of the website and the quality of the text are also important,Professional impressionto give you more credibility with your customers.
element (e.g. in array, in programming, in programming) effect
Clear description of the business Better understand your customers
Customer Testimonials Communicating quality of service
Disseminating information on the blog Promote your expertise
Explicit security measures Provide peace of mind
For more information on how to increase trust on your website,How to increase credibility on your websitefor reference.

Types of website development and how to choose

A website is an essential part of opening a business. Having a website can open up opportunities to attract new customers and facilitate the growth of your business. However, how you choose to create your website can make a big difference in cost, time, and final results. So here we detail the typical types of website production, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how to choose the right one.

one's own work

There are an increasing number of tools that allow users to create websites with intuitive operations, even without specialized knowledge of HTML, CSS, etc. This method is suitable for those who wish to keep costs down and create at their own pace.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages demerit
Low-cost production Expertise may be required.
You can produce at your own pace. Design and functionality may be limited.
Easy to update SEO can be difficult to achieve.

Recommended tools: Wix, Jimdo

Wixis an easy-to-use drag-and-drop website creation tool. A wide variety of templates and applications are available to create a well-designed website. Free plans are also available, so feel free to try it out.Wix Official Site JimdoIt is also suitable for business use, with strengths for SEO. Its simple operation makes it easy for even beginners to create a website.Jimdo Official Site

outsourcing

This method is to commission a web production company or freelance web designer to create a website for you. This method is suitable for those who want to create a high-quality website and do not have much time.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages demerit
Able to create high quality websites. Costs can be high.
You don't need expertise to make a request. Production time may be longer
SEO and web marketing consultations are also available. It can be time-consuming to request revisions, etc.

Types of production companies and how to choose one

There are many types of web production companies, from large to small. Select the best company by comparing their track record, areas of expertise, and costs. For example, there are companies that specialize in design, system development, and SEO. There are also various sizes of production companies, such as those that are locally based and those that have a nationwide presence. Choose the company that best suits your business type, website objectives, and budget. It is important to choose a reliable company by referring to their production record and word of mouth.How to Choose a Web Production Company

crowdsourcing

This is a method of requesting web site production from an unspecified number of web designers and engineers using a crowdsourcing service. The advantage is that production can be done at a relatively low cost.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages demerit
Can be produced at relatively low cost Quality may vary.
Many creators to choose from Communication can be difficult.
In some cases, speedy production is possible. Can be difficult to deal with when problems occur

important point

When using crowdsourcing,Check the creator's portfolio and track record carefully.Sh,In-depth meetingsIt is important to do the following. In addition, clarifying contract details, deadlines, and fees will help prevent problems before they occur. It is also important to choose a reliable crowdsourcing platform and carefully check the terms of use.Crowdsourcing Web Production

Cost of opening a new business website

The cost of creating a website to open a business varies greatly depending on the production method, scale, and functionality. Here, we will explain in detail the cost rates for the three methods: self-production, outsourcing, and crowdsourcing.

In case of self-made

For homebrew, the cost is basicallyfreeYou can start with a Free website creation services allow you to set up a website with no initial or monthly fees. However, you will have to pay for your own domain name and more advanced features.
(data) item cost price
Domain name acquisition fee From 1,000 yen per year
Paid template usage fee Several hundred to several thousand yen per month
Additional function fees Varies by function
Free website creation services may have limited functionality and design. If you want to create a full-fledged website, it is better to use a paid service or tool. For example,Wixand ... andJimdoand other services offer free plans as well as paid plans that offer more features and customization options.

Outsourcing

If outsourcing, the cost isHundreds of thousands to millions of yenand are more expensive than self-produced websites. Costs vary greatly depending on the size and functionality of the website, the quality of the design, and the production company you request.
scale cost price
Small site (about 5 pages) 300,000 yen to 500,000 yen
Medium size site (about 10 pages) 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen
Large sites (20+ pages) From 1 million yen
In addition, after the website is createdoperation costshould also be considered. Operating costs include server, domain, and maintenance costs. These costs range from a few thousand yen to several tens of thousands of yen per month. For exampleen JapanIn the following section, we explain in detail the key points for selecting a website production company and the cost rates.

Types of production companies and how to choose one

There are many types of production companies, ranging from large production companies to small production companies and freelance web designers. Each has different areas of expertise and price ranges, so it is important to choose a production company that meets your needs. For example, if design is important to you, you should choose a production company with strong design capabilities. If your budget is limited, another option is to hire a small production company or freelance web designer.

For crowdsourcing

For crowdsourcing, the costs areTens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yenand can be produced relatively inexpensively compared to outsourcing. However, since quality varies, it is important to carefully check the track record and evaluation when making a request.
scale cost price
Small site (about 5 pages) 50,000-200,000 yen
Medium size site (about 10 pages) 200,000 yen to 500,000 yen

important point

When crowdsourcing website development,Contents of ContractIt is important to carefully check the delivery date, number of revisions, and ownership of copyrights well in advance to avoid problems. Also,CloudWorksand ... andLancersand other crowdsourcing sites allow you to check past requests and evaluations. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Choose the method that best suits your budget, the quality you are looking for, and the time you have to spend on production.

Points to avoid failure in website creation

It is no exaggeration to say that website development is a very important part of opening a business and will determine its success. With careful planning and proper preparation, you can create an effective website that will facilitate the growth of your business. Here, we detail the key points to avoid mistakes in website creation.

Clarification of objectives and targets

The first step in creating a website is to clarify the purpose and target audience. Be specific about who you want to reach and what you want to encourage them to do through your website. For example, if the goal is to attract new customers, it is important to analyze the age, gender, interests, etc. of the target audience and create content accordingly. By clarifying your target audience, you can effectively design your website, content, and SEO measures.

Develop the structure of the website before opening.

The structure of your website has a significant impact on ease of use for users (usability) and SEO. Before opening the site, create a site map and carefully plan what pages will be placed and how the hierarchical structure will be constructed. It is important to place pages such as main menu, main services and products, company profile, contact us, etc., so that users can easily access the information they seek. A sitemap also helps with SEO; search engines such as Google use sitemaps to understand the structure of a website and index it appropriately.

Creating content with SEO in mind

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is an important measure to ensure that your website appears at the top of search results, and SEO-conscious content creation is directly related to attracting customers. Target keywords appropriately and incorporate them naturally into titles, headings, and body text. Google appreciates websites that provide useful information to users,Google Search CentralSee for example.

Smartphone support is a must.

Today, many people use the Internet with their smartphones. Therefore, it is essential that your website be compatible with smartphones. Adopt a responsive design and ensure that the layout, font size, and usability are easy to view on smartphones. Smartphone compatibility not only improves the user experience, but is also effective for SEO; Google appreciates a mobile-friendly website.

Set up an inquiry form

The contact form is an important point of contact with your customers. To make it easy for users to inquire, place the form in a location that is easy to understand and minimize the number of required fields. It is also important to consider the ease of use of the input form to ensure a smooth inquiry process. For example, user convenience can be improved by providing explanations next to input items and by introducing a validation function to prevent input errors.

Security measures

Your website is a potential target of cyber attacks. Failure to take security measures exposes your company to the risk of personal information and customer data leakage, website defacement, etc. Build a secure website by installing SSL certificates, using security plug-ins, and conducting regular security checks. Security measures will also help you gain the trust of your customers.

Have an operational plan in place.

Websites require continuous operation after publication. Various tasks such as updating content, SEO, access analysis, and responding to inquiries will arise. Before opening the website, it is important to establish an operation system and clarify who will be in charge and the budget. It is also important to analyze the access status of the website and consider improvement measures. By utilizing access analysis tools and understanding which pages are most frequently viewed, which keywords are searched for, etc., it is possible to formulate effective improvement measures.
(data) item importance Specific measures
Clarification of objectives and targets Basics of Website Creation Analysis of target audience, persona setting
Develop the structure of the website before opening. Usability and SEO Improvement Site map creation, wireframe creation
Creating content with SEO in mind Attracting customers from search engines Keyword selection, content optimization
Smartphone support is a must. Improved user experience Adoption of responsive design
Set up an inquiry form Ensure contact with customers Easy-to-understand placement and optimization of input forms
Security measures Website Security SSL certificate installation, use of security plug-ins
Have an operational plan in place. Continuous Improvement Operational system development, access analysis
By taking these points into consideration and preparing well, you can achieve effective website creation and lead your business to success after opening. For more information on procedures and notifications related to opening a business,Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry WebsitePlease refer to the following

Website content to be prepared prior to opening

Preparing content to be posted on your website prior to opening your business will ensure a smooth launch and effective customer attraction. Enhance the content to provide useful information for your target customers and increase their sense of trust and security.

Opening Information

Opening information is the first important information users will see. Be sure to post accurate and easy-to-understand information.

Information to be posted

(data) item Details
trade name List the official trade name.
Business Specific business activities will be explained in an easy-to-understand manner.
Location Include the address and map, and clearly indicate how to get there.
Contact Include your phone number, email address, and a link to your contact form.
Business Hours Clearly state the days and hours of operation. If there are regular holidays, these should also be clearly stated.

Services and Products

Service and product introductions are the core content of your website. It is important to understand the needs of your customers and communicate them in an appealing manner.

Effective Referral Methods

  • Visually appealing with photos and videos
  • Clearly demonstrate the benefits to the customer
  • Focus on providing value, not just price
  • Clarify points of differentiation from other companies
How to tailor appeals to target customersBy being aware of the following, you can achieve a more effective introduction of your services and products. For example, for BtoB-oriented services, you can increase the sense of trust by posting case studies and actual results. On the other hand, for BtoC products, photos and videos that show the usage scenarios will increase the willingness to purchase.

rate structure

The fee structure is an important decision-making factor for customers. By presenting an easy-to-understand and transparent fee structure, you can increase your customers' sense of security.

How to present the fee structure

  • Create a fee schedule and clarify the breakdown of fees.
  • If additional fees will be charged, clearly state the terms and conditions
  • If a discount program is available, explain it clearly.

Our Staff

Staff profiles are an important part of the face of your company. By posting staff profiles that are friendly and trustworthy, you can build positive relationships with your customers.

Effective staff introductions

  • Post your photo and name.
  • Introduce each staff member's area of expertise and specialization.
  • Post a message to customers
How to create a staff introduction pageto create engaging content.

Blog

Blog,SEOand an effective tool for information dissemination. By regularly updating your website, you can increase contact with your customers and attract more customers. By keeping up-to-date information, you can increase customer interest and use it as a place to showcase your company's expertise. How to write SEO-friendly blog postsfor effective blogging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are effective in resolving customer questions and reducing the time and effort required to respond to inquiries. Anticipate in advance the questions that customers are likely to have, and prepare answers in an easy-to-understand manner.

Customer's voice

Customer testimonials are very effective in enhancing the credibility of your services and products. Posting testimonials and feedback from customers can help attract new customers. By posting them with specific episodes, they can be more persuasive and sympathetic.

Schedule of opening website production

When creating a website for the opening of a new business, careful schedule management is the key to success. From preparation to production and post-publication operation, knowing the necessary work and appropriate timeframes for each stage will ensure a smooth launch.

preparatory period

The first step in the website development process is the preparation period. This period is critical for setting the direction of the website and determining specific content. Specific tasks and estimated timeframes are as follows
Work Contents Approximate period Details
Clarification of objectives and targets 1 to 2 weeks Clearly define what you want to accomplish with your website and who you want to reach.By analyzing the needs and behaviors of the target audience, we can create an effective website.
competitive research 1 week Analyze competitors' websites to understand their strengths and weaknesses.Learning about successes and failures will help you develop more effective strategies.
Content Planning 2 to 3 weeks Determine the content, structure, number of pages, etc., of the content to be published.Be sure to provide information that is useful to your target audience.
Domain name acquisition and server contract 1 week Obtain your own domain name and sign up for a server.Since different rental server companies offer different prices and services, comparisons are important.Sakura Rental Serverand ... andConoHa WINGThere are a variety of options, including

Production period

Once the preparation period is complete, it is time to begin production of the website. The production period varies greatly depending on the size and complexity of the website, but in general, the following time frames are recommended.
Work Contents Approximate period Details
Design Creation 2-4 weeks Create a design for the website.It is important to be aware of the design and ease of use for the target audience.After creating wireframes and establishing the design direction, we begin the specific design work.
coding 2-4 weeks Based on the design, coding is performed using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.Ensure that the site can be comfortably viewed on a variety of devices by making it compatible with responsive design.
Content Implementation 2 to 3 weeks Implement text, images, videos, and other content on your website.It is important to create content with SEO in mind.
Testing and modification 1 to 2 weeks We will check the operation and display of the website and make corrections as necessary.Cross-browser testing and display checks on various devices are performed to ensure that there are no glitches.

Post-publication operations

Even after a website is published, it must be operated on an ongoing basis. Analysis of access status, content updates, and SEO measures can maximize the effectiveness of the website.
Work Contents frequency Details
access analysis Daily/Weekly We will analyze the access situation using Google Analytics and other tools, and consider improvement measures.Analyzing metrics such as number of accesses, dwell time, and direct return rate, we can identify issues with the website.
Content Updates Weekly/Monthly Maintain user interest by regularly updating content, such as blog posts and posting updates.Providing fresh information will also improve SEO effectiveness.
SEO Ongoing. We aim to improve rankings in search engines through ongoing SEO efforts, such as keyword selection and link acquisition.It is important to take a long-term view of SEO.
Security measures Ongoing. If security measures are not taken, there is a risk that the website will be tampered with.Security risks can be reduced by installing security plug-ins and regular updates.
These schedules are only a guide. The time required will vary depending on the type of business you are opening and the size of your website. Please plan your schedule well in advance and proceed with the website development in a systematic manner.

Tools to help you create your opening website

It is important to utilize a variety of tools to make website creation more efficient and effective. Here we introduce tools that are useful for creating a website for opening a business, such as SEO, access analysis, and design creation.

SEO Tools

The SEO Tool is a tool that assists in analysis and improvement for search engine optimization (SEO). They include keyword research, competitor site analysis, and finding technical problems with your site. By utilizing these tools, you can aim to improve your ranking in search engines and help more users find your website.

Google Search Console

Google Search Console is a free website management tool provided by Google.Essential SEO features such as checking site indexing status and search performance, diagnosing technical problems, etc.You can use it to understand how your website appears in Google searches and take steps to improve it. For example,Google Search Console HelpLearn to use Search Console with reference to the following

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a free tool for analyzing website traffic.Check various data such as number of accesses, user attributes, and incoming routesYou can do this. For more information on how to use Google Analytics,Google Analytics AcademyYou can learn more at

Keyword Planner

The Keyword Planner is a keyword research tool provided by Google Ads.Find out search volume, related keywords, and competitiveness for specific keywordsKeyword. Including appropriate keywords on your website will help improve your ranking in search engines. For more information on how to use the Keyword Planner,Keyword Planner Helpfor reference.

Access Analysis Tools

Access analysis tools are used to analyze access to a website. They can be used to understand user behavior and help improve your website.

SimilarWeb

SimilarWeb is a tool dedicated to competitor site analysis.Analyze competitor site traffic, traffic sources, keywords, etc.For more information on SimilarWeb, click here,SimilarWeb Official Sitefor more information.

Design Tools

The Design Tool is a tool for creating website designs. You can easily create beautiful designs without any technical knowledge.

Canva

Canva is,Online tools that make it easy for even beginners to create designsIt is. A wide variety of templates and materials are available for drag-and-drop operation. For more information on how to use Canva,Canva Tutorialwill be helpful.

Other

There are many other tools available to help you create your website. Choose the appropriate tool for your purpose and make use of it.

Free Image Site

Images used on your website should be copyright-conscious. By using free image sites,Easy access to copyright-free imagesYou can do this. As for recommended free image sites,Unsplashand ... andPixabayand others.
tool (esp. software, etc.) summary Advantages
Google Search Console Website management tools provided by Google Check site indexing status and search performance, and diagnose technical problems.
Google Analytics Tools to analyze website traffic Various data such as number of accesses, user attributes, and incoming routes can be confirmed.
Keyword Planner Keyword Research Tools Search volume, related keywords, and competitiveness of specific keywords can be examined.
SimilarWeb Competitor Site Analysis Tool Analyze competitor site traffic, traffic sources, keywords, etc.
Canva Online Design Tools Easy creation of designs even for beginners
Free image sites (Unsplash, Pixabay, etc.) Sites offering copyright-free images Easy access to images for use on your website
By effectively using these tools, you can facilitate the production of your opening website and create a high-quality website. Understand the features of each tool and use them according to your objectives.

summary

An opening website is an essential tool for the success of your business. It contributes greatly to attracting customers and increasing trust, and acts like a salesman working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key points to consider when creating a website before opening a business. There are three methods of website creation: self-made, outsourcing, and crowdsourcing, each with different advantages, disadvantages, and cost rates. Choose the method best suited to your situation.

To avoid failure in website production, it is important to clarify the purpose and target audience, carefully plan the structure, and create content with SEO in mind. In addition, smartphone compatibility, contact forms, and security measures are also essential.

Content should include opening information, services and products, fee structure, staff profiles, blogs, FAQs, and customer testimonials to provide useful information for users.

MovetoJapan offers the lowest price in the industry for website creation and marketing support, starting at 148,000 yen! We provide consistent support from website development to SNS customer attraction. Please contact us for inbound countermeasures and e-commerce site production. For more information about our services, click here.