Setting up your first website in Sri Lanka can seem overwhelming, but with the right steps, it becomes a straightforward process. Whether you’re looking to create a personal blog, an e-commerce platform, or a portfolio, a website can help establish your digital presence and expand your reach. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the essential steps and tips for setting up your first website, while providing insights into elements many blogs don’t cover.
Why Having a Website is Important
With over 10 million internet users in Sri Lanka as of 2023, nearly 47% of the population has access to the internet . This shows a growing demand for online content and services, making it vital for businesses and individuals to establish an online presence. If you’re not online, you’re missing out on a large pool of potential customers and opportunities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your First Website in Sri Lanka
1. Choose Your Website’s Purpose
The first step is to decide the purpose of your website. Will it be a blog, an online store, a business portfolio, or a landing page? Defining this will help you choose the right platform and tools to build your website.
For example:
- Blogs or portfolios: WordPress or Wix.
- E-commerce: Shopify or WooCommerce.
2. Get a Domain Name
Your domain name is your website’s address (e.g., www.yourbusinessname.com). Selecting a memorable and easy-to-type domain is crucial. You can buy your domain from local providers like lkwebs.com or international registrars like Namecheap or GoDaddy.
A .lk domain (Sri Lankan top-level domain) helps local users easily identify your website as a Sri Lankan entity. According to Internet World Stats, websites with local domains tend to rank better for local searches .
Pro tip: Use keywords in your domain that reflect your business or niche. For instance, if you’re launching a travel blog, a domain like “travelwithname.lk” works well.
3. Select a Web Hosting Provider
Web hosting is the service that allows your website to be live on the internet. Sri Lankan businesses often prefer local hosting providers such as LankaHost or WebHost for better support and localized SEO advantages. However, international hosting services like Bluehost or HostGator also offer affordable plans.
When choosing a hosting provider, consider:
- Server uptime: Look for 99.9% uptime guarantees.
- Speed: Ensure fast page load times, especially for mobile users.
- Customer support: 24/7 local or global support.
For beginners, shared hosting is affordable and easy to manage, but for higher traffic, consider VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting.
4. Install a Website Builder or CMS (Content Management System)
For beginners, the most popular platform is WordPress, powering over 43% of all websites globally . Other website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly are beginner-friendly but may have limitations if you’re planning complex websites or SEO optimizations.
Why WordPress?
- Open-source with countless plugins and themes.
- SEO-friendly and customizable.
- Huge community support.
How to Install WordPress:
- Log into your hosting control panel (cPanel).
- Use the one-click WordPress installer.
- Configure basic settings like language, timezone, and security.
5. Design Your Website
The design phase is often overlooked by beginners, but it’s crucial for user experience. Choose a design that’s simple and navigable. WordPress has both free and premium themes that can be installed in a few clicks.
For e-commerce, focus on:
- Clear product pages.
- An easy checkout process.
- Mobile responsiveness (since 67% of web traffic in Sri Lanka comes from mobile devices) .
Pro tip: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly as Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites for SEO.
6. Optimize for SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
SEO is one of the most critical steps for a website’s success. Without it, your site will likely be buried in search engine results. Basic on-page SEO steps include:
- Use relevant keywords like “How to Set Up Your First Website in Sri Lanka.”
- Optimize images with descriptive ALT tags.
- Ensure fast page load times (you can use Google PageSpeed Insights to test your speed).
- Install an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math for WordPress.
Most blogs skip discussing local SEO. For Sri Lankan businesses, it’s crucial to optimize for local searches:
- Use Google My Business to ensure you show up in local search results.
- Add local keywords in titles and meta descriptions.
FAQs About Setting Up Your First Website (Unique Tips)
1. What type of content should I publish on my website?
When starting, create a content strategy that focuses on the needs of your target audience. For example, if you’re a small business, offer blog posts on how your product solves problems or local guides relevant to your services. Fresh, original content keeps visitors engaged and improves SEO rankings.
2. Can I start a website without coding knowledge?
Yes! Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Shopify require zero coding skills. You can set up a fully functional website using their drag-and-drop builders and customize themes easily. If you need more complex functionality, you can always hire a web developer later.
3. How much does it cost to set up a website in Sri Lanka?
Costs depend on the platform, hosting, and additional services you choose. A basic WordPress website with a .lk domain and hosting can cost between LKR 10,000 and LKR 20,000 per year. If you opt for premium themes or e-commerce functionality, costs will increase.
4. How can I secure my website?
Security is often neglected by beginners. Install an SSL certificate (usually included with hosting) to secure data. Also, use a security plugin like Wordfence to prevent hacking attempts. Ensure regular backups to avoid losing data if your site is compromised.
5. Is a website enough for online success in Sri Lanka?
No. A website is only the first step. You’ll also need to invest in digital marketing, such as SEO, content marketing, and social media to drive traffic to your site. Combining local SEO efforts with online advertising can help you achieve maximum reach in Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
Setting up your first website in Sri Lanka is a valuable investment for personal or business growth. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a website that is both functional and attractive. Remember, the website is just the foundation—continuous updates, security measures, and SEO strategies are key to long-term success.
Ready to get started? Now that you know how to set up your first website, it’s time to take action and begin your online journey.
