In this article
In this one-hour webinar presented by Andy Leitch, our website Tech Champion, you will learn the basics of setting up a simple, DIY website that won’t cost the earth.
The webinar includes a practical, entry-level demonstration of the website builder Squarespace, but the approach and tips shared will be universal and relevant to any web platform.
You will learn:
Website structure: When planning the structure of your website, you can use a free online tool such as Gloomaps. Alternatively, you can use Powerpoint or even a pen and paper. Whatever you are comfortable with.
Creating your content: This webinar on creating a powerful website content strategy from the DCN Knowledge Hub is a good a place to start if you need help with this.
Web page sketches (wireframes): As with the website structure, there are free tools you can use, such as Miro. There are many others – this article lists 10 free-to-use wireframing tools you could try. If you want something really simple, try Powerpoint. Sketching on paper is also fine. Find which option works for you.
If you need a bit more information, here are some articles that may help.
https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/how-to-create-your-first-wireframe/
https://mailchimp.com/resources/website-wireframe/
Start with these articles, which provide an opinion on the easiest and best website builders currently available, including pros and cons and pricing for each. Try to do a bit of your own research too.
https://www.websitebuilderexpert.com/website-builders/easiest
https://uk.pcmag.com/web-hosting-services/42131/the-best-website-builders
Wix and Squarespace score well generally – this article provides a direct comparison:
https://www.websitebuilderexpert.com/website-builders/comparisons/wix-vs-squarespace/
Website accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can use and navigate a website effectively. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the practice of constructing and optimising a website to improve its visibility in search engine results. Both are important but were only covered in passing on this webinar. Below are two beginner guides to get you started.
Basic Accessibility for a New Website (PDF)
Basic SEO for a new website (PDF)
The Digital Culture Network is here to support you and your organisation. Our Tech Champions can provide free one-to-one support to all creative and cultural organisations who are in receipt of, or eligible for, Arts Council England funding. If you need help or would like to chat with us about any of the advice we have covered above, please get in touch. Sign up for our newsletter below and follow us on X (Twitter) @ace_dcn and LinkedIn for the latest updates.
Beginner Read Websites
The Digital Culture Podcast is for creative and cultural professionals to get to know the Digital Culture Network team, learn how we can help your digital skills development, and find out what’s happening across the sector. In this episode, James Akers interviews Andy Leitch, the Digital Culture Network Tech Champion for Websites.
Beginner Read Websites
This article has been written for organisations and individuals who don’t have a dedicated marketing or communications team (or budget). It’s aimed at people responsible for looking after their website but do not usually have the time needed. They probably have a range of other duties, and their website can get overlooked. Sound familiar? Then read on...
Beginner Read Websites
External Link
ICO advice about website transparency (cookies and privacy notices)Information from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for small organisations about why you need a privacy notice and how to create one.
Beginner Read Websites
This article has been written for organisations and individuals who don’t have a dedicated marketing or communications team (or budget). It’s aimed at people responsible for looking after their website but do not usually have the time needed. They probably have a range of other duties, and their website can get overlooked. Sound familiar? Then read on...
Beginner Read Digital Strategy Websites
Your website is one of your most important assets. Read on to find out how it can make a big impact on your organisation.
Beginner Read Websites
Tree testing is a quick and easy way to test the effectiveness of your website navigation. It’s a technique that can also test a new website structure you may be planning. A tree test can confirm how easy (or difficult!) it is to find important information on your website. This article by Andy explains it all.
