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Website basics explained
A simple introduction to how websites work, what you need to get one online and the key things to consider before you start.
What is a website
A website is a collection of pages, files and content that can be accessed on the internet using a web address, also called a domain name.
It can be as simple as a few pages with information about your business, or more complex with features such as online shops, booking systems, customer accounts or member areas.
In short
Your website is your online home – a place to explain what you do, build trust and help people take the next step.
What makes up a website?
A website relies on several parts working together. Exactly how it is built can vary, but these are the basics you are likely to come across.
Domain name
Your website’s address, for example yourbusiness.co.uk. It is what people type into their browser to find you.
Hosting
The server space where your website’s files and data are stored so the site can be accessed online.
Website files and technology
The code and files behind the site, whether hand-coded or managed through a CMS or website builder.
Content
The text, images, videos, products and other information your visitors see and interact with.
Design and functionality
How your website looks, how people move around it and what they can do, such as complete a form, make a booking or buy something.
Want more detail? See the dedicated guide: Domains, hosting & SSL.
How the pieces fit together?
When someone visits your website, a few things happen behind the scenes:
01 Domain name
A visitor enters your domain name into their browser. The domain points them towards the server where your website is hosted.
02 Hosting
Your hosting server stores the files and data needed to make your website available online.
03 Website
The server delivers the website to the visitor, whether it is hand-coded or built using a CMS or website builder.
04 Visitor
The visitor views the website, browses the content and takes actions such as contacting, booking or buying.
Before you build anything
A little planning goes a long way. Think about:
Your purpose
What do you want to achieve? (e.g. sell products, get enquiries, share information)
Your audience
Who are you creating the website for? What do they need?
Your content
What do you already have and what do you need to create?
Key functionality
What do you want to achieve? (e.g. sell products, get enquiries, share information)
Your budget
Be realistic about what you can spend now and what might be needed later.
Ongoing maintenance
Consider who will keep the site updated once it’s live.
What pages might you need?
There is no fixed list that suits every website, but most business sites use some of the following pages.
Home
A clear introduction to what you do, who it is for and what visitors should do next.
About
Your story, background, values, experience or team. Focus on the information that helps a potential customer trust your business.
Services or products
Explain what you offer, who it is for, what is included and how somebody can buy, book or enquire.
Portfolio, case studies or shop
Show examples of your work, demonstrate results or allow customers to browse and buy products.
FAQs
Answer common questions that may otherwise prevent somebody from getting in touch or making a purchase.
Contact
Give people a clear way to reach you. Depending on the business, this could include a form, telephone number, email address, opening hours or location.
Privacy and cookies
If you collect personal information or use cookies and analytics, you may need privacy information and appropriate cookie controls. The exact requirements depend on how your site works.
Terms or policies
Depending on the business, you may also need terms and conditions, delivery and returns information, booking terms or other policies.
What makes a good website?
A good website does not need to be complicated. It should make it easy for the right people to understand your business and complete what they came to do.
Be clear
Visitors should quickly understand what you do, who you help and what they can do next.
Be easy to navigate
Keep menus, page names and the overall structure simple and predictable.
Work on all devices
Your website should adapt properly to phones, tablets and desktop screens. See: Responsive design.
Be accessible
Use readable text, clear headings, sensible colour contrast and accessible controls so more people can use the site. See: Accessibility essentials.
Be easy to find
Use clear page titles, useful content and good site structure so search engines can understand your pages. See: SEO basics.
Be fast
Optimise images and avoid unnecessary features that slow pages down. See: Website performance.
Building it yourself or using a professional?
Both approaches can work. The right option depends on what the website needs to do, your budget, your time and how confident you are managing it yourself.
DIY may be a good option if:
Visitors should quickly understand what you do, who you help and what they can do next.
Professional help may be better if:
Keep menus, page names and the overall structure simple and predictable.
Next Step
Compare popular website platforms in our guide.
Choosing the right platform
Before you launch
Run through a basic check before making the website public.
Check that every page and link works
Test contact forms, bookings, payments and any other important functionality
Check the site on a phone, tablet and desktop computer.
Optimise large images so they do not unnecessarily slow the website down.
Make sure HTTPS is working correctly.
Add meaningful page titles and meta descriptions.
Proofread the content and check contact details, prices and opening information.
Set up a reliable backup process.
Set up analytics if you need to understand how people use the site.
Review your privacy and cookie requirements.
Further reading
These are reliable external resources if you want to explore the subjects in more detail.
MDN Web Docs: How does the Internet work?
A beginner-friendly explanation of the technical infrastructure behind the web.
Google Search Central: SEO Starter Guide
Google’s introductory guide to helping search engines understand and surface website content.
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative: Introduction to Web Accessibility
An introduction to why accessibility matters and the principles behind accessible websites.
ICO: Cookies and privacy notices in detail
UK guidance for small organisations on privacy information and the use of cookies.
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