Website for an SME

Describe your project task.

• The project was to build a website using WordPress for a small business that sells bicycle and small machine maintenance services.

How did you approach solving your project task?

• First, I started by figuring out how to build WordPress sites even before purchasing a domain name. I ended up using Local WordPress, which was free.
• With this program, the site could be built locally and presented to the entrepreneur before purchasing a domain name and web hosting.
• I suggested the name PPKH-Suominen.fi for the site, which the client approved.
• At the client’s request, the color scheme of the site was orange, black, and white. The site only included an introduction, a price list, and contact information. I also embedded a Google Maps map for the contact details and added a link to the company’s Facebook page in the footer.

How did you solve/finalize your project task?

• The next part of the project was to find out for the client where to possibly purchase web hosting and a domain name.
• I chose the Hostaan.fi service, which is located in Kuopio. I suggested their SmartWP Lite service to the client, which automatically takes care of site updates and security, so the client doesn’t have to worry about it.
• The cost of the services was €9.98/month for web hosting and €1.25/month for the domain name.
• After purchasing these, the site could be transferred from the Local application and imported into the Hostaan.fi WordPress environment.
• Once the site was online, I moved on to search engine optimization to ensure the site would appear as prominently as possible in Google and Bing searches. I also updated the company’s Google Business profile to match the new pages. Using Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools, I submitted information about the site to both search engines and provided XML sitemaps to help Google and Bing with search engine optimization.

What did you learn from your project task?

• During the project, I learned to use the WordPress environment and create pages locally on my computer before publishing them online.
• I also learned a lot about search engine optimization, which was previously unfamiliar to me.
• I was also able to utilize some of my graphic design skills in designing the appearance of the event’s application.
• The feedback and communication from the supervisors and the client were entirely positive.