Understanding Website Components
- Kristin Kodenski
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Learn the essential components of a website in this beginner-friendly course with Kristin Kodenski of Midnight Design & Promos. From domain names and hosting to design, functionality, and SEO, discover how to build, maintain, and market an effective website. Perfect for startups and small business owners!
Lesson 1: Introduction to Website Components
Hi, I'm Kristin Kodenski of Midnight Design & Promos. Our company offers a variety of marketing services, one of which is website creation. In today’s digital world, a website is often more important than having a physical storefront. While print materials are still useful, a website is a dynamic, ever-changing tool that serves as your business's storefront, sign, and brochure all in one. It grants you access to the entire world.
However, many people don’t fully understand the components of a website. There are six major parts to consider, and even more beyond those. In this course, I will break them down into a simple, foundational "Website 101" format.
Lesson 2: The Six Core Components of a Website
1. Strategy, Design, and Programming
Before building a website, you need a solid plan. Whether you choose to build it yourself, hire a professional, or use a hybrid approach, strategy is crucial. If you’re a startup, your business plan should guide your website’s structure. If working with a professional, ensure you collaborate effectively to bring your vision to life.
2. Domain Name
Your domain name is your website’s address—how people find you online. It is also known as a URL. While it is possible to operate with a free email provider, having a professional email address associated with your domain (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com) adds credibility and helps you manage communication more effectively.
3. Website Hosting
Website hosting is like renting space on the internet. Hosting providers store your website’s files and ensure they are accessible to visitors. There are different levels of hosting, from basic storage to premium services that include security, maintenance, and performance optimization. Examples of hosting services include GoDaddy, Bluehost, Shopify, and Wix.
4. Website Platform (CMS – Content Management System)
In the past, websites were hand-coded, requiring extensive programming knowledge. Today, platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and Wix allow users to build and manage websites more easily. Choosing the right platform depends on your business needs, budget, and desired functionality.
5. Website Functionality & Add-Ons
Consider what additional features your website may need, such as:
E-commerce capabilities
Email marketing integration
SEO tools
Security and maintenance features
Planning these functionalities in advance can prevent the need for costly upgrades later on.
6. Marketing & SEO
A website alone won’t bring traffic—you need to market it effectively. Search Engine Optimization (SEO), blog content, review management, and digital ads all play a role in attracting visitors. Omnichannel marketing strategies, including Google, Facebook, and Instagram ads, help drive traffic to your site.
Lesson 3: How Websites Work
What is a Website?
A website is essentially a collection of files stored on a server. These files include text, images (PNG, JPEG), and even videos (MP4). All these elements are programmed to be displayed on web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
How Websites Load
A user enters a domain name in their browser (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com).
The browser requests the website’s files from a server.
The server locates and sends the files back to the browser.
The browser assembles and displays the website to the user.
Key Programming Languages
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): Defines the structure of the webpage.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Determines the website’s design and layout.
JavaScript: Adds interactivity and dynamic features to the site.
Lesson 4: Website Types and Their Uses
There are different types of websites based on business needs:
Static Websites: Fixed, unchanging pages.
Dynamic Websites: Automatically updated content, often database-driven.
E-commerce Websites: Online stores for selling products.
Landing Pages: Standalone pages focused on specific marketing campaigns.
Funnels: Designed to guide visitors step-by-step towards an action (e.g., making a purchase or signing up for an event).
Lesson 5: Choosing the Right Website Platform
Shopify: Best for businesses focused on e-commerce.
WordPress: Versatile and customizable for blogs, businesses, and online stores.
Wix: User-friendly and economical for small businesses.
Funnels & Landing Pages: Great for targeted marketing campaigns without needing a full website.
Lesson 6: Launching and Maintaining Your Website
Website Development Process
Planning: Define strategy, design, and programming.
Design & Development: Create content, add images and videos, and integrate programming.
Testing: Ensure mobile-friendliness, functionality, and form submissions work correctly.
Launch: Publish the website.
Marketing: Use SEO, social media, and digital advertising to attract visitors.
Maintenance: Regularly update content, security features, and performance optimizations.
Final Thoughts
A website is never truly finished—it should evolve over time. Don't aim for perfection; instead, launch it, test it, improve it, and market it effectively. There are numerous ways to drive traffic and grow your online presence, from digital ads to SEO.
I hope this course has helped you understand the essential components of a website. If you’re interested in more in-depth lessons on website creation, maintenance, and marketing, check out my additional classes in The Great Discovery or contact me directly at Midnight Design & Promos. There, you can see testimonials, our portfolio of work, and our many services, including both print and online marketing, social media marketing, identity branding development, and much more.
See our SEO Packages at Midnight SEO or explore our economical Wix Website packages at Midnight Websites. If you have the budget and are ready to aggressively market your site, learn more about lead-generating omnichannel marketing at Midnight Omni-Channel Marketing. No matter where you are in your marketing planning, we have something for you!
Landing page / One Page Wix Website
This level offers a single-page website built on a Wix theme, designed to serve as a focused, highly effective landing page. A landing page is a standalone web page, specifically crafted for marketing or advertising campaigns. It's where a visitor "lands" after clicking on a link in an email, or ads from Google, Bing, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or similar places on the web. Opting for a one-page site is ideal for promoting a specific product or event, capturing visitor information, and achieving targeted marketing goals with simplicity and clarity.
Classic Wix Website
Our Classic Website package provides a basic but comprehensive brochure site based on a Wix theme, typically including essential pages such as Home, About, and Services or Products. This setup is perfect for businesses needing a professional online presence to showcase their brand, services, or product line effectively and attractively.
Advanced Wix Website
The Advanced Wix Website package features customized visuals and advanced functionalities such as bookings, events management, or an online store. This option is tailored for businesses requiring more sophisticated website features that support interactive customer engagements and sales. Please note, the listed price is a base rate and may increase depending on the number and complexity of additional services required.
Explore our portfolio and see the diverse identities we’ve crafted at Midnight Design Branding.
Still have questions or need personalized advice? Schedule a free consultation with our Creative Director, Kristin Kodenski.
Take the first step towards transforming your website's visual identity today. Let’s create something remarkable together!
Comments