How to Build a New Website Without Replacing the Old Website?
A few weeks back, I wrote an article that was published on Onextrapixel titled “Top 5 SEO Ideas for 2020”. In that article, I discussed how SEO is evolving as the industry changes gears, and how search engine optimization is becoming a lot more than just gaining a higher ranking on Google.
Since that article was published, I’ve had numerous conversations with business owners who are trying to figure out how to build a new website without replacing the old one. Maybe the old site was built on WordPress or Wix, and they’re looking for ways to expand their reach and grow their business without paying for expensive web design tools. Maybe the old site wasn’t built on a content management system (CMS), and they want to find a way to import all their articles and blog posts into a new site. Whatever the case may be, building a new site is challenging, especially if you’re not prepared to tackle the technical aspects of web design (such as coding).
Luckily, there are several options available to help business owners and bloggers build a new website without too much stress. So let’s jump into how to build a new website without replacing the old one.
Free Blogging Platforms
If you’re looking for a way to build a new website, you have two options: paid or free blogging platforms. Which one you choose depends on your budget, your goals, and how much blogging experience you have. (If you have zero blogging experience, go with the free option since it’ll save you tons of money and stress).
WordPress
WordPress is the world’s #1 content management system, and it powers over 28% of all websites. If you’re already using WordPress, all you need to do is import your old content into your new site. (Heads up: If your old site is not powered by WordPress, you’ll have to get the content migrated from one platform to another. This can be a time-consuming process, so be prepared to invest a lot of time in it).
Not only is WordPress great for content management, but it also provides you with tons of tools for SEO and marketing. Not to mention that it’s extremely flexible, which makes it ideal for building a new site. Plus, you’ll have access to a thriving community of WordPress users and experts who can help you set up your site (for free).
If you’re looking for a free blogging platform, there’s no question that you should try WordPress. Not only is it the most popular, but it’s also relatively easy to use.
Medium
Medium is another world-class content management system, similar to WordPress in that it’s extremely easy to use and offers a lot of features. What makes Medium different is that it allows you to build a blog quickly and cheaply, which can be great for entrepreneurs who are looking to get their content out to as many people as possible. (Heads up: Like WordPress, Medium is a content management system, which means you’ll have to get your old content moved over to the new site. However, it’s probably the least complex of the content management systems we’ll discuss, so you might not have as much trouble with it as you’d think. Still, it’s good to know what you’re getting into ahead of time).
Like WordPress, Medium is also great for SEO and marketing, as well as for building a new site. Besides, you’ll have access to a thriving community of Medium users who can provide you with advice about getting your blog started (again, for free).
Shopify
Shopify is another content management system that allows you to build a fully functional Ecommerce store in a few clicks. It’s incredibly powerful, and it’s completely free. (Heads up: Be careful when choosing this option. Even though it’s totally free, Shopify can get very expensive if you’re not prepared for it. Also, make sure you have a reliable internet connection. Shopify works great over WiFi, but it’s not the best option if you’re using mobile data. If you decide that this is the best option for you, be prepared to put in a lot of hours to learn how to use it properly).
As you might imagine, Shopify is great for ecommerce stores, and it also provides you with everything you need for marketing and SEO. You’ll have a full-functioning store, with all the capability you need to take your business online and grow your reach.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a complete online publishing solution that can be used to build a blog or a website. It’s easy to use, it has a huge base of users, and it’s incredibly popular. In fact, just like WordPress and Medium, Squarespace is a content management system, which means you’ll have to get your old content moved over to the new site. (Heads up: While Squarespace is a great option, it’s probably the most complicated of the four options we discussed. So if you’re looking for an easy solution, this might not be the one you want to choose. Still, if you decide this is the best option for you, be prepared to put in the time to learn how to use it properly).
Like WordPress, Medium, and Shopify, Squarespace is also great for SEO and marketing. Plus, you’ll have access to a thriving community of users who can provide you with advice about getting your blog started (again, for free).
Tenfold
Tenfold is a complete web publishing solution that’s very similar to WordPress in that it’s an open source platform that’s completely free. Just like WordPress and the others, you’ll have to get your old content moved over to the new site. However, unlike the other three options, Tenfold gives you a fully functioning website with a beautiful design in no time at all. It doesn’t get much easier than that. (Heads up: Like the other options we mentioned, Tenfold is great for ecommerce stores, and it also provides you with everything you need for marketing and SEO. Additionally, it has a beautiful template engine that makes it easy to customize the look of your site. If you decide that this is the best option for you, be prepared to put in some time to learn how to use it properly).
Webinars and Interviews
Another great way to build a new site without having to worry about all the technical details is to host a webinar or interview with a prominent person. This person can give you the nudge you need to get started. They can also provide you with advice about the industry as you learn to navigate it. (Heads up: These are great options, but keep in mind that you’ll have to invest a lot of time in setting them up and making sure they’re available when people want to learn more about your topic. Still, it’s worth it if you can find the right person to interview).
Launch A Website
Another great way to get started is to simply launch a website. This could be an all-purpose site that you use to sell your products, offer digital marketing advice, or host a blog. (Heads up: If you want to sell your products online, this is the simplest and probably the most efficient way to do it. You can use Shopify’s launch a website tool to get started easily. Alternatively, you could use WordPress or Medium to launch your own blog. If you decide this is the best option for you, be prepared to put in the time to learn how to use it properly).
One of the great things about having a new site is that you can always add more content. If you decide this is the best option for you, consider investing in some quality content, such as a guest blog post from a prominent person in your niche, to get started.
No matter what option you choose, making a new site doesn’t have to be hard. With a little planning and research, you can easily find the perfect solution for your needs.