Your website is more than just an online presence—it’s your digital storefront, a tool for engagement, and a reflection of your brand. In the latest session of our Founder Fundamentals Winter 2025 series, we were joined by Robin Gandy, a content and growth strategist at PageCloud, to explore how startups can build an effective website that drives business success. Robin provided practical insights on planning, designing, and optimizing a website that meets business goals and creates a seamless user experience.
Defining Your Website Goals
Before diving into design, it’s crucial to clarify what you want your website to achieve. Robin emphasized that a website should not be static—it should be measurable, adaptable, and aligned with business objectives. Key questions to consider:
- What type of website do you need? (e.g., e-commerce, portfolio, blog, informational)
- What is the primary objective? (e.g., drive sales, collect leads, increase brand awareness)
- Who is your target audience? Understanding their demographics, behaviors, and pain points will guide your design and content strategy.
Choosing the Right Website-Building Approach
Entrepreneurs often face the build vs. buy dilemma when developing a website. Some opt for custom-built websites, which offer high levels of flexibility and scalability, making them ideal for businesses with complex features such as advanced search functions or customer logins. However, they require a significant investment of time and money and often necessitate ongoing developer support.
On the other hand, no-code website builders like PageCloud, Wix, and Squarespace provide a cost-effective and efficient solution. These platforms feature user-friendly templates and drag-and-drop interfaces, making them accessible even to those without technical expertise. While they are great for simpler business websites such as portfolios or landing pages, customization options may be limited compared to fully coded sites.
For many startups, a hybrid approach—starting with a no-code builder and incorporating custom elements as the business grows—offers a balanced and scalable solution.
UX, Design, and Accessibility Best Practices
A well-structured, visually appealing, and user-friendly website keeps visitors engaged. Robin shared key principles to enhance user experience (UX) and accessibility:
1. Simplicity & Clarity
- Avoid clutter and prioritize white space for a clean design.
- Use consistent colors, fonts, and imagery to reinforce branding.
- Keep navigation intuitive—limit top-level menu items to 5-6 options.
2. Content & Hierarchy
- Use clear headings and subheadings (H1, H2, H3) for easy skimming.
- Ensure key information is visible above the fold—before a user scrolls.
- Break up content into scannable sections to avoid overwhelming visitors.
3. Mobile Optimization & Speed
- Ensure your site is fully responsive—adapting seamlessly to mobile screens.
- Optimize images and minimize excessive animations to improve load times.
- Use clear, tap-friendly buttons to enhance mobile navigation.
“Your website is your most powerful marketing tool—when done right, it works for you 24/7.” – Robin Gandy
Practical Steps for a Strong Website Launch
A step-by-step roadmap to ensure a successful website launch:
- Implement Lead Capture – Add contact forms, newsletter signups, or chatbots to generate business leads.
- Claim Your Domain Early – Secure your website’s domain name as soon as possible.
- Build a Brand Kit – Have a consistent logo, fonts, and colors ready before designing.
- Create a Content Strategy – Ensure your website has compelling, customer-centric messaging.
- Test for Mobile & Accessibility – Use online tools to check for responsiveness and ease of use.
Final Takeaways
Robin’s final advice? Think of your website as a living entity—continuously optimize it, experiment with new strategies, and ensure it remains aligned with your business goals.
About Founder Fundamentals
Founder Fundamentals is a 12-week workshop series by YSpace and Markham Small Business Centre (MSBC), designed to equip you with essential entrepreneurial skills like business planning, bootstrapping, and Shopify setup. Attend 9+ workshops to earn a Certificate of Recognition and take the first step toward entrepreneurial success!
About the Speakers
Robin is a Content and Growth Strategist at Pagecloud, where she plays a key role in the company’s growth and success. Her experience at Pagecloud has given her a deep understanding of website building and optimization, including how to create websites that drive results for businesses.
Robin specializes in crafting messaging and copy that connects with audiences and leaves lasting impressions. In this workshop, she’s excited to share practical tips and ideas to help you create a website that supports your goals and attracts more customers.