Building a Website: Comprehensive Guide in English

I. Core Vocabulary & Phrases for "搭建网站"

When translating "搭建网站" into English, several terms are commonly used depending on context:
| Chinese Phrase | English Equivalent | Use Case Example |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| 搭建网站 | Build/Create a website | Formal projects or professional settings |
| | Set up a website | Quick deployment (e.g., using templates) |
| | Develop a website | Custom coding from scratch |
| | Launch a website | Going live after completion |
| | Design and build a website | Emphasizing aesthetics + functionality |

✅ Pro Tip: Use "build" for general cases, but switch to "develop" if discussing technical aspects like programming. For example:

• "We need to build an e-commerce site by next month."
• "Our team will develop dynamic features using React."

II. Step-by-Step Process Breakdown

Here’s how to explain each stage in English:

A. Planning Phase

1. Define Goals & Audience

   • Ask: "What’s the primary purpose? (Sell products? Share blogs? Portfolio display?)"
   • Example dialogue:

     Client: "I want to sell handmade jewelry online."
     → You: "Great! We’ll prioritize secure payment gateways and mobile responsiveness."

     

     （图片来源网络，侵删）

2. Choose Technology Stack
   Key decisions include:

   • CMS platforms (WordPress, Shopify) vs. custom code (HTML/CSS/JS frameworks like Bootstrap).
   • Hosting options: Shared hosting ($), VPS ($$$), or cloud solutions (AWS/Azure).

3. Domain Name Registration

   • Action: Search availability via registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
   • Tip: Keep names short (<15 chars), memorable, and avoid hyphens. E.g., sunrisecrafts.com > sunrise-crafts-store.net.

B. Design & Development

⚠️ Common Mistake: Skipping mobile testing. Over 60% of global traffic comes from smartphones! Use Chrome DevTools’ device mode to simulate various screen sizes.

C. Testing & Deployment

Before hitting "Publish":

• Cross-browser compatibility checklist: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge.
• Speed optimization tools: Google PageSpeed Insights → Target score ≥85/100.
• SSL certificate installation (free via Let’s Encrypt). Look for the padlock icon in browser bars!

Final launch steps:

1. Point your domain’s A record to hosting IP address.
2. Clear cache across devices post-update.
3. Set up Google Analytics & Search Console immediately.

III. Real-World Examples & Collocations

Master natural-sounding expressions used by pros:

• "Let’s knock up a basic landing page first." (British informal) → Meaning: Create quickly without perfectionism.
• "They’re building out the checkout funnel right now." → Refers to expanding functional components incrementally.
• Business jargon combos:
  • User Experience (UX) Design → How visitors feel navigating your site.
  • Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) → Tactics to turn clicks into customers.

IV. Troubleshooting Glossary

If things go wrong, identify issues fast using these codes:
| Error Code | Meaning | Fix |
|------------|-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| 404 | Page Not Found → Check broken links or mistyped URLs |
| 500 | Server Error → Restart server; inspect logs |
| Mixed Content | HTTPS page loading unsecure resources → Force all assets via https:// |
| CLS Score >0.25 | Cumulative layout shift detected → Add width/height attributes to images |

Q&A Section

Q1: What’s the difference between “build,” “create,” and “develop” when making websites?

A: While often interchangeable, subtle distinctions exist:

• Build implies assembly from existing blocks (themes, modules). Best for non-coders using drag-and-drop builders like Wix.
• Create focuses on originality—ideal for artists designing bespoke layouts without predefined structures.
• Develop involves engineering work: writing algorithms, databases, APIs. Software engineers say: "We’re developing a SAAS platform with microservices architecture."
  Use case test: If you use Squarespace templates → "building"; if coding AI chatbots → "developing."

Q2: How long does it take to build a professional website?

A: Timelines vary wildly based on complexity:
| Project Type | Avg. Timeframe | Key Drivers |
|-----------------------|-----------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Simple brochure site | 1–3 weeks | Stock photos, minimal text editing |
| E-commerce store | 4–8 weeks | Inventory sync, PCI compliance setup |
| Custom Web App | 3–6 months | User authentication systems, load balancing |

Pro Advice: Allocate 20% extra buffer time for revisions—client feedback cycles usually extend deadlines by ~15%. Always document change requests formally!

By mastering these terms and processes, you’ll communicate effectively whether negotiating with developers in Silicon Valley or launching your first startup’s digital presence. Remember: A great website isn’t just built—it