The Build Process
In the next section, we're going to give you a set of assets—along with a fictional brief— for you to use to build a site with Duda's Editor.
Before we kick of that exercise, let's review what the development process typically looks like developing a site with Duda so you can get a feel for the workflow.
In this example, we're going to assume you've already worked with the client to discuss their needs and create a mockup of the site outside of Duda. (Often this is done using Figma or Illustrator.)
Step 1: Choose a Template
Once you've logged in and clicked the "Create New Site" button, you'll be prompted to browse the library of templates. These templates are pre-designed with different styles and layouts to choose from.
Pick one that resembles the purpose of the site you're building and/or the look and feel you’re going for.
Step 2: Customizing Your Template
This is where you make the template truly yours. Start by editing the text and images. Add your own photos, tweak the text to reflect your message, and play around with the fonts and colors to match your brand.
Most builders have a drag-and-drop editor, making it easy to move elements around until everything looks just right.
Step 5: Setting Up Navigation
Good navigation is key to a great user experience. Make sure your menu is easy to find and use. Add the main pages your visitors will need, like Home, About, Services, and Contact. You can usually add drop-down menus for sub-pages if needed.
Step 6: Adding Content
Fill your site with awesome content! This includes text, images, videos, and any other media that tells your story or showcases your products. Don’t forget to write compelling copy that engages your visitors and encourages them to explore more.
Step 7: Optimizing for Mobile
These days, everyone’s on their phone. Ensure your site looks great on all devices by using your builder’s mobile preview tool. Most modern builders automatically create a responsive design, but it’s always good to double-check and make adjustments as needed.
Step 8: SEO and Settings
Before you go live, spend some time on SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Add meta titles and descriptions to your pages, use keywords naturally in your content, and make sure your site loads quickly. Also, configure your site settings—like your site’s URL, domain information, and any other technical details.
Step 9: Preview and Test
Give your site a thorough once-over before publishing. Use the preview function to see how it looks on different devices and browsers. Test all the links, forms, and interactive elements to ensure everything works smoothly.
Step 10: Publishing Your Site
The moment of truth! Once you’re happy with how everything looks and works, it’s time to publish. Hit the publish button, and your site will be live for the world to see. If you have a custom domain, follow the builder’s instructions to connect it to your site.
Step 11: Continuous Improvement
Your site is live, but the work doesn’t stop here. Regularly update your content, add new features, and keep an eye on your site’s performance. Use analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with your site and make improvements over time.
Once you've clicked the "Create New Site" button, you'll be prompted to choose a template from Duda’s awesome library of responsive templates. Choose one that fits look you're going for or resembles the type (or purpose) of website you want to build.
1. Choose a template
2. Build & Customize
Once you've got your template, it's time to start building!
This stage generally includes creating the pages you'll need, preparing your navigation, as well as editing global style attributes like the fonts and colors in the Theme tab.
Next you'll work on editing the page's elements: customizing the header, the footer, the hero section, as well as the other sections on each page.
Duda’s responsive design system uses sections, columns, and grids to help structure your pages' layouts. You can add widgets and fine-tune every element to get the perfect layout and appearance.
Organizing your site's pages is crucial for delivering your message effectively. With Duda, you can arrange pages and subcategories, add SEO details, and even hide or delete pages if needed.
If you're familar with the traditional
4. Manage Pages & Content
Before hitting that publish button, make sure to configure your site settings. This includes setting your URL, domain info, and SEO settings.
Don’t forget to use the Backup Site feature—it allows you to save multiple versions of your site and restore them if necessary.
5. Configure Site Settings & Backups
When your site looks just right, it’s time to publish!
Duda offers premium plans that let you easily connect a custom domain to your site. Setting up your custom domain involves a quick configuration of the CNAME record at your domain host.
Once you've clicked publish and completed the publishing steps, your Duda site will be live with your custom domain!