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What does a website actually need? A website is like a house: it needs a foundation, the house itself and someone to look after it. Here are all ten building blocks, simply explained.

10 building blocks 3 min read

Stage 1: The foundation

Domain

Your address on the internet.

Why do you need it?
This is where people find you, and your email addresses are tied to it.
Typical mistake
The renewal gets missed, and the website and email are gone.
How we do it
We register and renew your .ch domain and keep an eye on the deadlines.
Hosting, email & domains

Hosting

The plot of land your website stands on.

Why do you need it?
Without a server, your website cannot be reached.
Typical mistake
The cheapest package, with no backups and no one to talk to.
How we do it
Our own servers in Switzerland, backups, and we know your website.
Hosting, email & domains

SSL

The lock on the front door.

Why do you need it?
The connection is encrypted. Browsers warn about sites without SSL, and since October 2026 Chrome even does so by default.
Typical mistake
The certificate expires, and visitors see a warning.
How we do it
Included and renewed automatically.
Hosting, email & domains

Email

Your letterbox with your name on it.

Why do you need it?
info@yourcompany.ch looks professional. With sender protection (guest list, seal, house rule), your emails stay out of the spam folder.
Typical mistake
A Gmail or Bluewin address, or your own domain without sender protection.
How we do it
Mailboxes on our servers in Switzerland or with your provider, with sender protection set up.
Why do my emails end up in spam?

Stage 2: The house

Structure & design

The floor plan and the furnishings.

Why do you need it?
Visitors find what they are looking for in seconds and know what to do next.
Typical mistake
The design comes before the content, and there is no clear next step.
How we do it
We start with your goals and your content, and only then move on to design.
Websites

Text & images

The sales assistant in your shop.

Why do you need it?
Good text and images persuade people and build trust.
Typical mistake
Stock photos, jargon and a machine-translated second language.
How we do it
We advise you on text and images and work with copywriters from our network.
About us

CMS (edit your content yourself)

Your key to rearranging things yourself.

Why do you need it?
You update content yourself, without having to call the agency.
Typical mistake
A bloated system that nobody wants to use.
How we do it
A lean system and an introduction to using it.
Why we work with Kirby

Stage 3: Running it

Maintenance & backups

Your car’s service and your home contents insurance.

Why do you need it?
Security gaps get patched, and after a breakdown your website is quickly back online.
Typical mistake
The “once it’s built, it’s finished” attitude.
How we do it
We take care of updates and backups for you.
Maintenance & support

Visibility

The signposts that lead to you.

Why do you need it?
SEO, a Google Business Profile and visitor statistics make sure people find you, and that you can see what works.
Typical mistake
The redirects get forgotten during a relaunch, and the Google rankings are gone.
How we do it
SEO basics on every website, redirects when relaunching and visitor statistics without cookies.
Visibility

More questions.

Tell us about your project. Free, with no obligation.

In the first consultation, we work out what you need – and also what you don’t.