For new entrepreneurs, creating a business website can be a daunting task. But thanks to websites like Squarespace and Wix.com, it has become easier than ever for a novice designer to create an elegant website.

In an effort to help educate prospective entrepreneurs on how to create a website, the Rowan University Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO) Club hosted a website-building workshop. The event, which took place on Thursday, March 6 at 5:00 p.m., did just that.

The event started with a presentation from Noah Kouhoupt, a junior mechanical engineering and music performance student. Kouhoupt, a student entrepreneur, is the officer of marketing of the club.

“We’re trying to educate people at all levels of entrepreneurship and professional success on how they can get their idea out there,” Kouhoupt said.

During the presentation the executive board member covered topics such as when to use websites such Wix.com or Squarespace as opposed to when it is better to utilize the benefits of companies like Webflow. Another topic, the “hero section,” or the section that appears when a user first opens the website, was emphasized as being an important part of a website design.

Kouhoupt gave advice on what the most common mistake is when it comes to creating a website.

“Too much going on, not clear…not knowing who you’re actually selling to. Saying one thing on one page, saying something different on another,” Kouhoupt said.

Following the half-hour presentation, the room was divided into roughly four groups. The task was simple. Create a product and design a hero section.

One group in particular came up with an idea to create a portable generator for electric vehicles. After brainstorming their idea, the team created the slogan “Charge on the go!” for the fictitious company. For the final part of the collaborative event, the team used their creativity skills to design a hero section for the company on paper.

Each team had an opportunity to present their ideas along with their hero section to the class. Kouhoupt provided feedback and advice to each group.

“Keep it simple. So many people stress over things that aren’t gonna end up making them money,” Kouhoupt said. “By keeping it simple and just understanding what your target audience actually is looking for and what they want, that’s super important.”

A member of the portable generator group was student Stephen Farrell, a junior supply chain major and entrepreneurship minor.

“I learned a lot about developing a website and kind of expanded my ideas on the principles of marketing,” Farrell said. “I liked the opportunity to collaborate with my classmates. I appreciated the time we got to come together, design a product, and really grow our personal networks.”

CEO Club meets weekly to discuss a wide variety of topics relating to entrepreneurship, and students from all majors and colleges are welcome to join.

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