It’s a common question: How do I create a website for my small business? The good news is that building a website for your small business is easier now than it’s ever been.
Simple tools let you put your name, story, and products online in an afternoon. Most people now will look you up on the web first, so a clear, fast site becomes your digital front door.
Read on for an easy, step-by-step guide that anyone (even busy owners) can follow.
Why a website matters
- Customers check first. 81% of buyers search online before they spend money. (Zippia)
- You lose sales without it. 18% of Americans will skip a business that has no web presence. (The US Sun)
- Peers already do it. 71% to 73% of small firms have a site, and almost one-quarter more plan to add one soon. (wix.com, Business Dasher)
- First look shapes trust. 75% of a firm’s credibility comes from its site’s design, and 94% of visitors bail on poor design. (Zippia)
“Your website is your 24/7 salesperson, working to bring in new customers even when you’re asleep.” — Neil Patel (Irish Web Services)
How do I create a website for my small business?
1. Set clear goals
Write one sentence that says what visitors should do—call, book, buy, or learn. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) notes that starting with goals keeps projects on budget and on time. (Small Business Administration)
2. Pick and register a domain
- Keep it short and easy to spell.
- Use “.com” if possible.
- Check that social handles match.
Services like Namecheap or your host let you register in minutes; costs average $10–$15 per year (price lists vary). (Forbes)
3. Choose a building path
| Path | Good for | Watch-outs | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY builder | Tight budgets, quick launch | Monthly fee, less custom | Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Squarespace |
| Commerce builder | Online stores | Transaction fees | Shopify |
| Open-source CMS | Full control | Needs management | WordPress |
| Hire a pro | Spending your time wisely | Typically higher cost | Agencies, freelancers |
SBA explains that both DIY and pro routes work; pick the one that fits skills and time. (Small Business Administration)
Want a hands-off route? See our DFY Websites service for done-for-you builds.
4. Select a template and brand it
Color, photos, and logo should match your storefront or service van so customers feel at home online and off. Templates save weeks of design time while staying mobile-friendly by default. (Shopify)
5. Add the must-have pages
The SBA lists five core pages every small site needs. (Small Business Administration)
- Home – Who you are and main call to action.
- Products/Services – What you sell in plain words.
- About – Your story and trust badges.
- Contact – Phone, email, map, hours.
- Testimonials/Reviews – Social proof (screenshots or text).
Tip: Put your phone number at the top of every page; many visitors call instead of reading.
6. Write simple, clear text
Use short words, short sentences, and active voice. Aim for 3rd-grade reading level so everyone can follow. Search engines like Google also reward clarity. Each page should answer one main question, then invite action.
7. Make it fast and mobile-ready
Over two-thirds of traffic is now from phones. (Business Dasher)
Choose an option that compresses images and offers secure hosting (HTTPS). Run free speed tests like PageSpeed Insights.
8. Optimize for search (SEO)
- Put your main keyword in the page title, first heading, and a couple of times in text—no stuffing.
- Write a meta description around 160 characters that explains the page and uses the keyword once.
- Add alt text to images (“blue plumber van in Austin”) so Google knows what they show.
- Create local business listings (Google Business Profile) so maps show your shop.
9. Launch and check
Before going live:
- Click every link.
- Read on phone and desktop.
- Test forms and cart.
- Ask two friends to find info fast—fix anything that slows them.
10. Keep it fresh
Forbes reports 43% of owners expect to invest more in website performance this year, showing upkeep never stops. (Forbes)
Set a monthly reminder to:
- Update prices and hours.
- Post a new tip or blog.
- Back up the site.
- Review security scans.
DIY vs hiring help—how to decide
| Question | If you answer… | Go DIY | Hire help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Have at least 5 hours a week to learn? | Yes | ✔︎ | |
| Need custom booking, payments, or app links? | Yes | ✔︎ | |
| Is design a hobby you enjoy? | No | ✔︎ | |
| Budget under $50 per month? | Yes | ✔︎ |
83.5% of small-business owners already see the value of a site, but many worry about time and tech. (Business Money)
Choosing the right path keeps you on track and stress-free.
Frequently asked questions
How much will it cost?
DIY builders start around $15/month including hosting and SSL; a custom build can range from $1,500 to $50,000+ depending on features. (Small Business Administration)
How long does it take?
With a template, many owners publish in a single weekend. Complex sites with booking or e-commerce may take 4-8+ weeks.
Do I need coding?
No. Most modern builders use drag-and-drop blocks. If you add custom code later, you can hire it out.
What if I do nothing?
Zippia found that 27% of firms skip a site because they think it’s “not relevant,” yet those same firms miss out on searches and credibility. (Zippia)
Key takeaways
- Write one clear goal, then pick the build path that fits.
- Use simple pages, simple words, and fast templates.
- Launch first; polish later.
- Review monthly so your “24/7 salesperson” keeps closing for you.