How to Make a Website for Your Small Business (Even If You’re Not Tech-Savvy)

Making a website for a small business requires three things: a domain name ($10-20/year), web hosting or a website builder ($10-30/month), and about 60 minutes of focused time. Modern platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress are designed for non-technical users– 73% of small businesses now have websites, and most were built by the owners themselves. The real challenge isn’t the technology. It’s getting clear on what you want to say and mustering the courage to put yourself out there.

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need technical skills: Modern website builders (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress) are designed for beginners– basic setup takes 60 minutes
• Budget reality: DIY costs $10-30/month; professional design costs $2,500-7,500+. Most small businesses thrive with DIY
• Five pages are essential: Homepage, About, Services/Products, Contact, Testimonials. Everything else is optional at first
• Done beats perfect: Your first website won’t be your last. Start with something real and improve as you go

Table of Contents

1. Why Your Business Needs a Digital Home
2. What You Need to Get Started
3. Choosing the Right Platform
4. DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
5. The 5 Essential Pages
6. Writing Your About Page
7. Making Sure People Can Find You
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
9. What It Actually Costs
10. Your Digital Handshake with the World
11. FAQ

Why Your Business Needs a Digital Home

Your business needs a website because 81% of consumers research businesses online before making a purchase— and a website gives you something social media doesn’t: ownership and control over how you present yourself to the world.

Think about the last time you Googled a business and they didn’t have a website. What did you think? If you’re like most people, you probably wondered if they were legitimate. Maybe you moved on to a competitor who did have an online presence.

A website isn’t just a marketing tool– it’s your digital handshake with the world.

Here’s the thing: you can’t build a house on rented land. And you can’t build a business solely on social platforms you don’t control. Instagram could change its algorithm tomorrow. Facebook could limit your reach. Your website? That’s yours.

Creating a website can feel vulnerable. You’re putting yourself out there for anyone to see– and judge. But starting a business has always required that kind of courage. This guide will make the technical part manageable. The brave part? That’s already in you.

What this guide covers:

• The three things you actually need to get started
• Which platform to choose (without the overwhelm)
• The five essential pages every business website needs
• How to write an About page that actually connects
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• What it really costs and how long it takes

What You Need to Get Started (The Three Essentials)

To make a website, you need exactly three things: a domain name, web hosting (or an all-in-one website builder), and about an hour of focused time.

That’s it. Three things.

1. Domain Name: Your Online Address

Your domain name is what people type to find you– like cumberlandcoaching.com or yourbusiness.com. According to Elementor’s research, 52% of customers judge your credibility based on your domain name alone.

Here’s what people get wrong: they overthink this part. They wait for the perfect domain name while their competitors are already online, serving customers.

A few practical tips:
– Keep it short (under 15 characters is ideal)
– Make it memorable and easy to spell
– Go for .com when possible– it’s what most people expect
– Match it to your business name if you can

Don’t let domain name paralysis stop you. A good-enough domain is infinitely better than no website at all.

2. Web Hosting: Where Your Website Lives

Web hosting is simply where your website files are stored. Think of it like renting space on the internet where your website can live and be accessible to visitors.

And here’s the good news: if you use an all-in-one website builder like Wix or Squarespace, hosting is included. You don’t have to think about it separately.

3. Website Builder or Platform: Your Creation Tool

Modern platforms require zero coding knowledge. WordPress powers 43% of all websites on the internet– but simpler options like Wix and Squarespace are specifically designed for people who’ve never built a website before.

Your startup costs:
– Domain name: $10-20/year
– Website builder with hosting: $10-30/month
– Time investment: 60 minutes to a few days

Now that you know what you need, let’s talk about which platform is right for you.

Choosing the Right Platform (Without the Overwhelm)

Wix is the best overall choice for most small businesses due to its balance of ease, features, and SEO tools– but Squarespace wins for design-focused brands, WordPress for maximum flexibility, and Shopify for product-based e-commerce.

Here’s my honest take: choice paralysis is real. I’ve seen people spend months researching platforms when they could have launched three months ago.

Wix rates 4.8/5 for small businesses according to Website Builder Expert’s testing, combining ease of use with strong SEO tools.

If you’re a photographer whose work needs to shine, Squarespace’s templates were made for you. If you’re a coach or consultant who needs a simple online presence? Wix or Squarespace will serve you well. If you sell physical products, Shopify handles e-commerce better than anyone.

WordPress powers 43% of all websites– it’s the most flexible option but has a steeper learning curve. If you’re not technical and don’t want to become technical, save WordPress for later.

Here’s what matters most: pick one and start.

You can always migrate later. The worst choice is no choice.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Most small businesses should start with a DIY website. The SBA recommends DIY for most small businesses because modern builders are designed for non-technical users, and the cost difference is significant.

DIY website builders cost $10-30/month. Professional web design? According to the SBA and industry sources, that typically costs $2,500-7,500 for a standard 5-10 page site.

Here’s what I’d tell a friend asking this question: start DIY. Reinvest your savings into the business. Upgrade when you’ve proven the model works.

I know the fear. You worry that DIY will look “amateur.” That people will judge your business by a less-than-perfect website.

But here’s the truth: a clean, functional DIY website is infinitely better than no website. Or worse– a fancy site that costs $5,000 for a business that hasn’t proven it works yet.

A coaching business doesn’t need a $5,000 custom site. A luxury jewelry brand targeting high-net-worth clients? Maybe. Know where you are in your business journey.

The 5 Essential Pages Every Business Website Needs

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, every small business website needs five essential pages: Homepage, About Us, Products/Services, Contact, and Testimonials. Everything else is optional– at least to start.

Here’s what people get wrong: they try to say everything on every page. They add twelve pages before launching. They wait for perfect content on all of them.

Five pages is enough to launch. Ship it. Add more later when you know what visitors actually need.

1. Homepage: Your Value Proposition in 10 Seconds

Homepage visitors have less than 10 seconds to understand what you do. Your homepage should answer three questions instantly:
– What do you do?
– Who do you help?
– What should they do next?

Here’s a simple formula: “[Your business] helps [your audience] [achieve a specific outcome].”

2. About Page: Your Story (More on This Below)

This deserves its own section. It’s that important.

3. Products/Services: What You Actually Offer

Be clear. Be specific. Include pricing if you can– it saves everyone time.

4. Contact: How to Reach You

Include a contact form, your email, phone number if appropriate, and your location if relevant. Make it easy for people to take the next step.

5. Testimonials: Social Proof That You Deliver

Real words from real customers build trust faster than anything you could say about yourself.

Optional additions you can add later: FAQ page, blog, appointment scheduling. But start with these five.

Writing Your About Page (Your Story, Authentically Told)

Your About page isn’t a resume– it’s an invitation for the right people to connect with you. The best About pages tell the story of WHY you do what you do, not just what you do.

This is where your website can become more than a marketing tool. This is where it becomes an expression of your purpose– a way to reach people who need what you offer.

The About page that tries to impress everyone connects with no one. Write for the specific person you most want to help.

Compare these two openings:

X Generic: “I graduated from State University in 2015 and have 10 years of experience in the wellness industry…”

Check Connecting: “You know that feeling when Sunday evening hits and something heavy settles in your chest? I know it too. I lived it for years before I understood what was happening…”

The first talks about you. The second shows you understand your reader.

Your About Page Should Include:

1. Open with the problem your audience faces (not your bio)
2. Share how you came to understand this problem (your story)
3. Explain your approach and philosophy
4. Include a professional-but-warm photo
5. End with a clear next step

A photo builds trust. Don’t skip it. And don’t use a stiff corporate headshot. Let people see the real you.

If you’re wrestling with how to articulate what you do and why it matters, you might find it helpful to spend some time finding your purpose first. Your website will be clearer when you are.

Your website is one expression of your purpose– a way to reach people who need what you offer. The About page that converts is the one that helps visitors see themselves in your story.

Making Sure People Can Find You (Basic SEO & Mobile)

Two technical elements matter most for a new small business website: mobile responsiveness (60-70% of web traffic is mobile) and local SEO basics (claiming your Google Business Profile and including your city name on key pages).

60-70% of web traffic comes from mobile devices according to Shopify and Statista. If your site doesn’t work on phones, you’re invisible to most visitors.

Good news: all modern website builders handle mobile responsiveness automatically. Just test your site on your phone before launching.

Local SEO Basics:

If you’re a Seattle-based business coach, “Seattle business coaching” should appear naturally on your site. Not stuffed awkwardly– just present where it makes sense.

According to Crowdspring’s research, 80% of local mobile searches lead to a conversion. That’s powerful.

Quick Checklist:
– Claim your Google Business Profile (it’s free)
– Include your city/region on your homepage and contact page
– Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) are consistent everywhere online
– Test your site on mobile before launch

Here’s what people get wrong: they spend weeks on SEO before they’ve even launched.

Launch first, optimize later. A live website beats a perfect plan that never ships.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common website mistakes are missing clear calls-to-action, poor mobile experience, and cluttered designs that confuse visitors instead of guiding them.

I’ve seen websites with seven different font colors on the homepage. Don’t do that.

Visual clutter increases cognitive load. According to Gil Andrews’ website study, every element on your page should earn its place. If it doesn’t serve the visitor, remove it.

Mistakes That Trip People Up:

1. Missing CTAs: Every page should have a clear next step. What do you want visitors to do?
2. Cluttered design: White space is your friend. Let your content breathe.
3. Poor mobile experience: Test on your phone. If you have to pinch and zoom, something’s wrong.
4. Unclear messaging: Visitors should know what you do within 10 seconds.
5. No analytics: 75% of small business websites don’t use analytics, which means they’re flying blind. Install Google Analytics from day one.
6. Waiting for perfection: The biggest mistake of all.

Here’s what frustrates me about most website advice: it creates perfectionism. People think they need everything perfect before launching.

The biggest mistake is waiting to launch until it’s “ready.” It’s never ready. Ship it.

What It Actually Costs (And How Long It Takes)

A DIY small business website costs $10-30 per month using platforms like Wix or Squarespace, with an initial time investment of a few days to a couple of weeks depending on your content readiness. Professional custom design typically costs $2,500-7,500 and takes 2-4 weeks according to HigherVisibility and WPBeginner.

Here’s what nobody tells you: the content takes longer than the technical setup.

You can have a website technically built in 60 minutes. But writing the words? Getting photos? That’s where weeks disappear. Start gathering content now, even before you pick a platform.

Hidden costs to plan for:
– Premium templates (optional): $50-150 one-time
– Professional photos: $200-500
– Premium plugins or features: varies

Start cheap. Reinvest when revenue justifies it.

Your Digital Handshake with the World

You now know everything you need to create a website for your small business. The only thing left is to start.

Your website doesn’t have to be perfect. It has to be real.

Remember the digital handshake? That’s what this is. It’s you reaching out your hand to the people you want to serve and saying: “I’m here. I can help. Let’s connect.”

Your first version won’t be your last. Start messy. Your website– like your business, like you– will evolve as you do.

Your action checklist:

• Pick a platform (I’d start with Wix or Squarespace if you’re new)
• Register your domain name today
• Create your five essential pages this week
• Launch– even if it’s not perfect

The technical part is manageable. And the brave part– putting yourself out there, sharing your story, making the entrepreneurial leap?

That courage is already in you.

I believe in you.

FAQ

What is the best website builder for small business?

Wix is rated #1 overall for small businesses due to its combination of ease of use, SEO tools, and business features. Squarespace is best for design-focused businesses, while WordPress offers the most flexibility.

Do small businesses really need a website?

Yes. 81% of consumers research businesses online before purchasing, and 99% find local businesses through the internet. A website provides credibility, discoverability, and a platform you own– unlike social media.

How much does a small business website cost?

DIY website builders cost $10-30/month. Professional web design typically costs $2,500-7,500 for a standard 5-10 page site.

How long does it take to build a small business website?

Basic DIY websites can be created in 60 minutes to a few days. Professional custom websites typically take 2-4 weeks.

What pages should a small business website have?

Five essential pages according to the SBA: Homepage (value proposition), About Us (your story), Products/Services (what you offer), Contact (how to reach you), and Testimonials (social proof).