A website can help customers discover your business, understand your services, and contact you. But if you’re just starting out, paying thousands of dollars for a custom website may not be realistic.
The good news is that your first website doesn’t need to be complicated. It needs to explain what you do, build trust, and make it easy for visitors to take the next step.
What should a small business website include?
Start with the information your customers need most:
- A clear description of your business. Explain what you offer and who you help.
- Services or products. Describe what customers can buy or book.
- Contact details. Give visitors an easy way to call, email, or send a message.
- About your business. Tell people who you are and why they can trust you.
- A clear next step. Invite visitors to request a quote, book a call, or ask a question.
If you serve a local area, include the locations where you work. This helps visitors understand whether your services are available to them.
How much does a website cost?
The cost depends on how you build it. You might create it yourself with a website builder, hire a professional, or use a service that builds the site while you pay for hosting.
Whichever option you choose, look beyond the initial price. Check the cost of:
- Hosting and domain renewal
- Premium themes or plugins
- Future changes and maintenance
- Additional features, such as booking or online payments
A low first-year price can be attractive, but renewal costs matter too.
Can you get a website built for free?
Some services offer to build a basic website at no charge, while the business owner pays for hosting. One example is The Free Website Guys.
This approach may be useful for a small business or freelancer who needs a straightforward first website. However, it’s important to check the current hosting price, renewal terms, eligibility requirements, and any costs for additional work before applying.
You can read more about the process, potential costs, and who the service may suit here:
Explore the free business website option
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What to do before you start
Before choosing a website provider, write down:
- What your business does and who your customers are.
- The main action you want visitors to take.
- The pages and features you need at launch.
- Your budget for both the first year and future renewals.
- Who will update the website after it goes live.
A simple, clear website that answers customers’ questions can be a strong starting point. You can always improve it as your business grows.
