How to Get a Website for Your Small Business: Complete Guide

Getting a website for your small business can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here's everything you need to know to get a professional website that works for your business.

Why Your Small Business Needs a Website

Customer Expectations Your customers expect to find you online. If you don't have a website, they'll assume you're not serious about your business.

Competitive Advantage Many small businesses still don't have websites. Having one gives you a significant advantage over competitors who don't.

24/7 Marketing Your website works for you around the clock, even when you're sleeping or busy with other tasks.

Local Search Visibility Most customers search for local businesses online. Without a website, you're invisible in search results.

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Before you start looking for a web designer, ask yourself:

What do you want your website to do?

Generate leads and phone calls
Showcase your products or services
Provide information about your business
Allow customers to book appointments

Who is your target audience?

Local customers only
Regional customers
Specific demographics or industries

What's your budget?

Be realistic about what you can afford
Remember that a website is an investment, not an expense

Step 2: Gather Your Content

Business Information

Business name, address, phone number
Hours of operation
Services or products you offer
Your business story and background

Photos and Images

Professional photos of your business
Photos of your products or services
Team photos if applicable
Logo and branding materials

Customer Testimonials

Reviews from satisfied customers
Case studies or success stories
Before and after photos if applicable

Step 3: Choose Your Approach

Option 1: Hire a Professional Web Designer

Pros:

Custom design that reflects your brand
Professional expertise and guidance
Ongoing support and maintenance
Better search engine optimization

Cons:

Higher upfront cost
Takes longer to complete

Option 2: Use a Website Builder

Pros:

Lower cost
Quick to set up
You maintain control

Cons:

Limited customization
Generic appearance
Requires ongoing maintenance
Poor search engine optimization

Option 3: DIY with Templates

Pros:

Very low cost
Complete control

Cons:

Time-consuming
Requires technical skills
Often looks unprofessional
Poor search engine optimization

Step 4: Find the Right Web Designer

Look for Local Experience A designer who understands your local market will create a better website for your business.

Check Their Portfolio Look at websites they've created for similar businesses. Do they look professional and modern?

Ask About SEO Make sure they understand search engine optimization and can help customers find you online.

Get References Ask for references from other small business owners they've worked with.

Step 5: Plan Your Website Structure

Home Page

Clear explanation of what you do
Your unique value proposition
Call-to-action (phone number, contact form)

About Page

Your business story
Why customers should choose you
Team information

Services/Products Page

Detailed information about what you offer
Pricing if appropriate
How to get started

Contact Page

Multiple ways to reach you
Business hours and location
Contact form

Step 6: Design and Development

Mobile-First Design Most customers will find you on their phones. Your website must work perfectly on mobile devices.

Fast Loading Times Customers expect websites to load quickly. Slow sites lose customers.

Clear Navigation Make it easy for customers to find what they're looking for.

Professional Appearance Your website reflects your business. Make sure it looks professional and trustworthy.

Step 7: Content Creation

Write Clear, Customer-Focused Copy

Focus on benefits, not features
Use language your customers understand
Include local keywords for search engines

Use High-Quality Images

Professional photos of your business
Images that show your products or services
Avoid stock photos when possible

Include Customer Testimonials

Real reviews from satisfied customers
Photos of customers if possible
Specific details about their experience

Step 8: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Local SEO

Optimize for searches like "your service + your city"
Claim your Google Business Profile
Get listed in local directories

Content Optimization

Use relevant keywords naturally
Create helpful, informative content
Update your content regularly

Step 9: Launch and Promote

Test Everything

Check all links and forms
Test on different devices
Make sure contact information is correct

Tell Your Customers

Announce your new website
Add your website to business cards and marketing materials
Share on social media

Monitor and Improve

Track how customers find your website
Ask for feedback from customers
Make improvements based on what you learn

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing the Cheapest Option A cheap website often looks cheap and hurts your business reputation.

2. Not Planning for Mobile Most customers use mobile devices. Don't ignore mobile design.

3. Outdated Information Keep your website current. Outdated information frustrates customers.

4. No Clear Call-to-Action Tell customers what you want them to do (call, email, visit).

5. Ignoring SEO If customers can't find you in search results, your website won't help your business.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Basic Website: $500-$1,500

Simple design
Basic functionality
Limited customization

Professional Website: $1,500-$5,000

Custom design
Advanced features
SEO optimization
Ongoing support

Enterprise Website: $5,000+

Complex functionality
Custom development
Advanced features

Getting Started Today

Ready to get a website for your small business? Here's how to start:

Define your goals - What do you want your website to accomplish?
Gather your content - Collect photos, text, and business information
Research web designers - Look for local experience and good portfolios
Get quotes - Compare options and choose what works for your budget
Start the process - Don't wait. Your competitors are already online.

The Bottom Line

Getting a website for your small business is one of the best investments you can make. It helps customers find you, builds trust and credibility, and works for you 24/7.

The key is choosing the right approach for your business and working with professionals who understand your needs. Don't try to do everything yourself - focus on running your business and let experts handle your website.

Ready to get started? I help small businesses get professional websites that work for their local market.

Start a free draft or call or text (401) 218-7310 to discuss how a professional website can help your small business.

About the Author: Tim is a web designer specializing in websites for small businesses throughout New England. He helps business owners get professional websites that work for their local market and drive real results.

Current pricing

Feature	Starter	Plus	Custom
Price	75 dollars	250 dollars	scoped
Pages	1 to 3 pages	Flexible pages and sections	Scoped pages and features
Contact	Tap to email (prefilled)	Form to your email	Advanced forms or embeds
SEO	SEO basics + sitemap.xml + robots.txt	Local SEO tuning for RI towns	Tailored SEO plan
Content help	Copywriting included	Copywriting included	Copywriting included

Start a free draft or call or text (401) 218-7310.