How to Create a Website for Your Small Business: A Beginner’s Guide
Learn how to build a professional website for your small business, step by step — from picking a domain to going live. A practical guide for non-techies.
Théo Neubeck
Introduction
Did you know that 75% of consumers judge a company’s credibility based on its website? If you’re starting a small business or launching a side hustle, a professional website isn’t just a bonus — it’s essential.
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to create a website for your small business, even if you’re not tech-savvy. Whether you’re building it yourself or thinking of hiring a freelance web developer, you’ll leave with a clear roadmap and actionable tips.
1. Why Every Small Business Needs a Website in 2025
It doesn’t matter if you’re a local bakery, a freelance yoga instructor, or launching your own brand — a website is your digital storefront.
Here’s why it’s a must-have:
- ✅ Online visibility – Customers search Google first.
- ✅ Credibility – A clean site shows you’re legit.
- ✅ 24/7 marketing – Your site works even while you sleep.
- ✅ Compete with big brands – A great website levels the playing field.
“If your business isn’t online, it’s invisible.”
2. Choose the Right Website Type
Before you start building, figure out what kind of site your business needs:
🏪 Showcase Site
Perfect for service-based businesses. Simple pages like Home, About, Services, Contact.
👉 What is a Showcase Site? (Full Guide)
🛒 E-Commerce Site
For selling products online. Includes product pages, shopping cart, payment system.
📅 Booking Site
Great for salons, consultants, or anyone who takes appointments.
🧰 Portfolio or Personal Brand
Ideal for freelancers and creatives. Show off your work and attract clients.
🎯 Tip: Start small. You can always grow your website as your business grows.
3. Pick the Right Tools: No-Code or Custom?
Let’s talk about how you’ll actually build your site.
🧱 Website Builders (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress)
- ✅ Easy to use
- ✅ Fast setup
- ❌ Limited customization
- ❌ Monthly costs can add up
👨💻 Hiring a Freelance Developer (Like Me!)
- ✅ Fully custom design
- ✅ SEO & performance optimized
- ✅ No monthly platform fees
- ❌ Slightly higher up-front cost
I offer both budget-friendly and high-end solutions. Let’s work together.
4. Buy a Domain Name and Hosting
Every website needs two things to go online:
🌐 Domain Name
Your website’s address (like yourbusiness.com).
Buy one through Namecheap, GoDaddy, or OVH.
🗄️ Hosting
Where your website lives online.
Options: shared, managed, or custom hosting.
Not sure what to choose? I can handle domain + hosting setup for my clients.
5. Plan Your Pages and Content
Here are the essential pages most small businesses need:
- Home: Clear intro, value proposition, call-to-action.
- About: Your story and what makes you different.
- Services: What you offer and how it helps.
- Contact: Form, email, phone number, and social links.
✍️ Struggling with content?
I offer content writing help if you don’t know where to start. Simple, clear copy that speaks to your audience.
6. Launch and Promote Your Website
Before you launch:
- ✅ Mobile-friendly layout
- ✅ Fast loading speed
- ✅ SEO basics in place
⚡ I build sites that score 98+ on Google Lighthouse, meaning they’re lightning-fast and SEO-ready.
📣 After launch, promote your site:
- Add it to your Google Business Profile
- Link it in your Instagram bio and email signature
- Share it in local Facebook groups and Reddit
7. Keep It Fresh: Website Maintenance
A great website is never done. Keep it updated with:
- ✅ Fresh content (blog posts, new photos, testimonials)
- ✅ Technical updates (plugins, backups, security)
- ✅ Occasional design refresh
I offer maintenance packages so you can focus on your business, not your website.
Conclusion
Creating a website for your small business isn’t rocket science — but doing it right makes a huge difference. Whether you go the DIY route or work with a pro, the key is to focus on clarity, speed, and your customer’s needs.
Ready to get started?
👉 Check out my Fiverr gig
👉 Or get in touch directly — I’d love to help you build your online presence.
🔖 Bonus: Free Website Checklist
Download the free Small Business Website Launch Checklist right here!