The Best Way to Build a Website for a Small Business

The Best Way to Build a Website for a Small Business

A good website makes your business look professional. It helps customers find you, learn about your services, and contact you easily. But what’s the best way to build one? It depends on your budget, skills, and needs. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right approach.

1. Use a Website Builder

You could use a website builder online - there are literally hundreds to choose from.

  1. Pros: Cheaper to start with, you get to learn about how to build a site.
  2. Cons: Limited design control, learning curve, search engine optimisation.
  3. Best for: People with time on their hands and willing to learn

2. Try WordPress

Wordpress is the worlds most used web platform. It is also old in design and there are many issues with it that are overlooked such as security, complexity etc. If you are hiring a web developer and spending a decent budget some of these downsides are mitigated.

  1. Pros: Endless customisation, large community of people using it.
  2. Cons: Requires setup, security updates, and hosting complexity. You will want web developer help.
  3. Best for: Possible that there is some feature of Wordpress that is important to a business. Case-by-case.

3. Hire a Web Designer

If you need a unique or complex site, a web designer can help. They can create a custom design, set up special features, and ensure everything runs smoothly. This option costs more but gives you a high-quality result.

  1. Pros: Custom design, professional touch, expert setup.
  2. Cons: Higher cost.
  3. Best for: Businesses wanting to get something set up with minimal effort.

4. Use an E-commerce Platform (If You Sell Online)

If your business sells products, consider platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. These systems handle payments, inventory, and shipping.

  1. Pros: Easy product management, secure checkout, mobile-friendly.
  2. Cons: Fees for transactions, learning curve for setup.
  3. Best for: Online stores needing a complete selling solution.

5. Choose the Right Domain 

Every website needs to be on a domain such as www.yourbusiness.co.nz. These have an annual fee attached of between $30-75 from most providers. 

6. Focus on Mobile and Speed

Most visitors will view your site on a phone. Make sure it loads fast and looks good on small screens. Use clean designs, avoid large images, and pick a mobile-friendly theme.

7. Add Key Content

Most small business websites should have this content:

  1. Home: A clear, simple intro to your business.
  2. About: Your story and what makes you different.
  3. Services/Products: What you offer and how to buy.
  4. Contact: A form, email, phone number, and address if needed.
  5. Testimonials/Reviews: Proof that customers trust you.

8. Make It Easy to Find

Search engines help customers find you. Follow these steps to improve your ranking:

  1. Use clear headings and keywords people search for.
  2. Add a Google My Business listing.
  3. Include links to your social media pages.
  4. Write useful content like blog posts or FAQs.

9. Keep It Secure

Ensure that you are keeping your username/password to your site secure by:

  1. Using a strong password (the longer the better). Ideally use a password keeper tool.
  2. Have a web hosting company that can assist if you have issues (a back-door).
  3. Never click on links coming to you from email or text. Always go direct to the website. If you do click on a link in an email, making sure the "from" address is the correct one is the most important thing.

10. Update Regularly

A website isn’t “set it and forget it.” Keep it fresh by:

  1. Updating any contact details, and changes to the business.
  2. Updating prices, services, or hours.
  3. Posting news, blogs, or customer updates.

The Bottom Line

Building a website can be a lot of work for someone who has not done it before. If you have the time and a learning attitude go for it! If not, choose a provider (like us!) that offer a fixed price, fixed delivery timeframe. We are up front about our pricing! Contact us with your website requirement.