How to build a website for your business

At a high level: lock a domain, pick a platform that matches the workload you'll actually do, write the five core pages (Home, About, Services, Contact, Proof) before designing, add tracking, and ship something small. The full breakdown is in our 7-step plan.

1. 01Buy the .com and a matching email
2. 02Pick a builder (DIY) or a done-for-you partner
3. 03Write copy in a doc before opening any design tool
4. 04Add trust signals on every page (phone, reviews, real photos)
5. 05Set up Google Search Console + analytics on day one
6. 06Submit /sitemap.xml and claim your Google Business Profile
7. 07Block calendar time for your first 3 updates

Two evenings a week for two weeks gets a small-business site live if you skip the scope creep. Week 1 is foundation (domain, copy, photos). Week 2 is build and launch.

Wix, Weebly, Google Sites, Carrd, and WordPress.com all have free tiers. The trade is always one of: your own domain, your branding, or your search visibility. Free is fine for placeholders and idea validation — it costs you money the moment a real customer can't find you on Google.

1. 01Pick one free builder (Wix or Google Sites are easiest)
2. 02Accept the subdomain (yourbiz.wixsite.com) for now
3. 03Ship one page with phone + services + reviews
4. 04Claim Google Business Profile (free, drives most early traffic)
5. 05Upgrade to a paid plan + real domain as soon as revenue allows

Same plan as any business site, just ruthlessly scoped: five pages, real photos, no blog at launch, no e-commerce unless it's your core. Two weeks of evenings is enough if you have a clear brief.

Combine Google Business Profile (free, the single highest-leverage tool for local SMBs) with a free Wix or Google Sites page that links to it. Add a real domain ($12/yr) the day you have a paying customer.

Five real options: DIY on a builder, freelancer, niche small agency, full-service marketing agency, or a friend who 'knows computers'. Pick based on total first-year budget, hours you'll personally give it, and whether you want to own maintenance forever.

Use a template — don't customize fonts, colors, or layout on your first version. Pick the template closest to your industry, swap in your real copy and photos, and ship. Customization is the single biggest reason DIY sites stall.

DIY: $20–$50/mo + your time. Freelancer: $500–$3,000 one-time. Niche agency: $1,500–$5,000 build + $50–$200/mo hosting + maintenance. Full marketing agency: $5,000–$25,000+.