Starting your first website can feel like standing in front of a blank canvas with a giant brush in hand. It’s exciting. It’s terrifying. But done right, it can take you from “just starting out” to “booked solid” faster than you think. Here’s the roadmap.
1. Start Simple, Start Strong
Don’t overcomplicate it. Your first site doesn’t need 50 pages and a fireworks display. Three essentials: Home, Services, Contact. Build the rest as you grow.
2. Pick a Name People Can Remember
Your domain should be short, easy to spell, and say what you do. MikeThePlumber.com beats MikeServices247Online.net every day of the week.
3. Choose the Right Platform
For beginners, WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix are your friends. You want something you can update without needing a degree in rocket science.
4. Make Your Brand Pop
Use your colours, your logo, and photos of you or your team. Even a small business can look pro if it’s consistent.
5. Write Like You Talk
Your website copy should sound human — not like a legal document. Pretend you’re explaining your business to a friend over coffee.
6. Mobile First Mindset
Over half your traffic will be from phones. If it looks bad on mobile, it’s bad — period.
7. Tell People What to Do
Want calls? Have a big “Call Now” button. Want emails? Put “Get a Free Quote” front and centre. Don’t make visitors guess the next step.
8. Add Social Proof Early
Even if you’re new, you can still showcase testimonials from happy first customers, before-and-after photos, or any certifications you’ve got.
9. Keep It Light and Fast
Big images and unnecessary plugins slow your site down. Every extra second kills your chances of a sale.
10. Launch Imperfect, Improve Constantly
Your first site won’t be perfect — and that’s fine. Get it live, get feedback, and keep making it better. The real magic happens when you start.
Bottom line: Your first small business website is your digital “Hello!” to the world. Make it friendly, make it clear, and make it yours — and you’ll go from zero to hero before you know it.