How to Set Up a Business Website That Works for You

Your website is often the first interaction a potential customer will have with your business. Whether it’s through a Google search, social media link, or a direct visit, this is where they’ll decide whether to trust you with their business.

But for many, setting up a website feels like a daunting task—technical, expensive, and time-consuming. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a website that serves as the foundation of your business’s online presence. The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and we’ll break it down into manageable steps.

1. Get Clear on What You Want Your Website to Do

Before diving into the technical details, take a step back and think about your goals. A website isn’t just about putting up a few pages—it’s about creating a tool that helps your business grow.

Start by asking yourself:

Do I want my website to generate leads, make sales, or just provide information?
What action do I want visitors to take once they land on my site? (e.g., contacting you, booking a consultation, making a purchase)
How do I want to present my business to the world?

These questions will guide your decisions on design, content, and functionality. The clearer your vision, the easier it will be to make the right choices.

2. Craft Website Copy That Speaks to Your Customers

Your website isn’t just a collection of text—it’s a powerful marketing tool. The right words will help you connect with your audience, build trust, and motivate them to take action.

Here’s what to focus on:

Who are you? Briefly introduce your business and its mission.
What do you offer? Highlight your services or products and how they solve your customers’ problems.
Why choose you? Demonstrate the unique value you provide, whether it’s your experience, expertise, or customer-first approach.

Remember, clarity is key. Avoid jargon, keep your sentences short, and always focus on the customer. Why should they care about your business? Make that clear in every paragraph.

3. Plan the Right Pages for Your Website

A website has a few core pages that every business needs to include. These pages not only provide essential information to your visitors, but they also guide them through their journey with your business.

Here are the must-have pages:

Home: This is your first impression. Make sure it briefly explains who you are, what you do, and how to contact you. Think of it as your business elevator pitch—concise and impactful.
About: Share your business story, your values, and the people behind the business. This page builds trust and lets customers connect with you on a human level.
Services / Products: Provide clear, benefit-driven descriptions of what you offer. Don’t just list features—show how your products or services make life easier for your customers.
Contact: This page should make it easy for potential customers to reach out. Include a contact form, phone number, email address, and, if applicable, physical location.

Other pages to consider:

Testimonials / Case Studies to add credibility
Blog to engage visitors with helpful content
FAQs to answer common questions and reduce customer friction

4. Choose and Register Your Website Name (Domain)

Your domain name is your online address. It’s how customers will find you, so it’s important to choose wisely.

Here’s what to consider:

Keep it simple and memorable. Aim for something short, relevant, and easy to type.
Use keywords if possible. For example, if you offer B2B legal consulting, a domain like strategiclegalpartners.com is more descriptive than slpgroup.com.
Choose the right domain extension. .com is the most widely recognized and trusted, but other options like .co, .io, or country-specific extensions may be appropriate depending on your audience and availability.

Once you’ve decided, register your domain through platforms like GoDaddy, Google Domains, or others. Domain registration is usually inexpensive and can be done in minutes.

5. Choose a Platform That Matches Your Skill and Budget

For most businesses, a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify is a great starting point. These platforms offer easy-to-use tools for creating professional websites without needing coding skills.

If your business needs more customization or specialized features, consider custom development. While it offers greater flexibility, it also requires a higher investment in both time and budget.

6. Design Your Website with User Experience in Mind

A beautiful website is important, but usability should always come first. Your site should be easy to navigate, intuitive, and fast. Here are some design tips to ensure you’re delivering a great experience:

Keep it simple: Don’t overwhelm visitors with too much text or too many options. A clean, minimalist design is often the best approach.
Ensure mobile-friendliness: Most users browse websites on their phones, so your site must look great and work well on all devices.
Fast loading speed is crucial: If your site takes too long to load, visitors will leave before they even get to see your content.
Include clear calls to action (CTAs): Make it easy for visitors to take the next step, whether it’s contacting you, purchasing a product, or scheduling a consultation.

A user-friendly design will keep people on your site longer and help turn them into customers.

7. Keep Your Website Updated

Your website should be a living, breathing asset that evolves along with your business. To keep it performing at its best, make sure to:

Update content regularly: Add new products, services, or blog posts.
Monitor your site’s performance: Use tools like Google Analytics to track visitors and see what’s working.
Ensure all information is current: Prices, hours, and contact details should always be up-to-date.

An active website signals to customers that you care about your business and their experience.

Your Website, Your Way Forward

Setting up a business website doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. By focusing on your customers’ needs, keeping things simple, and choosing the right tools, you can create a website that works for you—driving business growth and helping you connect with new clients.

Ready to Build a Website That Works for You?
If you need help bringing your website vision to life, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about how we can make your business more visible and accessible online.