Building a local business website can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re just starting or looking to give your business a digital presence, having a clear plan in place can make the process smoother. From choosing the right domain to promoting your site, these seven steps will guide you through the essentials.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a domain name that reflects your business and is easy to remember.
- Decide on a website style that suits your brand and needs.
- Plan and create the key pages for your site, like Home, About, and Contact.
- Optimize your website for search engines to attract more visitors.
- Develop a content strategy and promote your site to reach your audience.
1. Register Your Domain
Your domain name is like your business’s online address. It’s what people type into their browsers to find you. Picking the right domain name is a big deal—it’s your first impression online.
Steps to Register Your Domain
- Pick a Name That Sticks: Think short, memorable, and brand-related. If your business is “Sunny Day Coffee,” sunnydaycoffee.com is a solid choice. Avoid tricky spellings or anything hard to type.
- Check Availability: Use tools from registrars like Namecheap or GoDaddy to see if your dream name is taken. If it is, tweak it or try a different extension like .net or .biz.
- Buy It From a Registrar: Once you’ve found an available name, purchase it through a trusted domain registrar. Some popular ones include:
- GoDaddy
- Namecheap
- Bluehost
- HostGator
Pro Tips
- If your business is local, consider a country-specific extension like .us or .uk.
- Many hosting providers bundle domain registration with their services—sometimes for free in the first year.
Remember: Your domain is yours as long as you renew it annually. Don’t let it expire, or someone else might grab it!
2. Pick A Website Style
Choosing the right style for your website is like picking the outfit your business wears online. It’s the first impression your customers will have, so you want it to represent your brand perfectly. Here’s how to get started:
Decide on a Template or Custom Design
Most small businesses start with templates because they’re fast, affordable, and don’t require coding skills. Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress offer a variety of designs tailored to different industries. For example:
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Wix | Creative businesses, portfolios |
| Squarespace | Modern, minimalist designs |
| WordPress | Highly customizable options |
If you want something truly unique, hiring a professional designer might be worth considering.
Match Your Style to Your Brand
Your website’s look should reflect your business. A bakery might go for soft, warm colors like pastel pink or cream, while a tech company could lean into sleek blacks and blues. Think about your audience and what they’d expect to see. Use a tool like Adobe Color to build a palette that works for you.
Keep It User-Friendly
No matter how great your site looks, it won’t matter if it’s hard to use. Make sure navigation is simple and intuitive. Group similar pages under categories, like “Services” or “Products,” so visitors can find what they need quickly.
A clean, organized design isn’t just about aesthetics—it helps build trust with your audience.
Responsive Design is Non-Negotiable
Your website has to look good on all devices. A responsive design ensures your site adjusts automatically for phones, tablets, and desktops. This is especially important for local businesses since many customers search on their smartphones.
By thoughtfully selecting a style that aligns with your brand and audience, you’ll set the stage for a website that’s both functional and visually appealing.
3. Build Out Your Website Pages
When it comes to building your website, getting the structure right from the start is key. The pages you create will act as the foundation for your site, guiding visitors and helping them find what they need quickly.
Start with the Essentials
Every small business website should include a few must-have pages:
- Homepage: This is the face of your website. It should clearly communicate who you are, what you offer, and why visitors should care. Add a strong call-to-action to guide users further.
- About Us: Share your story. Let visitors know who you are, your mission, and what makes your business unique.
- Contact Page: Make it easy for people to reach you. Include your phone number, email, address, and a simple contact form.
- Privacy Policy: This builds trust by explaining how you handle customer data.
Consider Additional Pages
Depending on your business, you might also need:
- Services or Products Page: Detail what you offer, with descriptions and visuals.
- Portfolio or Testimonials Page: Showcase your work or share customer reviews to build credibility.
- Blog: If content marketing is part of your strategy, this is where you’ll publish articles.
Organize Your Pages Logically
Think about how visitors will navigate your site. Group related content together, and use clear labels in your navigation menu. For example:
| Page Group | Subcategories |
|---|---|
| Services | “Consulting,” “Workshops” |
| Portfolio | “Weddings,” “Events” |
Add Branding Touches
Don’t forget to include your logo on every page, ideally in the header. Also, set a favicon (the tiny icon in browser tabs) for a polished, professional look.
A well-structured site is like a good map—it helps visitors get where they want to go without frustration. Take the time to plan it out carefully.
4. Connect Your POS
If you’re running a local business, syncing your website with your Point of Sale (POS) system is a game-changer. It’s not just about making transactions smoother; it’s about keeping everything—inventory, sales, and customer data—organized in one place. Here’s why it matters and how to get it done.
Why Your POS Matters
A connected POS bridges your online and in-store operations. Whether you’re running a restaurant or a boutique, customers expect seamless service. For example, an on-site POS system can process offline transactions, ensuring you’re not stuck when the internet goes down. Check out the benefits:
- Real-time inventory updates: Avoid selling items online that are out of stock in-store.
- Consistent pricing: Keep prices the same across all sales channels.
- Streamlined reporting: View all your sales data in one dashboard.
Steps to Connect Your POS
- Choose the Right POS System
Decide if you need an on-site or cloud-based POS. On-site POS systems are locally hosted and may offer more control, but they usually come with upfront costs. Cloud-based systems, on the other hand, are easier to update and integrate with websites. - Integrate with Your Website
Most modern POS systems come with integration options. This means your website and POS can “talk” to each other. For example, when someone makes a purchase online, your store inventory automatically updates. - Test the System
Before going live, run a few test transactions. Make sure payments process correctly, inventory adjusts as it should, and receipts are clear.
A well-connected POS doesn’t just save time—it helps avoid customer frustration and keeps your business running smoothly.
By taking the time to connect your POS, you’re setting your business up for long-term success. It’s one of those steps that might feel tedious now but will save you countless headaches down the road.
5. Implement Some SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) might sound a bit technical, but it’s a must if you want people to find your website online. Getting SEO right means more visibility and more customers. Here’s how you can start:
Research Keywords
- Think about what your customers might type into Google to find your business. These are your keywords.
- Focus on long-tail keywords—phrases like “best pizza in downtown Chicago” instead of just “pizza.”
- Use free tools to help you discover popular search terms.
Optimize Your Content
- Write clear page titles and meta descriptions for every page. Include your main keyword in these.
- Use headers (H1, H2, H3) to organize your content. It helps both readers and search engines.
- Add alt text to your images. This makes your site more accessible and boosts SEO.
Improve Site Speed and Mobile Friendliness
- Compress images and fix anything that slows down your site.
- Make sure your website works well on phones and tablets. Google ranks mobile-friendly sites higher.
Build Internal Links
- Link related pages on your site to one another. For example, if you have a blog post about “summer sales,” link it to your “shop now” page.
- This not only helps users but also makes your site easier for search engines to understand.
Claim Your Google Business Profile
- Set up your Google Business listing so people can find your business in local searches.
- Keep your address, phone number, and hours updated.
SEO isn’t a one-and-done task. Think of it as something you’ll tweak and improve over time. Start with the basics, and you’ll already be ahead of many competitors.
6. Create A Content Plan
Why a Content Plan Matters
A content plan is like a roadmap for your website. It helps you figure out what to write, when to post, and how to keep your audience coming back for more. Without a plan, you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks—and that’s no good for your business.
Steps to Build Your Content Plan
- Get to Know Your Audience
Start by understanding who your customers are and what they care about. What questions do they have? What problems are they trying to solve? This will help you create content that actually matters to them. - Choose Your Content Types
Decide what kind of content works best for your business. Blog posts? Videos? Social media updates? Maybe even a mix of all three. Pick formats that align with your audience’s preferences. - Plan Your Topics
Think about the key topics that are relevant to your business. For example, if you run a bakery, you might write about baking tips, recipes, or seasonal treats. Make a list of ideas to keep things organized. - Set a Posting Schedule
Consistency is key. Whether you post once a week or three times a month, stick to a schedule so your audience knows when to expect fresh content. - Optimize for SEO
Use strategic keywords to make sure your content is discoverable online. For example, if your audience is searching for “content strategies for small businesses,” make sure those words appear naturally in your posts.
Tools to Help You
| Tool Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Google Trends | Find popular topics |
| Grammarly | Polish your writing |
| Canva | Create visuals for your posts |
| WordPress | Manage your blog efficiently |
A well-thought-out content plan not only saves you time but also ensures your website stays relevant and engaging. It’s like setting the stage for your business to shine online.
For more strategies on creating effective content for your website, check out our guide to strategies for creating effective content.
7. Promote Your Website
Getting your website in front of people is just as important as building it. Without promotion, your site may sit unnoticed. Here are some practical ways to spread the word:
Announce It on Social Media
Use your business’s social media accounts to share the news. Post updates, highlight key features of your website, and engage your followers. You might even run a small promotion or giveaway to celebrate the launch.
Utilize Email Marketing
If you have a customer email list, this is the time to use it. Send out a newsletter announcing your new website. Include a direct link and highlight why customers should check it out. Adding a special offer or exclusive content for email subscribers can make this even more effective.
Tap Into Word-of-Mouth
Don’t underestimate the power of personal recommendations. Talk about your website with customers during in-person interactions. You can also put up signs in your physical store or include your website URL on receipts, business cards, and packaging.
Leverage Local SEO
Make sure your website is optimized for local searches. Claim your Google Business Profile and ensure your business information—name, address, and phone number (NAP)—is consistent across all directories. This helps local customers find you online.
Consider Paid Advertising
If you have the budget, paid ads can drive immediate traffic. Platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads allow you to target specific audiences, ensuring your website reaches the right people.
Promotion is not a one-time task. Keep engaging with your audience and experimenting with different strategies to maintain visibility and grow your online presence.
Conclusion
Building a local business website might seem like a big task, but breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable. From picking the right domain name to planning your content and testing everything before launch, each step plays a role in creating a site that works for your business. Remember, your website is often the first impression people get of your business, so take the time to make it count. And don’t stress about getting it perfect right away—you can always tweak and improve as you go. The key is to start and keep learning along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a domain name, and why do I need one?
A domain name is your website’s address on the internet, like www.yourbusiness.com. It helps customers find your business online and gives your site a professional look.
How do I choose the best style for my website?
Pick a style that matches your brand and is easy for visitors to use. You can use templates from website builders or hire a designer for a custom look.
What pages should I include on my business website?
At a minimum, include a homepage, an ‘About Us’ page, a ‘Contact’ page, and pages for your products or services. These provide essential information for your visitors.
How does SEO help my website?
SEO, or search engine optimization, improves your website’s chances of appearing in search results. This helps more people find your business online.
Why is a content plan important?
A content plan helps you organize what you’ll post on your website, like blogs or updates. It keeps your site fresh and engaging for visitors.
What are some ways to promote my website?
You can promote your website through social media, email newsletters, and word-of-mouth. Adding your website link to business cards and signs can also help.
Need a website optimized for SEO for your local business? Contact Mighty Local today!