Getting your first business website can feel overwhelming. There's unfamiliar terminology, lots of options, and it's hard to know what questions to ask. This guide explains everything in plain English.
What You Actually Need
A website has three main components:
- Domain name: Your web address (like yourbusiness.co.uk)
- Hosting: Where your website files live on the internet
- Website content: The pages, text, and images visitors see
Think of it like renting a shop: the domain is your address, hosting is the physical building, and the website content is your shop fit-out.
Domain Names Explained
What Is a Domain?
A domain name is your address on the internet. When someone types it into their browser or clicks a link, they arrive at your website.
Choosing Your Domain
Good domain names are:
- Short and memorable: Easier to remember and type
- Easy to spell: Avoid unusual spellings or hyphens
- Relevant to your business: Your business name is usually best
Which Extension? (.co.uk, .com, etc.)
- .co.uk: Best for UK businesses targeting UK customers
- .com: Global, professional, but harder to find available names
- .uk: Shorter alternative to .co.uk
- Others (.shop, .london, etc.): Can work for specific purposes
If you can get your business name as a .co.uk or .com, do that. If not, consider whether a slightly different name or newer extension makes sense.
Where to Buy a Domain
Domains are registered through registrars (companies authorised to sell domains). Popular options include:
- Namecheap
- Cloudflare Registrar
- Google Domains (now Squarespace)
- 123 Reg
Domains cost roughly £10-15 per year for common extensions. Be wary of "premium" domains with inflated prices.
Hosting Explained
What Is Hosting?
Your website is made of files - code, images, and content. Those files need to live on a computer (server) that's connected to the internet 24/7. That's hosting.
Do You Need to Buy Hosting Separately?
Sometimes. It depends on how your website is built:
- Website builders (Squarespace, Wix, Shopify): Hosting included
- WordPress.com: Hosting included
- Self-hosted WordPress or custom websites: You need separate hosting
If you're using a website builder or working with a developer, they'll either include hosting or recommend a provider.
Ways to Get a Website
Option 1: Website Builders
Platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify let you build websites using templates and drag-and-drop tools.
Good for:
- Simple websites (5-10 pages)
- Tight budgets
- People comfortable doing it themselves
Costs: £10-40/month depending on platform and features
Option 2: WordPress
WordPress powers about 40% of all websites. It's flexible and has thousands of themes and plugins.
Good for:
- Blogs and content-heavy sites
- Sites that need to grow over time
- People who want flexibility
Costs: Hosting from £5-30/month plus themes/plugins (free to hundreds of pounds)
Option 3: Hire a Developer
A web developer or agency builds a custom website for you.
Good for:
- Specific requirements that templates can't meet
- Businesses where website quality directly impacts revenue
- People who want someone else to handle it
Costs: £500-5,000+ depending on complexity
What Content You Need
The most common mistake is focusing on design before content. What you say matters more than how it looks.
Essential Pages:
Homepage: What you do, who you help, and what to do next. This is your most important page.
About: Who you are and why customers should trust you. People buy from people they trust.
Services or Products: What you offer, with enough detail for customers to understand what they're getting.
Contact: How to reach you. Include multiple options - some people prefer phone, others email.
Often Useful:
- FAQ: Answers to common questions (saves you answering them repeatedly)
- Testimonials: What existing customers say about you
- Portfolio/Case Studies: Examples of your work
- Pricing: Even ballpark figures help qualify enquiries
Questions to Ask a Web Developer
If you hire someone to build your website, ask:
- What's included in the quote? Design, content writing, images, training?
- What will I own? Domain, design, code, content?
- What are the ongoing costs? Hosting, maintenance, updates?
- Can I update content myself? If so, how? Is there training?
- What happens if I want changes later? Costs for modifications?
- Do you do SEO? Basic setup so people can find you?
- Can I see examples of similar work? Preferably with references?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Spending Too Much Initially
Your first website doesn't need to be perfect. Start with something good enough, then improve based on what customers actually need.
Waiting Until Content is Perfect
Done is better than perfect. You can update content after launch. A live website that's 80% there beats a perfect website that never launches.
Ignoring Mobile
Most people will view your website on their phone. Make sure it looks good and works well on mobile devices.
No Way to Track Success
Set up Google Analytics (free) so you know how many people visit and what they do. You can't improve what you don't measure.
Forgetting Google Business Profile
For local businesses, your Google Business Profile might bring more customers than your website. Claim and optimise it.
Realistic Timeline
DIY with website builder: A basic site can be live in a day or two if you have content ready. A polished version might take a week or two of part-time work.
Working with a developer: Typically 2-6 weeks depending on complexity. Much of this time is usually waiting for content and feedback, not the technical work.
Next Steps
- Secure your domain name. Even if you're not ready for a website, register your business name before someone else does.
- Gather content. Write down what you do, who you help, and what makes you different. Collect testimonials and photos.
- Decide your approach. DIY, website builder, or professional help?
- Start simple. Get something live, then improve it over time.
A website is an ongoing project, not a one-time task. The goal isn't perfection - it's having an effective online presence that grows with your business.