How to create a small business website

Learn what a well-designed website can do for your business and how to start creating one today. Presented by Chase for Business.

Even if your company has brick-and-mortar locations, a high-quality website is a good idea. Many of your customers may already be online, doing everything from searching Google for products to scrolling through local businesses on their Instagram feed.

Learn why it’s so important to have an online presence and find out how to create a small business website.

Why do I need a website for my business?

Whether you go basic or you get elaborate, here are five benefits of developing a business website:

1. Market your business

Creating a website that communicates what you offer, displays your products and uses effective digital marketing techniques increases the chances of potential customers finding your business when they search online. When you market your business and make it easy for customers to find your website, you can control your brand and your company’s story.

2. Sell products and services

It doesn’t matter how many locations your business has; when you have a website, you can also sell products and services online. When you sell online, you’re increasing the possibility of bringing in more revenue and growing your business. You can also reach a wider range of customers than those that live near your brick and mortar locations.

3. Provide customer service

When customers have questions, want to learn more about your product line or need assistance, your website can be there to help. Business websites can feature chat portals or FAQs so customers can access help easily. Websites can also include product pages and blogs so customers can learn more.

4. Update customers

If your business has time-sensitive news, you want all your customers to have access to the same information at the same time. By making regular website updates or posts to your business’s social media, you can easily share news with all your customers. For example, you can use your website to announce weekly specials, new products or holiday hours.

How to create a website for your business

Creating a business website doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some steps to help you get your site up and running:

• Set a budget. Make a list of all the standard website costs, such as renewing your domain, hosting your site and installing themes or apps. Don’t forget to consider the cost of having an employee or contractor build as well as update the website.
• Purchase your domain. First, choose a domain name, also called a URL. If it’s available, register your exact business name or a close substitute so your website is easy for your customers to find and remember. To register the domain, find an accredited registrar using Google or other search engines.
• Find a host. Often, domain registrars also offer hosting services. Or, you can find a separate vendor to host your site. Your host is responsible for storing all your data and keeping your site up and running. Look for a host that has good reviews and offers customer service that meets your needs.
• Make a plan. Decide what pages your website needs. Most websites have a homepage, an about page with the company's history, and a page with contact information: phone numbers, email addresses and location information (store addresses and hours). Consider adding a blog with how-to articles or information about your products and services. Or maybe you want to set up an online store that accepts payments and connects to an inventory system.
• Design and write web pages. Next, install a template that establishes a standard design across your website. After deciding on a theme, create the pages you need and write the content.
• Know your SEO. To help your website rank higher with search engines, learn some search engine optimization (SEO) basics or hire an SEO expert. Best practices include creating unique and accurate title and description tags and submitting your site to the search engine to increase visibility.
• Install plugins. These applications can handle tasks like processing payments, creating customer accounts or allowing website visitors to message your business. Consider investing in SEO, ecommerce, video and lead generation plugins for your website.
• Publish your site. Test it on major browsers to make sure it looks right and works correctly. Once your business website is live, you can start sharing the link to market your company and connect with customers.
• Do routine maintenance. Remember to update your website regularly to maintain security and keep the information current. Check with your hosting company periodically for security updates to help protect your website from online attacks.

Running a business means getting in front of customers. With a clearly written and beautifully designed website, your business can make a great first impression and help attract new customers.