Planning a Small Business Website

Decide what the website should do

Start with the main reason you need a website. Is it to explain your services, help customers make an enquiry, share opening information, or introduce a new offer? A clear primary goal makes it easier to decide what belongs on the site.

Choose one or two useful outcomes to prioritise. The website can still answer other questions, but a focused purpose helps visitors find the next step.

Think about your customers

Write down the questions people commonly ask before they choose a business like yours. Consider what they need to understand, what might make them hesitate, and which details help them decide whether to get in touch.

List the pages and content

A simple site might need a homepage, service information, background about the business, and a contact page. The right structure depends on what you do; not every business needs a large site.

Make an inventory of existing copy, photographs, logos, and other materials. Note what needs updating and what still needs to be created. Use real, accurate information and images you have permission to publish.

Separate essentials from nice-to-haves

Make two lists: what the first version genuinely needs, and what could be added later. A booking system, product catalogue, newsletter, or customer portal can affect scope and maintenance, so describe the problem each feature should solve before deciding how to build it.