How to Create a Small Business Website in Just 7 Steps

As a small business owner, having a website can be a game-changer for your business's growth and success. But creating a professional one may seem daunting, especially if you don't have a technical background.

So, in this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a small business website. From planning to maintenance, we've got you covered.

Let's dive in and get started on building your website today!

Key Insights: 

How to Create a Small Business Website Step-by-Step

According to the Small Business Administration, there are over 30 million small businesses in the United States alone, employing over 47% of the private workforce. With the increase in the number of small businesses, the competition to stand out has become more intense.

Therefore, follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own small business website unique and successful.

Step 1: Understand Your Business and Audience

To build an effective website for your small business, it's crucial to begin by comprehending your business and your audience. This will assist you in developing a website that effectively conveys your brand's message and connects with your intended audience.

Here are three essential steps to follow:

Define your business Types, goals, and objectives

Before you begin creating your website, take the time to define your business goals and objectives clearly. Ask yourself questions like:

For example, think that you are a freelance web designer. Now, you are willing to start a web design business and want to create a website for it to show what services you offer. As a small business owner, it would be wise for you to convert your services into products. Therefore, you can start a productized web design business to make recurring revenues.

The good news is that Dorik, a completely no-code and AI website builder, has made it easier than your imagination to start small business websites.

With Dorik, you can create and manage websites for your clients while branding the website builder as your product- with no hassle. You will also get a white-label dashboard, documentation, agency branding, and client billing. Thus, you can grow and expand your web development agency.

However, apart from web design, here are some small business website ideas you can try.

Thus, you can create a website that aligns with your overall strategy by defining your business type and objectives.

Identify Your Target Audience

Once you've defined your business goals, the next step is to figure out your target audience. So, think again:

If you can read your target audience, you can tailor your website's messaging and design to speak directly to their interests and preferences.

Research Your Competitors

To position your small business in the market effectively, it's vital to research your competitors and analyze how they're positioning themselves. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What are they doing well that you could incorporate into your own website?

In this way, you can gain valuable insights that will help you create a unique website and ultimately will pave the ways to be a successful entrepreneur.

Step 2: Pick a Domain Name

Choosing the right domain name is essential in building a website, as it serves as the website's address and represents your brand online.

So, while selecting a domain name, consider your brand and website purpose, use relevant keywords, keep it simple and easy to remember, check availability, and avoid copyright infringement. Take an extension that suits your business and think long-term for future expansion.

After considering these factors, visit any domain registrar, like GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc., to buy your desired domain.

However, if you wish to learn more about how to choose the best domain name, read the following blog post.

Step 3: Design a Logo that Reflects Your Brand

Creating a logo that reflects your brand is crucial when building a small business website. A good logo should convey your brand's personality and values. It helps build brand recognition and credibility with visitors.

So make sure to display the brand logo on your website prominently. With a well-designed logo, you can establish a strong and memorable brand identity that sets you apart in a crowded online marketplace.

Step 4: Select a Website Builder that is Perfect for Your Business

When selecting a website builder, consider the following factors:

You can now figure out the best platform by assessing these agents. However, if you wish to learn more about the must-have features of a website builder, read the following blog.

Now you know how to select a website builder. There are a good number of platforms out there, but Dorik is the best no-code builder for small businesses because it comes with outstanding features. Let's see what it has got.

However, if you want to explore more website builders, read the following article.

Step 5: How to Create a Small Business Website Using Dorik

Dorik, a no-code website builder, offers all the features and functionalities you need to build a small business website. So, let's start our journey!

i) Create an Account

Visit Dorik. You will find a Sign-Up button on the top right corner of the screen. Click on it. Complete the process following the on-screen instructions. Additionally, you can go for the "Try Dorik Now" button. It will allow you to explore the website builder. But you will be able to publish your site once logged in or signed up. So, we recommend you sign up in the first place.

ii) Pick A Built-In Template 

After signing up, it will redirect you to Dorik Dashboard, where you can manage all your projects and control your website settings.

Dorik offers you two different options to build a new website. They are:

Dorik Classic is good if you want to create a static site. As we will make a small business website, Dorik CMS would be the best choice.

So, from the Dashboard, choose the Dorik CMS option. Then click on Create a New CMS button which will take you to your starting point.

You will see a list of professionally designed templates. We are selecting the "ServiceX - Productized Service template” for this blog. Once you have yours, hit the Preview button to explore it. If it's a perfect match for you, click the Select button.

Besides, Dorik allows you to import JSON files. Even you have the freedom to Start from Scratch, where you have to design everything by yourself. But we are not considering those options now. But you are always welcome to explore them if you feel like it.

A pop-up window will show up when you select the template, allowing you to set a title for your project and a domain name for the website. By default, your site's URL will bear .dcms.site if you use the free version. However, you can add a custom domain on Dorik after upgrading to a premium plan. At last, hit the Create button.

Your website has been created, and at once, you will land on Dorik CMS Site Dashboard. First, you should closely examine every feature and element of the Dashboard so that you can work efficiently. The left-sidebar editing panel is crucial as it contains all the options to customize your site.

For example, the Team Collaboration feature will allow you to add multiple team members and collaborate with them for almost every task you need to be done on your small business website. Again, you can try the Membership option to offer exclusive features or services to your customers. Even you can control access to your website content by utilizing this feature.

However, if you are eager to build a membership website, read the following blog.

Another worth-mentioning feature is “COLLECTIONS.” You can use the default ones or create custom collections depending on your requirements. It will save you time because you will be able to make any changes from here and the updates will be applied automatically.

After exploring them all, hit the "Launch the Builder" button.

iii) Use Dorik AI to create your site instantly

If you do not find a suitable template, Dorik offers you to create any small business website with a prompt. 

Click "create a new site with AI" and add your business description. Dorik AI will generate full responsive website in minutes. You can regenerate your website and sections, generates text and images right from the dashboard.

Try Dorik AI now.

iv) Start Editing Your Small Business Website 

After launching it, you will enter into the world of your website customization. Before starting to edit your website, we suggest you examine the full Editor to be comfortable with the interface.

You will see options like Page Settings, Device Responsiveness Checker, Undo, Redo, Version History, Preview, Save, and Publish buttons, and many more on the top.

Similarly, the left-sidebar editing panel features Pages, Global Settings, Site Settings, and Navigation Tree. Explore them on your own to make yourself familiar with every available option.

You will be able to edit, add, drag and drop, and delete any element you want. You need to hover your cursor over any specific part, and the builder will provide you with all the available options. Change the logo, images, copies, etc., depending on your small business website's info.

To change the logo, any image, or text, click on it. A Navigation Bar will appear instantly, showing you all the available options. You can move it anywhere for convenience of work. Now, replace the demo image or text with your desired ones.

Personalize Header, Navigation Menus, And Other Elements 

To customize the Navigation Menus, click the "+" icon beside the LINKS option. Hit the drop-down arrow of each item to enjoy all the fantastic features. Do the necessary modifications depending on your preferences. If you need more menus, click the Add New button and customize it. In the same way, you can modify the CTA (Call to action) button.

Additionally, you can duplicate any sections, elements, or cards just by right-clicking on that section. Most importantly, you can also save them as Collection or Symbol. It will save you time as you can use them on any other part of your website.

If you need to add any section, hover your mouse over a specific section, and you will see a button labeled "Add New Section." Click on it. A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to pick a section from the Section Library, Custom Section, Section Symbols, and Saved Sections. Select your preferred one from the available options.

Customize Pages and Global Styles 

The left-side editing panel of the builder gives you easy access to control your site. Top of this bar, you will see the Pages option. You can edit, add, and remove them depending on the necessity of your business. For example, if you want to design a dedicated page for displaying your offered services, click "Add New Page," rename it, and then hit the Save button. After that, pick a section that aligns with your purpose. 

However, you can also copy an existing page with all the styling and customize it faster.

Moreover, from the Page Settings option, you can include the Page title, description, language, etc., under the BASIC settings. Similarly, you can explore PAGE META and ADVANCED features.

Next comes the Global Styles in the sidebar, which permits you to change Background Style, Background Color, Typography, fonts, etc.

Configure Site Settings

Site Settings hold a significant role in a small business website. So, you should configure them carefully. Let's do it!

Click the Site Settings gear icon from the left-sided editing panel. Set your site's language, Favicon, and Social Media image under the GENERAL tab.

Integrate Different Business & Marketing Tools into Your Business Website

Click the Site Settings gear icon from the left-sided editing panel. Now, hit the INTEGRATIONS tab. Add Google Analytics ID and Google Tag Manager ID to track your website. To organize and collect your lead, you can even integrate different Subscription Forms and MARKETING tools (Email, Zapier, Integromat, and Pabbly Connect).

As Live Chat and Payment Gateways integration are highly significant for a small business website, Dorik allows you to add them too. So, you can integrate Crisp, Facebook Pixel ID, Paddle, Stripe, PayPal, and many more.

The following video will help you integrate all the tools mentioned above.

We assume you have made all the necessary modifications to your website. Therefore, we are jumping into the footer area.

Finalize the Footer Section

Customizing your footer can give visitors a positive user experience and encourage them to engage with your brand. You can include the footer logo, copyright texts, contact information, social media, and relevant links to other pages (Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, Cookies, etc. ) on your website. Thus, you can make it easier for visitors to navigate your site and find what they need.

Additionally, by ensuring that your footer is mobile responsive and visually appealing, you can enhance your website's overall look and feel and improve user engagement.

You can read the following blog to gather inspiration for creating an effective footer section for your website.

v) Create Customer Persuasive Content for Your Website 

Creating persuasive content for your website can help you capture your audience's attention and encourage them to take action, whether purchasing, subscribing to your newsletter, or filling out a contact form. Compelling content is designed to influence the reader's behavior by providing valuable information and addressing their pain points.

Here, we present some of the essential pages you should create for your website.

Homepage 

Your homepage is your customers' first impression of your business, so make it count. Use persuasive language to showcase what your business offers and how it can benefit your customers. Keep your messaging clear and concise, and use eye-catching visuals to support your copy.

Here are some tips for creating high-converting homepages and landing pages.

About Page that Tells Your Story 

Your About page lets you tell your brand's story and showcase your values. Use this opportunity to connect with your audience personally and show them what sets you apart from your competitors. Use precise language to demonstrate why your business is the right choice for your customers.

Contact Page Where Clients Can Get in Touch with You

Your contact page is a pivotal part of your website. Make it easy for your customers to contact you by including clear contact information and a simple contact form. Use persuasive language to encourage your customers to reach out and ask any questions they may have. Therefore, create an engaging contact us page.

Service Page that Lists all the Services You Provide 

Creating a service page is an indispensable component of any successful website. A well-designed service page can help potential customers quickly and easily understand what your business offers, increasing the likelihood that they will choose your services over those of your competitors.

To make your service page as persuasive as possible, provide detailed information about each service, highlight the benefits of using your services, and use visual aids such as images and videos to make your services more tangible.

Plus, you can include case studies to build trust with potential customers and clarify what actions they should take to take advantage of your services.

With these strategies in place, your service page can be a powerful tool for converting visitors into customers.

Pricing Page that Explains Your Plans 

A well-designed pricing page can help potential customers understand the value of your services and how they fit into their budget. To create an effective pricing page, explain your plans clearly and provide details on what is included in each plan. Incorporate clear language to emphasize the advantages of each plan, such as cost savings or additional features.

Additionally, consider including a comparison chart to help potential customers understand the differences between your plans and make an informed decision. It would be best if you were transparent about pricing and any additional fees or charges.

By providing clear and comprehensive information about your plans and pricing, you can build trust with potential customers and increase the likelihood that they will choose your business over your competitors.

Testimonials from Previous Clients 

A testimonial section or page is a powerful tool for building customer trust. Use this section to showcase reviews and feedback from satisfied customers, and use persuasive language to encourage potential customers to choose your business.

However, if you do not know how to gain customer reviews, here are some tips for you.

A Blog Page 

Crafting a blog page can be a powerful strategy to boost traffic to your website and establish your business as a trailblazer in your industry. Utilize your blogs to provide helpful information and insights to your customers, and apply an inspiring tone to engage them with your content.

Dorik CMS is great for blogging and managing your website content so that you can operate a blog page for your small business.

A General FAQs Section 

Finally, a general FAQs section can help answer your customers' questions about your business. Use persuasive language to anticipate your customer's needs and provide clear, helpful answers to their questions. This can help build trust and establish your business as an expert in your industry.

However, you can create a one-page website depending on the goals and objectives of your small business.

Note: You can create all the pages and sections by following the techniques mentioned earlier.

vi) Prepare the Legal Documents for Your Business Website 

When constructing a business website, drafting legal documents is essential. Here are some examples for you.

Service Agreement 

A service agreement is a legally binding document defining the terms and conditions of your services to your clients or customers.

It should include details such as the nature of the services provided, the payment terms, any deadlines or milestones, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

Having a clear and comprehensive service agreement in place can help protect your business and avoid any potential misunderstandings or disputes with your clients.

Terms of Sale 

It outlines the terms and conditions of any sales you make on your website. They should include details such as the price of the product or service, payment terms, delivery times, and any warranties or guarantees.

Terms of sale can protect your business and ensure that your customers understand their purchasing rights and responsibilities.

It's vital to ensure that your terms of sale comply with relevant laws and regulations and that they are communicated to your customers before they purchase.

Privacy Policy 

A privacy policy is a written agreement that describes how you intend to manage any personal data obtained from individuals who visit your website. This can contain names, addresses, email addresses, and payment information.

It must clarify how you will collect, use, and protect this information and any third-party services or tools you may use to collect or process it.

Having a clear and comprehensive privacy policy can help to build trust with your customers and demonstrate that you take their privacy seriously.

Website Terms of Use 

Website terms of use explain how visitors can use your website. They should include details such as prohibited activities, intellectual property rights, and any disclaimers or limitations of liability. Website terms of use can protect your business and ensure visitors understand their rights and responsibilities when using your website.

Returns Policy 

A returns policy must express your policy on returns and refunds. It should include details such as the conditions under which returns or refunds are accepted, any time limits or deadlines, and any requirements for returning products or services.

A clear and comprehensive returns policy can help to build trust with your customers and demonstrate that you are committed to providing a positive customer experience.

Cookies

Cookies are small files stored on visitors' computers when they visit your website. It should explain what cookies are used and how and why they are used. It should also explain how visitors can control or delete cookies if they choose to do so.

vii) Test Your Business Website Before Publishing

Here are some ways to test your website before going live. Let’s dig deep!

Broken URLs Testing 

One of the essential steps in testing your business website is checking for broken URLs. Broken URLs can be a significant problem for your website, as they can harm your search engine rankings and negatively impact your user experience.

To test for broken URLs, you can use a variety of online tools that will scan your website and identify any broken links. Once you have identified any broken URLs, you should fix them quickly to ensure your website is fully functional.

Browser and Device Compatibility Testing 

Another worth-mentioning step in testing your business website is checking for browser and device compatibility. Your website should be compatible with various browsers and devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

You can utilize different online tools that will simulate other devices and browsers, or you can manually test your website on a variety of devices and browsers. However, you can do it from Dorik's editing panel. If you discover any compatibility issues, you should fix them to make your website accessible to as many users as possible.

Speed Testing 

Before publishing your website, testing and optimizing its speed is crucial to ensure a smooth user experience. A website that loads slowly can have a detrimental impact on the user's experience and may also result in a lower search engine ranking.

So, analyze your website's performance and identify any improvement areas. Some common areas for improvement include optimizing images, reducing server response times, etc.

Readability Testing 

Finally, it's essential to test the readability of your website's content. Your website's content should be easy to read and understand, with clear and concise language that communicates your message effectively.

Some common areas for improvement include simplifying complex language, breaking up long paragraphs into shorter sections, and using clear headings and subheadings to organize your content.

Testing for readability before publishing helps ensure your website's content is engaging and effective for your target audience.

viii) Go Live 

We hope you have made the necessary customizations to build your small business website. Now you are one click away from going live. However, before publishing your site, you can preview it by clicking "Eye Icon."

Finally, hit the Publish button and see the live version of your website by clicking the upward arrow icon beside the publish button.

Now, let's look at your currently published small business website! Exploring the live version will give you a gist of all its features and ideas about what you can do with them.

Step 6: Grow Your Business by Promoting Your Site

You should apply some effective marketing strategies to promote your business. So, let’s try the following ones!

Invest in Local SEO 

Investing in local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a powerful strategy for growing your business and promoting your website. Local SEO helps to increase your online visibility by making your website more visible in local search results.

To get started with local SEO, you should optimize your website for local search terms, like the name of your business, address, and phone number. This information should be prominently displayed on your website and consistently listed across all your online directories and social media profiles.

Building quality backlinks from other reputable websites in your local area is another vital aspect of local SEO. This can be achieved through networking, guest blogging, and creating shareable content that others will want to link to.

Additionally, it's essential to regularly update your website with fresh, relevant content that is optimized for your target keywords. It can improve your search engine rankings and attract more local visitors to your site.

If you have more queries related to SEO, read the following blog post.

According to Safari Digital,

46% of all searches on Google include local intent. "Near me" mobile searches grew increased by 136% last year.

Stats from Safari Digital

Additionally,

72% of consumers who perform a local search visit a store within 5 miles of their current location.

It means that if your business isn't appearing in local search results, you're missing out on potential customers.

Blogging 

Blogging is an effective way to promote your website and grow your business. By consistently publishing high-quality blog content, you can establish your brand in the industry, drive traffic to your website, and generate leads.

If you want to start a blog, read the following post.

According to HubSpot,

Businesses that blog receive 55% more website visitors and 67% more leads than those that don't blog. 

Companies with blogs have 97% more inbound links than those without, which can improve their search engine rankings.

To make the most of your blog, optimize your content for search engines, promote your posts on social media, and include a call-to-action to encourage visitors to take the next step.

Most importantly, you can monetize your website by blogging.

Email Marketing 

Email marketing is another effective strategy for promoting your website and growing your business. By building a targeted email list and sending regular newsletters, you can stay top-of-mind with your audience and drive traffic to your website. There are many marketing newsletter sites that you can try.

According to Campaign Monitor,

Email marketing has an ROI of 4400%, meaning that for every $1 spent, businesses can expect to earn $44 in return.

Additionally, personalized emails can increase open rates by 29% and click-through rates by 41%, making it essential to segment your list and tailor your messages to your audience's interests.

Paid Marketing

Paid marketing, such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, is a way to drive targeted traffic to your website by paying for ads on search engines and social media platforms.

According to Google,

Businesses make an average of $2 in revenue for every $1 they spend on AdWords. Additionally, businesses that use PPC ads alongside their organic search results see a 50% increase in clicks and a 41% increase in revenue compared to those that only use organic search.

To make a successful PPC campaign, target the right keywords and audiences, create compelling ad copy, and continually test and optimize your campaigns to get your website visible on Google search.

Social Media Marketing 

Social media marketing is a way to build brand awareness, engage with your audience, and drive traffic to your website by promoting your content on different social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

According to Hootsuite,

54% of social browsers use social media to research products, making it essential to have a strong social media presence. Additionally, businesses that use social media see a 119% increase in their ROI compared to those that don't.

For effective social media marketing, ensure consistent posting, active audience interaction, and a combination of organic and paid strategies to connect with your desired demographic.

Step 7: Ongoing Maintenance and Upgrades 

Ongoing maintenance and upgrades are compulsory for your website's and your business's success. Here are some fundamental factors to consider:

Keeping your website up-to-date and secure: Regularly updating it is essential for keeping it secure and protecting it from cyber threats. Take the necessary steps to keep your website safe from hackers.

Upgrading your website to meet changing business needs: As your business evolves, your website must keep pace with changing customer needs and preferences. It may include updating your design, improving functionality, or adding new features to stay relevant in a competitive market. Thus, you can scale up your business with no-code tools.

Measuring website performance and making improvements: Regularly monitoring your website's performance is essential to ensure it meets your business goals. This includes analyzing website traffic, bounce rates, and conversion rates.

By understanding how visitors interact with your website, you can pinpoint the areas that require improvement and implement changes to optimize your website's performance.

FAQs on How to Create a Small Business Website, Answered

Do I need technical skills to create a small business website?

No, you needn't be a tech expert to create a small business website. Nowadays, various website builders and content management systems are available that allow you to create a website without any coding or technical knowledge.

How much does it cost to create a website for a small business?

The cost to develop a website for a small business can fluctuate based on a range of factors, like the website builder or CMS platform you choose, the complexity of the website, and any additional features or functionalities you need. Typically, you can create a basic website for a few hundred dollars, while a more complex website can cost several thousand dollars.

How long does it take to build a website?

Building a website can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several months, depending on its complexity. You have two options: do it yourself or hire professionals. Using a no-code website builder is the easiest and most effective way if you choose to create it on your own.

With a website builder, you simply pick a template and customize it to your liking. This process can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. If you're an expert, it'll take even less time. Additionally, there are impressive website builders with AI functionality that can create a website in just a couple of minutes.

Can I create a small business website for free? 

Yes, creating a small business website for free is possible using website builders like Dorik, free web hosting services, or other free tools. However, free website options may have limitations, such as fewer features or templates, and may display ads or branding from the provider.

How do I measure the success of my small business website?

To measure your small business website’s success, you can do the following things.

The Last Words

To summarize, we have shown you the whole process of how to create a small business website step by step. In fact, a successful small business website requires a clear goal, an attractive design, high-quality content, mobile responsiveness, security, and ongoing maintenance and upgrades. It also needs effective promotion.

By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and taking action, you can create a website that drives traffic, generates leads, and ultimately help your business succeed.

Don't wait any longer; start today!