To compete as a small business today, you’ve got to have a website. Websites function as a virtual front door to customers who research, comparison shop and often buy online. This is true whether you operate a contracting company, a lawn care service, a bakery, or a law firm.Word of mouth is still the best way to find loyal customers, but getting people through the door starts by letting them know you exist. A website is one of the most cost-effective ways to do that.

Even if you don’t sell anything on your website, you should still have one. Use it to tell customers your story, to give them a preview of what they’ll find when they visit, or to show off new products services you have.

Advances in web design mean that it’s simpler and cheaper than ever to set up and maintain a website for your small business.

Why Does My Small Business Need a Website?

You may be asking yourself, “Does my business really need a website?” Perhaps you are a brick-and-mortar shop that sees heavy foot traffic through word-of-mouth alone. Maybe you think your Facebook profile, Yelp listing or Google My Business page make up for a dedicated company website.

Don’t be fooled, “If you don’t have a website, you’re giving up control of how potential customers see you to someone else.”

A dedicated website is the established online authority on your business. Without this virtual storefront, a customer searching for your company will see Google results pointing them to large directory sites like Yelp or any number of less-reputable local listing sites. They may find incorrect information about your company — and may even be convinced to do business with one of your local competitors.

A dedicated company website gives your company authority and control over how people experience your business online.

If you don’t have a website that means your business is invisible to a huge chunk of your potential audience. Locally and globally, customers use their smartphones and computers to find products and services online.

Approximately 80% of large purchasing decisions are made online, and most retail purchasers would rather order something from their couch than go to an actual store. Websites are the lifeblood of a business, and without one you have little chance of success.

What Are the First Steps To Set Up a Small Business Website?

First, don’t be intimidated by the idea of setting up a website.

At its core, building a website is about tapping into what you know about your business, your products and services, and your customers. This is your area of expertise! Think of your website as the mirror image of all of the research, sweat, and experience you’ve gained from running your company.

Before even thinking about a website, you need to know the goal of the website first, What are the most common things your customers are trying to accomplish or learn before you call?

Focus your website on these ideas — your technical understanding will improve as you go through the process of setting up your site. Start by writing down what you know about your business. These details that will inform everything from your web address to the photos and information on your site.

You should clearly identify your services and service areas, tell a little about the company, and demonstrate a value proposition that sets you apart from competitors.

These insights will inform the initial steps you’ll take when mapping out your site. There are three tasks to think about as you begin:

1. Find the right domain name and setting up web hosting services

2. Decide what you want visitors to do once they have found your site

3. Make the visitor experience one that engages visitors

You’ll also want to set a realistic budget. You’re going to have to pay for the following things if you do this right: domain name, web hosting costs, design costs, and web marketing costs.