Let’s start by doing this the right way the first time!
If you run a small business, you already know how important it is to have an online presence. Whether you’re a local bakery, a landscaping service, or a boutique shop, your website is often the first place people go to learn about you. But if the idea of building a website feels overwhelming or too “techy,” don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news is, creating a professional and functional website is easier than ever when you take it step by step. Here are three simple but powerful tips to help you build your small business website the right way.
Secure your domain name: Start by getting your domain name (it’s your online address)
Your domain name is what people will type into their browser to find your site. Think of it like your online street address. It’s usually something like www.yourbusinessname.com. You want it to be short, easy to remember, and ideally something that includes your business name or service so customers can find you quickly.
To get your domain, you’ll need to use a domain provider, also called a DNS provider. Some of the most common ones are GoDaddy, Google Domains, or Namecheap. These services let you search for available domain names and buy the one that works best for you. It’s a small cost (usually around $10 to 15 a year), but it’s one of the most important steps in claiming your online space.
Pro tip: Try to get a .com version of your domain if possible. It’s the most familiar and trusted option for most users. Once you have your domain name, you officially have your place on the internet!
Secure Managed WordPress Hosting: Start with a secure and reliable hosting
Now that you have your address, you need a place to “build” your website and store everything, this is called web hosting. For small businesses, the best option is something called Managed WordPress Hosting. Don’t let the name intimidate you. All it means is that the hosting service is specifically designed to support WordPress, which is one of the easiest and most popular website platforms in the world.
The reason “managed” hosting is so helpful is because it takes care of all the behind-the-scenes stuff for you. That includes things like updating your website’s software, protecting you from hackers, and backing up your website every day so nothing gets lost. Plus, it’s usually faster and more secure than cheaper or more basic hosting options.
When you go with a managed WordPress host, you get peace of mind knowing that your website is always up to date, backed up, and protected, without having to do any of the tech work yourself. It’s like having a full-time web expert working quietly in the background while you focus on your business.
Benefits of Managed WordPress Hosting:
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Fast load times with optimized servers and caching
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Automatic WordPress updates and backups
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Enhanced security with firewalls and malware scanning
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Expert WordPress support available 24/7
You focus on growing your business, while the hosting team handles the backend.
Pick the Right Website Builder (use a website builder that’s easy and flexible like WPBakery)
Once your hosting is set up, it’s time to actually build the pages of your site, like your homepage, about page, services, and contact page. This is where a website builder comes in. A website builder is a tool that lets you drag and drop pieces of your site into place, text, images, buttons, and more without needing to write any code or hire a designer.
One of the most user-friendly and flexible builders for WordPress is called WPBakery. It works especially well with managed WordPress hosting and is often included for free with many themes or hosting plans. WPBakery gives you total control over how your site looks, but in a really simple way.
Want to add a photo gallery? Drag it in. Need a call-to-action button? Click and drop it where you want. It’s that easy.
WPBakery also has pre-made layouts and templates, so you’re never starting from scratch. And if you ever want to make updates or changes later on, you can do it yourself, no tech team needed.
Why are builders a great choice:
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No coding needed, just click, drag, and drop
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Works well with most premium WordPress themes
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Ideal for customizing layouts and adding content quickly
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Frequently bundled with popular hosting plans or themes
This gives you creative control and flexibility while maintaining a professional look. If interested in learning about other types of builders and options, check out this article: https://screenwalker.com/top-website-builders-for-wordpress/
Building a small business website doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right steps, picking a good domain name, choosing secure managed WordPress hosting, and using an easy website builder like WPBakery, you can have a beautiful, professional-looking site up and running quickly. You don’t need to be a web designer. You just need the right tools and a clear, simple plan. Take it one step at a time, and before you know it, your website will be working for you, helping customers find you and keeping your business growing.
