Why Every Small Business Needs a Website

By Bobbi G

2024-12-10

In today’s digital world, having a website for your business isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. But it’s not enough to simply have a site sitting idle on the web. Your website needs to be the hub of your marketing efforts, actively reflecting your brand and driving growth.

This blog explores the options available to entrepreneurs like you who want to step up their online presence. We know you wear many hats in your business—bookkeeper, HR manager, salesperson, and more. Adding “web designer” and “site developer” to that list can be overwhelming.

Here, we’ll guide you through the website options for your small business, including new tools that can take some of the heavy lifting off your shoulders, like AI website builders. We’ll explore the pros and cons of “DIY” and what to consider if you decide to hire an expert.

Three Key Questions Before You Begin

1. What Does My Website Need to Include?

Knowing what your website needs to include helps you scope out the project and set clear goals. Here are a few important questions to ask yourself:

Do you want to be visible to clients searching for your services online?
Do you need online booking or e-commerce capabilities?
Is your website primarily for showcasing your work or portfolio?
Do you want to offer customer support, such as through chat or a chatbot?
Will you regularly publish content like blogs, videos, or podcasts?

By answering these questions, you’ll get a better sense of what your website needs to accomplish. You can also check out your competitors’ sites to identify must-have features for your design.

2. What Is Your Budget for This Project?

Budgeting for a website is more flexible than ever. While you can still spend under $500 and get a beautiful, functional site, you’ll likely face a trade-off—time. Many affordable platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress require significant DIY efforts, which can lead to hours spent figuring out the finer details.

For those who prefer to outsource the task, hiring a web designer is still a valid option. Depending on your needs, you could pay between $1,500 and $10,000 (or more) depending on the complexity of the site, integrations needed, and the designer’s expertise.

3. What Is Your Timeline?

Your website represents your business online, so it needs to be done right. While many platforms offer the ability to create and launch a site in just a few hours, you don’t want to rush the process. Set a realistic deadline and give yourself enough time to make thoughtful decisions about design, features, and content.

Website Design Options

Hire a Web Design Professional

Hiring a professional web designer is still a go-to option for those who want a customized, hands-off experience. A good designer can create a website tailored to your brand, making sure it’s optimized for search engines (SEO), mobile devices, and integrates necessary functions like e-commerce or booking systems.

However, this remains the most expensive route. Be sure to vet designers thoroughly—review portfolios, check client testimonials, and ensure they understand your business goals. Some designers also offer ongoing maintenance plans, which can be invaluable if you don’t have the time or desire to manage updates.

Use a Platform Like Squarespace or Wix (With AI Features)

Platforms like Squarespace and Wix have only improved over the years, now offering AI-driven design tools to help make building a website faster and easier.

For example, Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) asks you a few questions about your business and automatically builds a website based on your answers. Similarly, Squarespace’s AI tools suggest layouts, color schemes, and even content that aligns with your brand. These platforms have built-in hosting and offer features like drag-and-drop editors, built-in SEO tools, and third-party integrations like booking and e-commerce functionality.

AI-powered platforms are especially useful for entrepreneurs who need a professional site quickly and don’t want to spend weeks designing. However, they come with limitations in creativity and customization—AI can’t capture the unique spirit of your business the way a human designer can. However, Wix and Squarespace are proprietary platforms, meaning you own your content but have limited control over the site’s code, functionality, and migration options, making it difficult to fully customize or transfer your site elsewhere in the future without starting from scratch.

WordPress: A Flexible Option

For those looking for more control and flexibility, WordPress remains a strong option. With WordPress, you can choose from thousands of customizable themes and plugins to create a truly unique site. You’ll need to purchase a domain and hosting which usually costs around $100 to $200 per year, but the platform offers more long-term scalability compared to template-based builders.

One downside is that WordPress has a steep learning curve. While it offers more control, you’ll need to stay on top of updates and security to avoid potential vulnerabilities. For entrepreneurs with tech-savviness or time to learn, WordPress can be a powerful platform that grows with your business.

Keeping Up with SEO and Marketing Trends

Once you’ve got your website, it’s important to keep it optimized for SEO and marketing trends:

Mobile-First Design: According to the international research company, Statista, mobile traffic accounts for almost 55% of global web traffic. Your website must be responsive and mobile-friendly.
Voice Search Optimization: With smart speakers and voice assistants like Alexa and Siri becoming more common, optimizing your content for voice search is key.
AI-Driven Customer Service: Chatbots powered by AI are becoming a must-have for many businesses. Tools like ChatGPT can handle simple customer service inquiries, improving efficiency and customer experience.
Fast Load Times: Websites need to load quickly. A slow website can lead to high bounce rates and poor search rankings. Optimize images and use modern hosting solutions that support faster load times.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of platforms, professionals, and advice to help you establish your business online. The options in 2024—from DIY platforms to AI website builders—are more varied than ever. Take the time to weigh your needs, set a budget, and choose a solution that fits your business.

Whether you hire a professional, use a platform like Wix, or leverage AI tools, the most important step is to get started. Don’t get stuck in the planning phase—reach out to a designer, sign up for a platform, or dive into building your site. An effective online presence is no longer optional, and it’s the gateway to growing your business in the digital age.

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