Updated June 2026
How to set up a website for a small business
Short answer
Small businesses need a 4–6 page website focused on local conversion, not big-brand polish. Use Squarespace ($16/mo) or hire a flat-rate builder. Put your phone number, service area, and a contact form on every page. Pair the site with a free Google Business Profile — for most local businesses, that profile drives more calls than the site itself. Expect 8–20 hours DIY or a $1,200–$3,000 flat-rate build to launch.
Key facts
- 76% of people searching for something nearby visit the business within 24 hours
- Mobile traffic is 65–80% for most local small businesses
- Sites that load under 2.5s convert 2x better than those over 4s
- Pages with a real local photo (not stock) convert 30% better
Step-by-step
- 1
Pin down what you sell
Three services max, named in plain English. 'Emergency drain cleaning' beats 'plumbing solutions'.
- 2
Choose a platform you'll actually update
Squarespace if you'll edit it. WordPress if a developer will. Wix if you need bookings/POS built in.
- 3
Write Home, Services, About, Contact
Home headline must say what you do + where. About needs a real founder photo. Contact needs a tappable phone number.
- 4
Add local SEO
City name in your H1, schema markup for LocalBusiness, NAP (Name/Address/Phone) consistent everywhere.
- 5
Claim Google Business Profile
Free. Verify by postcard. Add photos weekly for the first month — this alone beats most paid SEO.
- 6
Ask for reviews
Email/text the link to your last 20 customers. 10+ reviews unlocks Map Pack visibility in most cities.
We build small-business sites for a flat fee
$1,200 flat. Includes copy, design, Google Business Profile setup, and 30 days of edits.
Get a free audit →Frequently asked
Do small businesses really need a website in 2026?
Yes. 81% of consumers research a local business online before visiting. A website earns the trust that a Google Business Profile alone can't.
What's the minimum I should spend?
$200/year DIY on Squarespace or Wix. $1,200–$3,000 one-time if you hire a flat-rate builder like us. Anything below that usually means a template you'll outgrow in 6 months.
Is Wix or Squarespace better for small business?
Squarespace for service businesses and professionals (cleaner design, better SEO defaults). Wix for restaurants, salons, and shops that need bookings or POS built in.
How do I get found on Google?
Three things: a verified Google Business Profile, your city name in your homepage H1, and 10+ recent reviews. Most small businesses don't need anything more sophisticated for the first 12 months.