Guides
Small business websites, plainly explained
Straight answers to the questions people ask before they get a website: what it costs, how long it takes, what it needs, and how to get it found. Written by our team, with real prices.
All guides
- How much does a small business website cost in 2026?What a small business website costs in 2026: building it yourself, a freelancer, an agency, or a fixed price from $499, plus the yearly running costs.
- Do you have to pay monthly for a website?What you must pay to keep a website online, what monthly website fees really buy, who owns your site, and how to own it outright with a one-time build.
- How long does it take to build a small business website?How long a small business website takes: a few weekends on your own, often weeks with a designer, or a first draft in 5 to 7 business days with us.
- What should a small business website include?What every small business website should include: the must-have pages and details, the nice-to-haves, what to leave out, and a checklist to use before launch.
- How many pages does a small business website need?Most small business websites need 5 to 15 pages, larger firms more. How many yours needs, typical page sets for cafés, trades and firms, and how to plan.
- Website builder vs web designer: which should you choose?Website builder or web designer? A comparison of cost, time, design, upkeep and ownership, when doing it yourself makes sense, and when to hire help.
- Do I need a website for my small business?Do you need a website if you have Facebook, Instagram or a Google Business Profile? What each does well, where it falls short, and what a simple site needs.
- How do I get my business on Google?How to get your business on Google: claim a Business Profile, add your site to Search Console, write clear titles, earn real reviews and get listed locally.
- What is answer engine optimization, and how is it different from SEO?Answer engine optimization (AEO) explained: how it differs from SEO, and what helps chat-style search tools read, quote and mention a small business.
- How do I choose a web designer for my small business?How to choose a web designer or web design company: what to decide first, 12 questions to ask, the red flags, and freelancer vs agency vs done-for-you.
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