For a local business owner, your website is your best secret weapon for getting new customers. Think of it as your digital storefront—a clean, welcoming place where people can learn about you, see your work, and decide to hire you, even when your shop is closed.
And the best part? It’s way easier and cheaper than you probably think. You can totally do this!
Your Best Employee Works 24/7 and Never Calls in Sick
Let’s be real, you’re busy. The last thing you need is another giant project. But what if your website wasn’t a chore, but your hardest-working helper? One that works all day and night, never takes a vacation, and brings in customers while you’re sleeping? That’s exactly what a good website does.
Forget the Yellow Pages. When someone’s pipe bursts at 2 AM or they get a sudden craving for cupcakes, they grab their phone and search. If you’re not there, you’re invisible. Your website is your online home base, the one place where you get to tell your story and make a great first impression.
Why Your Website Matters So Much
Today, not having a website is like having a secret phone number. People just assume you’re not a real business. The numbers show it: by 2025, an estimated 73% of small businesses in the U.S. will have a website. Why? Because 81% of shoppers look online before they ever decide to buy anything.
A good website is like your front desk helper, answering common questions and making people trust you before they even call. It works for you by:
- Showing Off Your Awesome Work: A local bakery can post pictures of today’s yummy muffins. A roofer can show off all the great roofs they’ve fixed. Pictures are proof!
- Making You Look Like a Pro: A professional, easy-to-use site tells customers you’re a real business that cares about doing good work.
- Saving You Time: It answers all the common questions about your hours, services, and location so you don’t have to say the same thing a dozen times a day.
Your website is often the very first time a potential customer “meets” your business. A simple, clean website can be the difference between getting a call and them clicking over to your competitor.
It’s More Than Just an Online Flyer
Your website is the home base for all your marketing. It’s the main spot that connects everything you do, from social media posts to local ads. To really get it, you need to see how it fits into the bigger picture to build a strong online presence for small businesses. It’s the foundation of everything.
Think about it—it’s where you send people from your Facebook page, your Google Business Profile, and even the little QR code on your business card. Having this one spot makes you look professional and makes it super easy for customers to find what they need.
You can do this. And we can help make it really simple.
What a Great Local Website Needs
Let’s keep it simple. You don’t need a fancy website with a million pages. A great website design for local business owners only needs a few key things to make your phone ring.
Think of it like baking a cake. You don’t need a hundred crazy ingredients; you just need the basics like flour, sugar, and eggs. The rest is just yummy frosting.
Make It Super Simple to Use
The number one rule is this: don’t make people think!
Can a stressed-out customer with a leaky faucet find your phone number in two seconds flat? That’s the goal. If they have to go on a digital treasure hunt just to figure out what you do, they’ll give up and call someone else.
Here’s how to make it easy:
- Your Phone Number is Everywhere: Put it right at the top of every single page. Make it big, bold, and easy to tap on a phone.
- Clear Menu Buttons: Your menu should be super simple with obvious names like “Services,” “About Us,” and “Contact.” Don’t use cute names that just confuse people.
- It Must Work on Phones: Most of your customers will find you on their phones. If your site looks weird or is hard to use on a small screen, you’re losing business. It’s so important, we have a whole article on why you have to be mobile-first if you want your website to rank.
Look Professional and Build Trust
Have you ever walked into a messy, disorganized store? You probably turned right around and walked out. Your website is the exact same.
A messy, old-looking site makes people worry that your work is messy and old, too. A clean, modern website makes you look like the pro you are and makes people trust you right away. This isn’t just a guess; it’s a fact. Studies show that 75% of people judge a company’s trustworthiness based on its website design alone.
Your website is your digital handshake. A clean, professional look tells visitors, “You’re in the right place. We know what we’re doing, and we’re here to help you.” It’s that simple.
“Professional” doesn’t mean you need to hire a famous artist. It just means having a clean layout, easy-to-read words, and good photos of your actual work or team. Skip the cheesy stock photos—people can spot them a mile away!
Tell People Exactly What to Do Next
This is your secret weapon. Every single page on your website should tell your visitor what to do next. Some people call this a “call to action,” but you can just think of it as telling people what you want them to do.
Don’t be shy! People are busy and get distracted easily; they appreciate clear directions. Your website is a tool to get you more jobs, so use it to ask for them.
Here are a few great examples that work like a charm:
- “Get a Free Quote Now!”
- “Book Your Appointment Today”
- “Call Us for Emergency Service”
- “View Our Menu”
Put these on every page. Use bright, noticeable buttons that stand out. This simple trick turns someone just looking into your next paying customer. It’s the most important part of a website design for local business owners who want results.
To make it even simpler, here’s a quick checklist of the things your local business website absolutely must have. If you get these right, you’ll be way ahead of your competition.
Your Website’s Must-Have Checklist
| Must-Have Thing | Why It’s So Important (In Simple Words) | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|
| Clickable Phone Number at the Top | Makes it super easy for people on phones (most of them) to call you. | A plumber’s site with a big, tappable “(555) 123-4567” at the very top. |
| Simple Menu Buttons | People find what they need fast without getting mad and leaving. | “Home,” “Services,” “About,” “Contact Us.” No clever or confusing names. |
| Clear “Call to Action” Button | Tells visitors exactly what you want them to do to become a customer. | A bright orange button that says “Get My Free Estimate” on a roofer’s homepage. |
| Good Photos of Your Work | Builds trust and shows you’re a real, professional business. | A landscaper’s site showing nice, clear before-and-after photos of local yards. |
| Your Main Service Area | Lets local customers and Google know right away that you serve their town. | “Proudly serving Columbus, Ohio and nearby towns for over 20 years.” |
Getting these things right isn’t just about looking good; it’s about making your website a tool that actually brings you more jobs. Don’t make it too complicated. Just give people what they need, make it easy, and ask for their business.
Making Sure Local Customers Can Find You
Having a beautiful website is like building the world’s best store… in a back alley. If nobody can find it, it doesn’t do you any good. This is where “local SEO” comes in, and it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds.
Think of it as putting up a giant, flashing neon sign for your business on the internet. It’s all about making sure that when someone in your town searches on Google for what you do, your business pops up first.
It’s a game-changer, and you can absolutely do this.
Your Digital Neon Sign
The first, simplest step is to tell Google where you are. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many websites forget this! Make sure your homepage clearly says your city and state.
For example, if you’re a dog groomer in Austin, a line like “The Best Dog Grooming in Austin, Texas” right on your homepage works wonders. This one little thing helps Google connect your business to people searching nearby. It’s one of the easiest wins in website design for local business owners.
This isn’t just a guess; it’s a huge part of modern business. People who study this stuff now say website design is one of the top three most valuable local SEO services. Why? Because a giant 76% of people look at local business websites before making a decision. You can discover more insights about local SEO trends that show just how important this is.
The Magic Trio: NAP
Next up is something the pros call “NAP.” It stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. This is like your business’s fingerprint, and it needs to be the exact same everywhere online. Always.
Think about it from Google’s point of view. If it sees your business listed with “Street” in one place and “St.” in another, it gets confused. Is that the same business? This confusion can hurt your chances of showing up in searches.
- Your Name: Is it “Bob’s Plumbing” or “Bob’s Plumbing LLC”? Pick one and stick with it.
- Your Address: Write it out the exact same way on your website, your Facebook page, Yelp, and everywhere else.
- Your Phone Number: Use the same format every single time.
Being consistent is the key. It builds trust with search engines and makes you look more real.
Having the same NAP info everywhere is like showing Google your driver’s license. It proves you are who you say you are. This simple act of being consistent is a huge trust signal for Google.
Your Google Business Profile is Your Best Friend
If there’s one tool you need to use for getting found locally, it’s your Google Business Profile (you might know it as Google Maps). This is the little info box that shows up on the side of a Google search with your hours, photos, and reviews.
Getting this profile and filling it out completely is a must-do. It’s free advertising from Google!
This profile is so powerful that it often gets more views than the website itself. We have a whole guide on how to optimize your Google Business Profile because it’s that important for local success.
Make sure you:
- Add Great Photos: Show pictures of your shop, your team, and your happy customers.
- Get Customer Reviews: Ask your happy customers to leave you a review. Good reviews are like gold for getting found locally.
- Keep Your Hours Updated: Nothing makes a customer angrier than showing up to a closed business when Google said it was open.
These aren’t hard technical jobs. They are simple things you can do today to help more local customers find you tomorrow. You don’t need a special degree—you just need to put up your sign. And we’re here to help you flip the switch.
How to Get a Website: Your Options Explained
Alright, so you’re convinced. You know you need a great website for your business. Now for the real question: how do you actually get one without going crazy or breaking the bank?
Good news is, you’ve got options. Think of it like getting dinner. You can cook it yourself (DIY), hire a personal chef for one special meal (freelancer), or bring in a full catering company (agency). You’ll get to eat either way, but the experience, cost, and your own effort are totally different.
Let’s break down what these choices actually look like for a business owner like you.
This picture lays it out pretty clearly, making it easier to see which path fits your business right now.
As you can see, the “best” choice really comes down to how much time and money you have, and how much you want to do yourself.
The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Adventure
This is the roll-up-your-sleeves choice using website builders like Squarespace or Wix. Think of it like building with LEGOs. They give you all the blocks and instructions; you just have to snap them together to build your site.
It’s the cheapest way to start and gives you 100% control. You can change a picture or update your business hours at 2 AM without needing to call anyone.
The downside? It takes your time. A lot of it. Learning how to use the tool, picking a design, and writing all the words takes real effort. This is a great choice if you have way more time than money and you like a creative challenge.
Hiring a Freelance Web Designer
This is like hiring a skilled carpenter to build you a custom bookshelf. You tell them what you need, and they use their skills to build it for you. It’s going to look professional and be exactly what you wanted.
A good freelance designer will create something special that stands out. It costs more than doing it yourself, but you’re getting a ton of your time back and a better result.
This is a great middle-of-the-road option if you know what you want and have the budget to have an expert build it for you.
Partnering with a Web Design Agency
This is the full “we’ll do it all for you” experience. Think of an agency like the main builder for your entire online home. We don’t just build the website; we handle the techy stuff, the SEO to make sure Google finds you, and the design to make it look amazing and get you customers.
An agency takes everything off your plate. We handle the project from start to finish. It’s the best choice for busy owners who just want a website that gets results, without having to become web experts themselves. This frees you up to do what you do best: run your business.
Partnering with an agency is an investment in peace of mind. You get a team of experts focused on getting you more customers, so you don’t have to worry about a thing except answering all the new phone calls.
Of course, this costs the most. If you’re curious about what goes into the price, we put together a guide that explains the small business website cost.
Choosing how to build your site is a big decision, and it’s easy to get stuck. Here’s a quick chart to make it simpler.
DIY vs Hiring Help: Which Path Is Right for You?
| Website Option | Best For You If… | Rough Cost | Time It Takes You |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (Wix/Squarespace) | You have more time than money and like being in control. | $ (Low) | High |
| Freelancer | You have a clear idea and a medium budget for a custom site. | $$ (Medium) | Medium |
| Web Design Agency | You want a complete, “done-for-you” solution that gets results. | $$$ (Med-High) |
Low |
At the end of the day, there’s no single “right” answer for everyone. And as your business grows, don’t forget about how your customers find you. For many local businesses, developing a mobile web application is becoming a smart next step to connect with people on their phones.
No matter which path you pick, the most important thing is to just start. You can do this!
How to Plan Your Winning Website Today
Alright, let’s get this done. Planning a website sounds like a huge job, but it’s not. Forget big, complicated plans. Honestly, you can map out the most important parts on a napkin during your lunch break. I’ve seen it happen.
This is your simple plan to get started right now. You got this.
By the end of this, you’ll have a clear plan. You can use it to build the site yourself or give it to a pro and know exactly what you’re asking for.
The Five Golden Questions
Before you even think about colors or logos, we need to be clear on one thing: what is this website supposed to do?
Grab a pen and paper (or that napkin) and answer these five questions. Don’t think too hard. Just write down the first thing that comes to mind.
- Who is my perfect customer? Be specific. “Homeowners” is okay. “Busy moms in Newark, Ohio, who want their weekends back and will happily pay for a great cleaning service” is a target you can actually reach.
- What problem do I solve for them? Nobody buys “plumbing.” They buy peace of mind when their basement is flooding. You don’t sell “lawn care”; you sell a perfect yard without all the weekend work. What peace of mind do you sell?
- What is the #1 thing I want people to do on my site? This is super important. Do you want them to call you? Fill out a quote form? Book an appointment? Pick ONE main goal. Everything on your site should lead to this one action.
- What makes my business different from the other guy? Is it your 20 years of experience? Your super friendly service? A special guarantee? Brag a little. Why should they pick you?
- What three words do I want people to feel on my site? Professional? Trustworthy? Fun? Creative? Affordable?
Answering these questions gives your website a purpose. It’s the difference between a random website and a tool designed to get your ideal customer to call you.
Think of these five answers as the guide for your whole website. Every choice you make—from the photos you pick to the words you write—should point back to this plan. It keeps you on track and makes sure your site actually works for you.
Sketching Your Three Most Important Pages
Now for the fun part. You don’t need to be an artist. A few boxes and scribbles on paper are all you need. We’re just going to map out the three pages that do 90% of the work in any website design for local business owners.
- The Homepage (Your Digital Front Door): This is your first impression. At the very top, put a big, bold headline that says what you do and where you do it. Something like, “Honest Roof Repair for Columbus Homeowners.” Right below that, add a bright button with your #1 goal: “Get My Free Estimate!“
- The Services Page (What You Actually Sell): Don’t just list your services. Explain who each one is for and what problem it solves. Instead of just “Lawn Mowing,” try “Weekly Lawn Mowing for a Perfect Yard Without the Weekend Work.” See the difference? You’re talking about your customer’s problem.
- The Contact Page (How People Give You Money): Make it super easy to get in touch. Your phone number should be big and bold. Add a simple contact form, your business address with a map, and your hours. Don’t make people search for this info.
Once you have a rough sketch, you have a real plan.
It’s a real blueprint that turns the fuzzy idea of “I need a website” into a project you can actually do. It’s also the perfect thing to have when you start looking at the techy stuff, like finding the right people for website hosting and domain names.
This simple plan is your secret weapon. It makes sure your website is built with a clear goal from day one, which will save you a ton of time and money. See? You’re already a website planner. We can help with the rest.
Your Website Questions Answered
Still have a few questions? Good. You’re not the only one. Thinking about a website for your business brings up a lot of “what ifs.”
These are the most common questions we hear from business owners. We’ve laid out the simple, straight-up answers—no fluff—to help you move forward. You got this.
How Much Does a Local Business Website Actually Cost?
This is the big one, isn’t it? The honest answer is: it depends. Think of it like buying a truck. You can get a reliable used one that gets the job done, or a brand-new one with all the cool features. Both haul stuff, but they have different price tags.
- The DIY Route: Using a builder like Squarespace or Wix might cost you $20 to $50 a month. It’s cheap, but you’re paying with your time.
- Hiring a Freelancer: A professional building you a clean, simple site could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $9,000. You’re buying their skills and getting your time back.
- Partnering with an Agency: This is the “peace of mind” option. It’s a bigger investment because we handle everything, from the plan and design to making sure it actually brings in customers.
Here’s the key: stop thinking of it as a cost. It’s an investment. A good website should make you more money than you spend on it. Simple as that. Start with a budget you’re comfortable with and remember you can always add more features later.
How Long Will It Take to Get My Website Online?
Another great question. The timeline really depends on which option you choose.
If you’re building it yourself, it all comes down to how much free time you have. Some people can get a basic site up in a weekend. For others, it’s a project that drags on for weeks.
If you hire a pro, a typical small business website takes about 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish. That gives everyone enough time to plan, design, build, and get your thoughts without rushing.
Pro Tip: The fastest way to speed up a website project is to have your photos and words ready to go from the start. The more prepared you are, the quicker everything gets done.
Do I Really Need a Blog on My Website?
You don’t need one on day one, but it can be a secret weapon for getting found on Google.
Think about it like this: a blog lets you answer the exact questions your customers are typing into their phones. A local roofer could write, “3 Signs Your Roof Might Be Leaking.” A coffee shop could post, “How We Find Our Amazing Coffee Beans.”
Each blog post is like another fishing line in the water, giving a local customer one more chance to find you. It also shows you know your stuff, which builds a lot of trust. Don’t worry about it for the launch, but keep it in mind for later. It’s a great tool.
What Happens After My Website Is Launched?
Launching your site is like the grand opening of a store. The doors are open, but you still have to keep the lights on. There’s a little bit of upkeep, like software updates to keep things safe from hackers.
Most importantly, your website is a living thing. It’s not a “set it and forget it” project.
You can—and should—update it with new photos of your work, announce a sale, or add a new service. Your website is a tool that will grow with your business, helping you bring in customers for years to come. It’s the start of an adventure, not the finish line.
Feeling better about all this? Getting a professional, hardworking website is simpler than you think. At The Cherubini Company, we help local business owners just like you get websites that bring in sales, without all the confusing tech talk.
If you’re ready for a website that works as hard as you do, we’re here to make it simple. Learn more about our simple, results-focused web design services.
