A simple guide to creating a website for your new business

Starting a new business is exciting – but also overwhelming. Whether you’re a personal trainer, an electrician, a chef or launching another service-based business, one of the most important first steps is creating a professional website. Your website is often the first place potential clients will go to learn about your services, and having a digital presence builds credibility, trust and visibility.

You really don’t need to be a web developer to create a clean, effective website. Platforms like Squarespace and Wix make it possible to build a site that looks professional, functions well and helps grow your business.

Why having a website matters

First impressions count

When someone Googles your name or service, your website is often the first thing they see. A polished site signals professionalism and credibility.

Open 24/7

Your website works while you sleep. Customers can learn about your services, check your pricing and book appointments at any time.

Competitive edge 

Many small businesses still rely only on social media or word of mouth. Having a site sets you apart and makes it easier for customers to choose you over competitors.

Control your brand

Unlike social media, your website is yours. You decide the design, content and customer journey.

Search visibility

With basic SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), your site can appear in local searches, helping new customers find you without paid advertising.

Choosing the right platform

I've had the opportunity of using quite a few website CMS including WordPress, Drupal, Canva, Wix and Squarespace. But I've only used Squarespace and Wix to build websites from scratch, mostly because they are beginner-friendly and cost-effective. Here’s how they compare:

Squarespace

• Beautiful, modern templates – good for personal trainers, creatives, or anyone who wants a sleek look.

• Easy to use, with drag-and-drop features.

• Built-in scheduling tools for appointments – great if clients need to book sessions.

• Pricing starts around £12 per month.

Wix

• Highly customisable with a lot of design flexibility.

• Extensive app market for extra features like booking systems or chatbots.

• Great for service providers who want to build something unique.

• Pricing starts around £9 per month.

  
  

Tip: If you want simplicity and aesthetics, I'd choose Squarespace. If you want customisation and flexibility, I'd choose Wix.

Step-by-Step to build your website

1. Know your audience

   Before you touch a website template, get clear on who you’re building for.

   Create personas of your key target audiences.

   Collect insights, perhaps talk to 3–5 ideal customers, skim competitor reviews, note the words people use to describe problems.

Keep personas visible as you build your site. Every section should help someone take the next step = Customer Journey.

2. Craft benefit-led messaging and a simple offer

Translate features into outcomes your personas care about.

• Feature → Benefit examples

  • PT: 60-minute sessions → Progress without living in the gym.

  • Electrician: Up-front pricing → No surprise bills.

• Value prop formula: I help [who] achieve [result] without [common frustration], in [timeframe] using [credible mechanism].

• Hero copy frameworks

  • Headline: Outcome + Specificity

  • Subhead: How + Proof

  • Primary CTA: One action

• Objection busters: Guarantees, social proof, before/after, certifications, FAQs.

3. Define site goals and KPIs

   Pick one primary goal and one secondary.

   Track visits → leads → customers.

   
   

4. Choose your platform and template

   Pick an industry-specific template and remove anything that doesn’t serve your goal.

   Choose a clear, memorable domain. Something short, pronounceable,and on-brand. Set up a matching email.

5. Build the essential pages

   Use your personas.

   Home (conversion-focused): Hero value prop, 3 benefit bullets, social proof, services snapshot, CTA.

   Services: what’s included, outcomes, pricing, FAQs.

   About: Credibility (certs, experience), your approach, a personable photo.

   Contact: One obvious path (calendar or form), response time, service area.

   Location: Add optional area pages to boost local SEO.

6. Add booking and lead capture

   
   

7. Make it mobile-first

Preview on mobile, tighten headlines, keep CTAs sticky, compress images, and ensure phone numbers tap-to-call.

8. Nail the SEO basics

   Primary keyword per page.

   Optimise titles/descriptions, use alt text, embed a map on contact page.

   
   

9. Create/complete your Google Business profile

   Match name/address/phone number everywhere.

   
   

10. Publish, measure, iterate

Check analytics: which pages lead to bookings?

Improve headlines.

Move CTAs higher.

Add FAQs for any repeated questions you get asked.

Extra 'how-tos' to boost performance

• Photos

  Use real, well-lit shots. One smiling, approachable headshot; 3–5 action or before/after photos.

• Testimonials

  Add role + result.

• Speed

  Compress images, limit heavy scripts; fast sites convert better.

• Accessibility

  Good contrast, descriptive link text, alt text on images.

• Follow-up

  After a form/booking/appointment, send an automatic confirmation email with next steps.

Building a website doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. With platforms like Squarespace and Wix, you can create a professional online presence in just a few hours. Your website is more than just a digital business card it’s a tool to attract, convert, and retain clients.

If you'd like help getting started or would like to outsource the build of your website, drop me a message.