The 8 Most Common Questions Small Business Owners Ask About Websites (Answered in Plain English)
When you run a small business, the idea of building or fixing your website can feel overwhelming. You want something that looks professional, brings in leads, shows up on Google—and you don’t want to waste time or money getting there. The problem? Most of the information online is full of jargon, conflicting advice, or aimed at big companies with big budgets.
So let’s cut through the noise.
In this guide, I’m answering the eight most common questions I hear from small business owners about websites. This isn’t tech speak. Just clear, practical advice to help you get results online.
1. How Much Does a Website Cost for a Small Business?
Let’s start with the most common—and most frustrating—question: How much does a website cost?
The short answer is: it depends.
But here’s a real-world breakdown:
DIY website builders (like Wix or Squarespace): $0–$300/year for basic plans, templates, and limited features. Good for very small service-based businesses.
Template-based WordPress sites (customized for you): $1,000–$3,000 for professional setup with solid performance, mobile responsiveness, and basic SEO.
Custom websites with strategy and content support: $3,500–$10,000+ depending on complexity, content creation, integrations, and SEO depth.
But here’s what matters more than budget: ROI. A cheap website that gets zero traffic or leads will cost you more in the long run than a strategic one that actually performs.
2. What’s the Difference Between a Domain, Hosting, and a Website?
You need all three to be visible online—but they’re not the same thing.
Domain name: Your web address (like yourbusiness.com). You buy it from a domain registrar (like GoDaddy or Google Domains).
Web hosting: The server space where your website’s files live. You pay a hosting provider (like SiteGround, Bluehost, or WP Engine) to keep your site online.
Website: The actual design, content, and functionality visitors see and interact with.
Think of it like this: the domain is your street address, hosting is the land, and the website is the house you build on it.
3. What Pages Should Every Small Business Website Have?
Most small businesses don’t need a huge site. But they do need a site that gives potential customers what they’re looking for.
Here’s a basic website page structure that works:
Homepage: Clear explanation of who you help, how you help, and what to do next.
Services/Product Pages: One for each offer, optimized with keywords and benefits.
About Page: Builds trust by showing your face, your story, or your credibility.
Contact Page: Easy-to-use form, phone number, and email (plus your location if local).
FAQ Page: Handles objections and improves SEO.
Blog or Resources Page: Helps with long-term SEO, trust, and thought leadership.
Keep it simple, easy to navigate, and focused on what your audience needs to know before they say yes.
4. Does My Website Need to Be Mobile-Friendly?
Yes. 100%. No exceptions.
Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, and Google uses mobile-first indexing. That means your search rankings are based on how your site performs on a phone—not a desktop.
A mobile-friendly website includes:
Responsive design that adapts to screen size
Fast loading times (under 3 seconds is ideal)
Large, tappable buttons and simple navigation
Text that’s readable without zooming
Forms that are easy to fill out with thumbs
If your website is hard to use on a smartphone, you’re losing visitors—and revenue.
5. How Do I Get My Website to Show Up on Google?
This is where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in.
Here are the basic steps to get your small business website ranked:
Use keywords that your audience actually searches for (like “plumber in Springfield” or “best massage therapy near me”).
Write helpful content that answers real questions.
Use headers, meta tags, and image alt text to describe your pages to search engines.
Build internal links between your pages and external links to reputable sources.
Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile for local SEO.
SEO is a long game. But done right, it brings consistent, free traffic to your site—without paying for ads.
6. Should I Use a Website Builder or Hire a Pro?
If you need a basic online presence and you’re comfortable with tech, DIY tools like Squarespace or Wix can get the job done.
But if you want your website to:
Rank on Google
Generate leads or sales
Match your branding
Scale with your business
…then hiring a web professional can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes. A good website designer will guide you through structure, content, SEO, and UX—so your site doesn’t just look good, it works.
7. How Often Should I Update My Website?
A small business website isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. Regular updates help with SEO, credibility, and conversions.
Here’s what to keep fresh:
Blog content: Aim for 1–2 new posts per month
Testimonials: Add new ones as you get them
Service details: Update pricing, packages, or availability
Photos: Keep them current and authentic
Software/plugins: Stay on top of security updates
Your website is a living part of your business. Treat it like one.
8. How Do I Know If My Website Is Actually Working?
If you’re not tracking performance, you’re guessing.
Here’s what to monitor:
Website traffic: Use Google Analytics to track how many people visit
Traffic sources: See whether they’re coming from search, social media, or referrals
Bounce rate: If people leave immediately, something’s off
Conversion rate: How many visitors are taking action (contacting, buying, signing up)
The goal isn’t just views—it’s results. Your website should be helping you grow.
You Don’t Need a Million Pages or Fancy Features. You Need a Strategy.
Building a small business website doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does need to be strategic.
By understanding the basics, asking the right questions, and focusing on clarity over complexity, you’ll set your business up with a site that builds trust, ranks on Google, and actually works for you.
Ready to create a website that helps you grow, not stress? Let’s make it happen.
