Complete guide: how to choose a website for your business
Everything you need to know before commissioning a website. Types, prices, questions to ask and mistakes to avoid.
Why your website is your most important salesperson
Your website works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no holidays or salary. A potential customer who lands on your site at 3am can become a client before you wake up. But only if the website is done properly.
The problem is that most small businesses have websites that, instead of generating clients, drive them away. Outdated design, slow loading, no clear contact buttons, not appearing on Google... A website like that is not an asset, it's a liability.
The 4 types of website that exist
1. Landing page
A single page focused on one objective: getting the visitor to call, fill in a form, or buy. Ideal for specific services, advertising campaigns, or businesses that offer a single product or service. Estimated price: £300–600.
2. Corporate website
The standard company website. Home, services, about us, contact. May include a blog. This is what most small businesses need to have a professional online presence. Estimated price: £800–2,500.
3. Online store (ecommerce)
For selling products directly from the website. Shopping cart, payment gateway, stock management, shipping. The most complex and expensive option but also the most profitable if you have products to sell. Estimated price: £1,500–5,000.
4. Custom-built website
Developed from scratch for very specific needs. Web applications, complex platforms, integrations with external systems. For most small businesses, this is unnecessary and expensive. Price: from £5,000.
Golden rule: Choose the type of website based on your goal, not based on what seems most impressive. A well-made landing page converts better than a poorly executed corporate website.
The 8 questions you must ask before hiring
- Who will own the access and the website itself? You must own the domain, hosting and files. Never hand these over to an agency.
- Is basic SEO included? Titles, meta tags, loading speed, URL structure. If it is not included, the website will not appear on Google.
- Can I edit the content myself? You should be able to change text and images without depending on the designer.
- What happens if I want to change provider? You have the right to take your files with you. If they won't give them to you, walk away.
- How many rounds of revisions are included? A minimum of 2. If not specified, every change will cost you extra money.
- Is it optimised for mobile? 70% of web traffic comes from mobile. If it is not responsive, you are losing customers.
- How fast does it load? Google penalises slow websites. Ask them to guarantee under 3 seconds.
- What does monthly maintenance include? Updates, backups and support. Without this, the website will become obsolete and vulnerable.
Checklist before commissioning a website
- I am clear on the main goal of the website (calls, forms, sales)
- I have requested quotes from at least 3 providers
- I have seen examples of websites they have built previously
- The price includes domain, hosting and SSL for the first year
- I will have full access to all files and control panels
- Basic technical SEO is included
- I can edit content without paying extra
- At least 2 rounds of revisions are included
- Technical support is included for the first 30 days
The 5 most common mistakes when commissioning a website
1. Choosing on price alone. A £200 website that doesn't appear on Google and doesn't generate clients is not a bargain — it's throwing money away.
2. Not asking to see previous work. Everyone says they make beautiful websites. Results show who really knows what they are doing.
3. Not having clear objectives. "I want a website" is not enough. Do you want more calls? More visits? To sell online? Each goal requires a different strategy.
4. Leaving the domain and hosting in the designer's hands. If you fall out or their company closes, you lose your website. Always control these assets yourself.
5. Not thinking about maintenance. A website not updated in 2 years is an insecure, slow and outdated website. Budget for maintenance from the start.
How much should you invest?
It depends on the type of business and the objective. As a reference:
- Sole trader or micro-business: £500–1,200 for a professional website that works
- SME with multiple services: £1,200–2,500 for a complete corporate website
- Business with an online store: £2,000–5,000 for a functional ecommerce
Monthly maintenance ranges from £30–100/month depending on the services included. Don't cut corners on this — it is the insurance on your investment.