If you’re running a small business - whether it’s handmade products, consulting, coaching, services, or workshops - having a proper website is no longer optional. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to give your brand a professional identity, even if you’re working from home.

Social media is helpful, but a website builds trust. It shows people you’re serious. It makes your business searchable on Google. And most importantly, it gives you control over how your brand looks and feels - without being dependent on platform algorithms or policy changes.

Why You Need a Website (Even If You’re Already on Instagram or WhatsApp)

• Professional Identity: A website makes your brand look more established and reliable.
• Google Visibility: You won’t show up on Google with only an Instagram page.
• Central Hub: All your information - products, prices, services, contact details - in one place.
• No Distractions: Unlike social media, your website keeps people focused on you, not random posts.
• Always Open: People can view your offerings, book services, or buy products - anytime, even when you’re sleeping.

How to Get Started - Even If You’re Not "Techie"

You don’t need to code, hire a developer, or spend a fortune. There are platforms designed for beginners. Here’s a simple step-by-step:

Step 1: Choose the Right Platform

• Wix: Great for drag-and-drop design and ease of use. Perfect for service providers, artists, freelancers.
• Shopify: Best for product-based businesses. Comes with built-in e-commerce tools.
• WordPress: Highly flexible and good for content-heavy websites (like blogs or portfolios), but has a slight learning curve.

Step 2: Pick a Domain Name

Your domain is your website’s name - like yourbrandname.com. Choose something simple, easy to remember, and relevant to your business. You can buy domains from platforms like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or even directly through Wix or Shopify.

Step 3: Choose a Template and Start Editing

You’ll see design templates you can customise. No need to start from scratch. Just select one, change the text, upload your photos, and rearrange blocks to suit your content. Keep it clean and easy to read.

Step 4: Add These Basic Pages

• Home: Quick intro to what you offer.
• About: A short story of who you are and why you do this.
• Products/Services: Clear details of what you sell, with photos and prices.
• Contact: Include a form, email, WhatsApp number or location (if relevant).
• Testimonials (Optional): If you have reviews, even from friends or first customers, display them.

Step 5: Publish and Share

Once you’re happy with the content, just click "Publish." Your website will be live. Now share it - put it in your Instagram bio, business cards, WhatsApp replies, and tell your network.

Ongoing Management Tips

• Keep it updated: Add new products, events, or information regularly.
• Check on mobile: Always test how your site looks on phones.
• Use clear, natural language: Talk like you would talk to a customer in real life.
• Track visitors: Platforms like Wix or Shopify show you how many people are visiting your site.

Final Thoughts

Building a website used to feel like something only tech people could do. That’s not true anymore. Whether you’re starting small or already running a business, your website can be live in a weekend - and grow along with you.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. And once it’s up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.