In today’s digital-first world, your website is more than just a collection of web pages. It’s your shop window, your salesperson, and often the first impression potential customers have of your business. If you’re a small business in the UK wondering how to improve your website or considering starting from scratch, you’re in the right place.
At Activ Digital Marketing Agency Cardiff, we understand the challenges small businesses face. This guide will walk you through what you need to know before building a website and ensure your journey is as smooth as possible. Let’s dive in!
1. Understand Why You Need a Website
The first step in building a website is understanding its purpose. Are you creating an online shop? Do you want to generate leads? Or is it a simple informational site to showcase your services?
This clarity will shape every decision moving forward, from design and functionality to budget and timelines. Websites aren’t one-size-fits-all, so take the time to define what success looks like for you.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
One of the most common questions we hear is: “How much does it cost to build a website in the UK?”
The answer depends on your needs. For small businesses, the cost of building a website in the UK typically ranges from £500 to £5,000. A basic informational site will be at the lower end, while e-commerce or custom functionality can push the budget higher.
If you’re looking to save costs, a website-building course can be a great way to learn the basics and tackle the project yourself. However, for a professional finish, hiring a digital agency in Cardiff or your local area can make all the difference.
3. Know Your Timeline
Another key consideration is time. “How long does it take to build a website?”
For a small business, a straightforward site can take as little as 4-6 weeks, while more complex projects may take 3-6 months. Keep in mind that things like content creation, approval processes, and testing can add to the timeline. Starting with a clear plan and being responsive during the build will help things stay on track.
4. Focus on SEO from Day One
If you’re wondering “how to improve SEO for a website” or why it even matters, here’s the deal: search engine optimisation (SEO) ensures your site gets found online.
Without good SEO practices, even the most stunning website can go unnoticed. Key elements to consider include:
Keyword research: Identify terms your customers are searching for, like “how to build a small business website” or “cost of building a website UK.”
Mobile-friendly design: Google prioritises mobile-responsive websites.
Fast loading times: A slow website can hurt rankings and frustrate users.
At Activ Digital Marketing Agency Cardiff, we make sure SEO is baked into every site we build, so you hit the ground running.
5. Think About Content
Your website is only as good as the content on it. Beyond looking great, it should clearly communicate who you are, what you do, and why someone should choose your business.
Include pages like:
Home: A snapshot of your business and value proposition.
About Us: Share your story and build trust.
Services/Products: Highlight what you offer with clear calls to action.
Contact: Make it easy for people to reach you.
If writing isn’t your strength, consider working with a digital marketing agency to help craft compelling, SEO-friendly content.
6. Choose the Right Platform
The platform you choose for your website will depend on your needs, budget, and technical know-how. Options range from DIY builders like Wix and Squarespace to more robust platforms like WordPress.
DIY platforms are user-friendly and affordable but may have limitations in customisation and scalability.
WordPress is a popular choice for its flexibility and SEO capabilities but may require some technical expertise.
If you’re unsure, a website-building business or digital agency in Cardiff can guide you to the best solution.
7. Prioritise User Experience
A beautiful website means nothing if visitors can’t find what they’re looking for. User experience (UX) focuses on making your site easy to navigate and enjoyable to use.
Key elements of good UX include:
Intuitive navigation: Keep menus simple and logical.
Clear calls to action: Tell users what you want them to do (e.g., “Get a Quote” or “Book a Consultation”).
Mobile optimisation: Over half of web traffic now comes from mobile devices, so a mobile-friendly design is essential.
8. Plan for Ongoing Maintenance
Building your website is just the beginning. Regular updates, security checks, and SEO improvements are crucial to keeping it performing well.
If you’re thinking, “how to improve my website after launch,” here are a few tips:
Update content regularly: Fresh content helps with SEO and keeps visitors engaged.
Monitor performance: Tools like Google Analytics can show you what’s working and what’s not.
Stay secure: Regular updates and backups protect your site from hackers.
A digital agency like Activ Digital Marketing Cardiff can handle this for you, so you can focus on running your business.
9. Consider Professional Help
There’s a lot to think about when building a website, and it can be overwhelming. That’s where a digital agency comes in.
At Activ Digital Marketing Cardiff, we specialise in helping small businesses build and improve their websites. Whether you need help with design, SEO, or ongoing support, we’re here to make the process stress-free.
Ready to Get Started?
Building a website is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your business. By understanding the basics—cost, time, SEO, and more—you’ll be well on your way to creating a site that not only looks great but also delivers results.
If you’re ready to take the next step, why not get in touch with Activ Digital Marketing Agency Cardiff? We’d love to help you bring your vision to life.