What should a small business website include?

Introduce the business and what it offers

Help a first-time visitor understand the business before asking them to get in touch.

• Use the real business name, a short introduction and a clear service or product list.
• For a shop, describe what customers can find and whether they visit in person or use an existing online store. A custom checkout is a separate requirement.
• For a local service, explain the work you do and the area you actually cover. Choose photos and a logo you have permission to publish.

Make hours and service areas useful locally

Give customers details they can use in their own location and language.

• Show a verified public address or service area; a home-based business need not publish a private home address.
• State normal opening or contact hours, relevant time zone when needed, and how holiday or temporary changes will be communicated.
• If you publish prices, label the currency and explain what they cover. Choose the website language your customers need; additional translations are separate work.

Give customers a clear next step

Choose an action your business can actually support, with an accurate destination.

• Display a working email, phone number with the appropriate country code, or a link to an existing business contact channel.
• Use clear labels such as “Request a quote”, “Book an appointment” or “Order for pickup” only when the destination supports that action.
• Check that existing ordering, booking, messaging and social links open the right business. A link does not include custom payments, booking software or data integration.

Check the page on a phone

Make essential information readable without extra instructions.

• Keep service lists, hours, contact details and menus in readable webpage text; a photograph or PDF should not be the only way to read key information.
• Check that text, prices and controls fit without sideways scrolling or zooming. Try links and disclosures using a keyboard as well as a phone-sized screen.
• Use appropriately sized images and useful alternative text. For a restaurant menu, follow the separate restaurant checklist linked below.

Prepare one content pack for the designer

Gather the materials and mark anything that is still missing before agreeing the scope.

• Provide your business name, country or service area, introduction, service or product information, hours and public contact details.
• Include approved logo and photo files, existing website and platform links, a few references and the website language you need.
• Name the person who approves content, list the required pages and customer actions, and say whether you want a free or paid arrangement. Do not email passwords or payment details.

Agree on launch and future changes

A useful launch plan identifies responsibilities as well as pages.

• Confirm the scope, fees, timing, content approval and launch approval in writing; free applications are also subject to review.
• Identify the domain or subdomain, hosting, HTTPS, account access, source-file arrangements and any recurring charges included in the agreement.
• Before launch, check the agreed page on mobile and test contact and platform links. Decide who handles changed hours, prices and other future edits, including any charges and exit arrangements.

A few practical questions.

Put the plan into practice.

Website design for small businesses worldwide: a free one-page website with hosting, ad-free monthly care or a scoped one-time project.