Every modern business needs a website. It doesn’t matter how small or locally focused your business may be. To be competitive in today’s marketplace, you must have an online presence. And if you’re starting from scratch, building and promoting a website can feel overwhelming. The good news? It’s never been easier to get started.
This guide walks you through the essentials: how to design a website, how to promote a website, and which tools can help along the way. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking for a clearer plan, this is your roadmap to getting online.
Define the Purpose of Your Website
Start by identifying what your website should do for your business. Are you trying to:
- Drive foot traffic to your location?
- Generate phone calls or online bookings?
- Sell products directly?
- Educate potential customers?
Clarifying your purpose helps you build a site that supports your business goals. Keep it simple—your website can grow with you over time.
Decide Whether to Build It Yourself or Work With a Pro
You’ll face this question often as a business owner: Should I try this myself or hire someone?
With website design, both options are valid. DIY platforms like Squarespace, WordPress, or Shopify can help you launch quickly. But if you’d rather focus on running your business, a professional partner like Scorpion can design, build, and manage your website for long-term success.
If You’re Building It Yourself…
Set Up Your Domain
Choose a domain name that’s easy to remember and includes your business name if possible. You can register one through providers like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
Pro tip: Keep it short, memorable, and free of extra numbers or punctuation.
Pick a Content Management System (CMS)
A CMS lets you build and manage your website without learning to code. Common CMS platforms include:
- WordPress: Ideal for flexibility, but requires more setup.
- Squarespace: Great for beginners with sleek templates.
- Shopify: Built for eCommerce.
- Wix: User-friendly drag-and-drop platforms.
Also connect your CMS to Google Analytics so you can monitor visits, page views, and user behavior.
Use Templates and Tools to Make Setup Easier
Most CMS platforms offer templates and add-ons (called plugins or widgets). These can help you:
- Add contact forms
- Embed videos
- Display customer reviews
- Add live chat support
Look for tools that support your website’s goals and improve the visitor experience.
Plan Your Site Structure
Think of your website like a storefront. Visitors should know where to go and what to do without confusion.
We recommend including the following core pages:
- Home: This is your digital welcome mat. It should include a short intro, highlight your key offerings, and guide visitors to the next step.
- About Us: Builds trust by sharing your business story and values. Visitors want to know who they’re doing business with.
- Services or Products: Describes what you offer. This page should clearly explain your services or products and help people take action.
- Contact: Includes your phone number, email, location, business hours, and a contact form. Make it easy to reach you.
- Blog or Resources: Optional, but useful. Fresh content improves SEO, builds authority, and keeps your site active.
Use a simple top navigation bar and include clear calls-to-action (CTAs) on each page.
Start Adding Content
Photos, videos, and written content all matter. Showcase your work, explain your services, and answer common questions. Great content should feel helpful, easy to read, and written with your customer in mind.
When your content is clear and useful, site visitors are more likely to stay on your site longer, engage with what you offer, and eventually take the next step—whether that’s making a purchase, filling out a form, or giving you a call. That engagement translates directly to better business outcomes: more leads, more sales, and better customer relationships.
Don’t forget to include:
- Customer testimonials
- A blog or FAQs section
- A compelling call to action (e.g., “Schedule a free consultation”)
New content keeps your site fresh—and helps you show up in search results.
5 Ways to Promote Your Website
Once your site is live, it’s time to bring in traffic. Here are five proven strategies:
1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO helps people find your site on Google. A few basics:
- Use relevant keywords (like “plumber in Dallas”) in your content.
- Add meta descriptions and titles for each page.
- Link between related pages on your site.
- Get backlinks from trusted sites.
- Make sure your site is mobile-friendly.
If you’re not showing up in search results, SEO is often the reason.
2. Use Social Media
Promote your site on platforms your customers use: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube. Share blog posts, promotions, or behind-the-scenes photos.
Tip: Include links back to your website with every post.
3. Try Paid Advertising
Want faster results? Use paid ads on Google, Facebook, or Instagram. You can target people by location, interests, or behavior.
Learn more in The Beginner’s Guide to Advertising.
4. Start an Email Campaign
Invite people to subscribe to your newsletter. Offer a discount, free resource, or exclusive content. Then send updates, tips, or promos regularly to stay top of mind.
5. Use Direct Mail
Don’t underestimate print. A postcard with a QR code linking to your website can grab attention—especially when paired with an offer.
Why Website Design Matters
Your website design affects how visitors perceive your brand—and whether they choose to do business with you. A great website should:
- Make your business look credible and professional
- Load fast and work on mobile
- Be easy to navigate
- Reflect your brand with clear visuals and messaging
- Guide visitors toward a specific goal (like calling you or placing an order)
Responsive design plays a major role here. A responsive website automatically adjusts its layout and content to fit the screen size of the device being used—whether that’s a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. This ensures your website looks great and functions properly no matter how someone accesses it.
If your current site feels outdated or cluttered, it might be time for a redesign. Even small improvements can boost engagement and conversions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much clutter: Don’t overwhelm visitors with too many options.
- Missing CTAs: Every page should include a clear next step.
- Poor readability: Use fonts and colors that are easy on the eyes.
- No mobile optimization: If your site doesn’t work well on phones, you’ll lose traffic fast.
- No clear branding: Consistency builds trust. Use your logo, brand colors, and messaging throughout.
Need Help With Your Website?
You don’t have to do this alone.
Scorpion has been building and managing websites for small businesses for over 20 years. We offer expert design, SEO, advertising, and content creation—everything you need to succeed online.
Talk to Scorpion today to build a website that works as hard as you do.
[1].jpg)
