• WEBSITE PLANNING

How to plan your first business website without wasting time or money

How to plan your first business website

Starting a new business is a big leap—and building a website that actually supports it shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. Whether you're offering services, selling products, or launching a personal brand, your website needs to be more than just a pretty page. It has a job: to grow your business.

If you're about to launch your first site (or redo one that never really worked), here's how to build a strong foundation without falling into common traps.

Step 1: Start with strategy, not software

Before you open a Wix or WordPress tab, take a breath. Your website is a tool—and tools only work when you know what they’re supposed to do. Who are you trying to attract? What action do you want them to take? What problem are you solving?

Answering these questions upfront saves hours (and headaches) down the road.

Pro tip: Map out one clear goal per page. For example: your homepage introduces what you do, your services page explains how you help, and your contact page invites the next step.

Launch essentials:

  • Clear homepage headline
  • About/services page
  • One strong call to action
  • Contact form

Step 2: Focus on content before design

Great design matters. But clear content wins every time.

What you say—and how you say it—does more to build trust than any color palette or fancy animation. Start by writing your core messaging: Who do you help? What do you help them do? Why should they trust you?

Use plain language. Avoid jargon. Speak like your customers think.

“I just wanted a site that didn’t make me cringe. Turns out, clarity matters more than bells and whistles.”

Step 3: Choose tools that support growth

It’s tempting to choose whatever platform looks easiest or cheapest. But long term, your website needs to be easy to update, SEO-friendly, and able to grow with your business.

Look for a CMS (content management system) like WordPress or Webflow. These platforms give you flexibility and scalability without overwhelming you.

Step 4: Build trust into your site

In 2025, trust is your #1 marketing asset. Your site needs to show that you’re legit and worth the investment.

Include testimonials, case studies, or even a short story about how you got started. Add a photo of yourself (or your team). Use real language. These small signals can make a huge difference in how confident people feel contacting you.

Step 5: Don’t wait for perfect—launch with purpose

Your first website doesn’t have to be massive or perfect. In fact, it shouldn’t be.

Start lean. Launch with a homepage, a services/about page, and a way to contact you. Then improve from there.

Why this matters: A live, functional website that clearly explains your offer is more powerful than a "coming soon" page that stays up for six months.

The takeaway: Your website should serve your business, not stall it

If you're just starting out, your site should make things easier—not more complicated. A little upfront strategy can save you months of redesigns, rewrites, and lost leads.

Want help planning a website that works from day one? Book a free 30-minute strategy call and get expert guidance on how to build a site that grows with your business.