You don’t need a $10,000 custom site.
You need a clear, credible, and conversion-focused online presence that tells people who you are, what you offer, and how to work with you.
For new business owners, freelancers, and side hustlers, building a website can feel like a never-ending to-do list. Should you use Squarespace or WordPress? Add a blog? Invest in SEO? The options are endless — and often overwhelming.
The truth? You only need a few key things to launch a website that works. Everything else is secondary.
Here’s what actually matters when you’re building your business website — and what you can skip (for now).
1. A Clear, One-Sentence Value Proposition
The first thing visitors should see on your homepage is exactly what you do and who it’s for.
No jargon. No fluff. Just clarity.
Ask yourself: Could a stranger land on your site and instantly understand your business in one sentence?
If the answer is no, rewrite your homepage headline. Your website isn’t a mystery novel — it’s a pitch.
Examples:
- “I help fitness coaches grow their client base with zero ad spend.”
- “Bookkeeping and tax strategy for solo business owners.”
- “Web design for purpose-driven brands and creators.”
2. A Strong “About” Page That Builds Trust
People don’t buy from websites — they buy from people.
Your About page should do more than talk about you. It should answer:
- Why should someone trust you?
- What’s your experience or origin story?
- Who do you serve best?
You don’t need a long resume. You just need a page that builds credibility, shows personality, and positions you as the guide — not the hero.
3. One Clear Call-to-Action
What do you want people to do next? Book a call? Download a lead magnet? Buy a product?
Your site should make that action obvious — with buttons, forms, or links that appear consistently across the homepage, footer, and menu.
Too many websites confuse visitors with 10 different options. A strong call-to-action gives your site purpose — not just presence.
4. Mobile Optimization
Over half of your visitors will come from a phone — and if your site looks clunky or broken on mobile, you’re losing business before you even say hello.
Make sure:
- Text is readable without zooming
- Buttons are easy to click
- Pages load fast
- Forms work properly on all devices
Most modern platforms (like Squarespace, Wix, and Webflow) are mobile-friendly by default. But always test it yourself before you launch.
5. Fast Load Speed and Clean Design
Nobody waits 10 seconds for a site to load — especially if they just found you from social media.
Use tools like PageSpeed Insights to check your load time and compress images for faster delivery. And don’t overdesign your site with flashy effects or oversized videos. Clean beats clever — every time.
Remember: the goal isn’t to impress people. It’s to convert them.
6. A Way to Collect Emails (Even If You Don’t Have a Newsletter Yet)
Every visitor to your website is a potential lead — but if they leave without a trace, you’ve lost the chance to connect later.
Use a simple opt-in form to collect emails in exchange for:
- A free PDF
- A short video series
- A weekly tip or resource
- A discount or exclusive offer
You don’t need to launch an email campaign tomorrow. Just start building the list now. It’s one of your most valuable business assets.
Action Step:
If you already have a website, do a 10-minute audit. Ask: Can a first-time visitor tell what I do? Is there one clear next step? Does it work on mobile? If not, pick one fix to make this week.
