What to Build First When You’re Starting a Small Business Website
Starting a website for your business can feel overwhelming — especially when everyone online is telling you something different.
One person says you need Shopify. Another says you need a funnel. Someone else says Instagram is enough.
The truth is simpler than that.
When you’re just getting started, your website doesn’t need to do everything. It needs to do one thing well.
Start with one clear goal
Before thinking about platforms, features, or design, ask yourself this:
What should someone be able to do after visiting my website?
For most small businesses, the answer is one of these:
understand what you offer
know how to contact you
feel confident choosing you
If your website does those three things clearly, it’s doing its job.
What actually matters at the beginning
When you’re early on, focus on building a site that includes:
A clear homepage
Someone should know what you do within a few seconds of landing there.Your core offering
Whether that’s services, a menu, or products — keep it simple and easy to find.Basic trust signals
Real photos, clear language, and up-to-date information go a long way.Contact information
Make it obvious how someone can reach you or take the next step.
That’s it.
You don’t need:
every page filled out
advanced integrations
complicated tools
a “perfect” design
You just need clarity.
What can wait (and usually should)
Many business owners get stuck trying to build everything at once.
These things can almost always come later:
online stores
automation
advanced SEO
email funnels
complex branding elements
Trying to do too much upfront often leads to:
decision paralysis
unfinished websites
unnecessary stress
A simple website that exists and works is far better than a complex one that never gets finished.
Your website should support your business — not slow it down
A website isn’t meant to be a separate project you constantly manage.
It should:
answer common questions
make your business easier to understand
quietly work in the background while you focus on running things
When a website is built with intention, it actually reduces the mental load instead of adding to it.
Done beats perfect
One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is waiting until everything feels “ready.”
But most websites evolve over time. You don’t need the final version on day one.
You need a starting point that:
represents you accurately
helps customers find you
gives you room to grow
You can always improve from there.
Final thoughts
If you’re building a small business website, start by asking:
What does someone need to know?
What do I want them to do next?
How can I make that simple?
The rest will come later.
A good website isn’t about having more — it’s about having what matters.
If you’re feeling unsure about where to start or whether your current website is doing what it should, Studio Hill Media helps small businesses build clear, intentional websites that support real growth — without unnecessary complexity.
Sometimes the best next step is simply getting started.