What your small business website actually needs
Most small business owners overthink this. You don't need a complex web app with login systems and custom databases. You need a clean, fast site that tells people what you do, where you are, and how to contact you.
Here's the checklist for a small business website that actually works:
- A clear homepage that explains what you do in the first 5 seconds
- A services or menu page with specific details and pricing where appropriate
- An about page that builds trust with your story and team
- A contact page with your phone, email, address, hours, and a form
- Mobile-friendly design because most of your visitors are on their phones
- Fast loading speed because nobody waits 5 seconds for a page to load
That's it. A four-page static website covers 90% of what local businesses need. You can always add more later. But a simple, well-built site that's actually live beats a complex site that's "almost ready" forever.
All 100 of our free templates are built with exactly this structure. Four pages, mobile-ready, fast, and ready to customize.
Why we don't recommend website builders
Website builders like Wix and Squarespace are easy to start with. But "easy to start" and "good long-term" are two different things. Here's the problem: you're renting, not owning.
At $25/month, you'll spend $1,500 over five years for a website you don't actually own. If you stop paying, it disappears. If you want to move to a different platform, you're stuck. Most builders don't let you export your site in a usable format.
A static HTML site flips that equation. You own the files. You can host them anywhere for free. You can hand them to any developer. And they load faster, because there's no builder platform adding bloat between your content and your visitors.
That's why every template we build is pure HTML and CSS. No proprietary platform, no subscription, no lock-in. Just files that belong to you.
Guides for small business owners
Practical advice on templates, costs, examples, and choosing the right people to work with.
Free Website Templates for Small Business
Handpicked templates you can download and customize today. No account, no fees.
Read guideSmall Business Website Examples That Work
Real examples of what good small business sites look like and why they convert.
Read guideWebsite Packages for Small Business: Costs Compared
Honest breakdown of DIY, done-for-you, and custom build pricing.
Read guideHow to Choose a Website Developer for Your Small Business
What to look for, red flags to avoid, and the right questions to ask.
Read guideWebsite Builders vs. HTML: Why We Don't Use Them
Why plain HTML beats Wix and Squarespace for ownership, cost, and performance.
Read guideFrequently asked questions
How much does a small business website cost?
It depends on the route you take. A free HTML template costs nothing. A done-for-you setup where someone customizes a template and handles hosting runs $400-$1,000. A fully custom-built site starts around $3,000 and goes up from there depending on complexity. Most small businesses can get a professional site live for under $500.
Do I really need a website for my small business?
Yes. Over 80% of consumers research a business online before visiting or buying. Without a website, you are invisible to those people. Even a simple four-page site with your services, location, hours, and contact info puts you ahead of competitors who rely only on social media or directory listings.
Can I build a small business website for free?
Absolutely. Download a free HTML/CSS template, swap in your own text and images, and host it for free on platforms like Netlify, Cloudflare Pages, or GitHub Pages. Your only cost is a domain name (around $12/year), and even that is optional if you are fine with a free subdomain.
How long does it take to build a small business website?
With a template, you can have a site live in a single afternoon. A done-for-you service typically delivers in 5-7 business days. A custom build takes 2-6 weeks depending on scope. The biggest time sink is usually gathering your own content (text, photos, logos), not the actual build.
What pages should a small business website have?
At minimum: a homepage that explains what you do, a services or menu page with details and pricing, an about page that builds trust, and a contact page with your phone, email, address, and hours. These four pages cover what 90% of local business customers are looking for.
Should I hire a web developer or use a website builder?
For most small businesses, a static HTML site is the better long-term choice. Website builders like Wix and Squarespace are easier to start with, but they lock you into monthly subscriptions ($16-49/month, forever), give you a site you don't actually own, and limit your control over performance and SEO. A static HTML template or developer-built site loads faster, costs less over time, and belongs to you completely. If you stop paying a builder, your site disappears. With HTML files, you own them forever. Read our full comparison of website builders vs. HTML for the detailed breakdown.
Can I move my website if I use a website builder?
Not easily. Most website builders use proprietary formats that don't export cleanly. Squarespace gives you a partial XML file. Wix has no real export at all. If you want to switch platforms or hire a developer to improve your site, you're essentially starting over. With a static HTML site, portability is built in. The files are the site. You can upload them to any host, hand them to any developer, or move them anywhere, anytime. Zero lock-in.