Have a WordPress Website Made: A Guide for Small Business Owners

As a small business owner, I’m sure you’ve heard this a hundred times already—your business needs a website. And not just any website—a functional, user-friendly website that actually helps grow your business. If you’re like most small business owners I work with, you might be wondering where to even start. Let me save you some time—WordPress is an excellent solution. In fact, it’s what I use for many of my clients, and it’s likely what your business needs, too.

I’m Karina, a web designer based in Rotterdam, and I specialize in helping small businesses like yours create websites that work. Over the years, I’ve helped countless businesses build their online presence, and I can tell you, having a well-made WordPress website can be a game-changer.

Why Your Small Business Needs a Website

First things first—why does your small business even need a website? Some of my clients initially tell me, “I get by just fine with word of mouth or social media.” But here’s the thing—having a website isn’t just about existing online. It’s about being discoverable and credible.

Imagine a potential customer searching for services you offer. If they don’t find you, they’ll find your competitor. A website acts as your digital storefront, showcasing your services, and if it’s well-designed, it builds trust instantly. People like to know they’re dealing with professionals, and a professional website is often the first sign of that.

One of my clients, a baker, thought she didn’t need a website since her business was doing well through Instagram orders. But once her website launched, she saw a 30% increase in orders just because people could now easily find her on Google and place orders through her site. That’s the power of a website!

Why Choose WordPress for Your Small Business?

Now, you might be wondering why I recommend WordPress over other platforms. There are so many website builders out there—Shopify, Squarespace, Wix—why WordPress? For small businesses, I think WordPress offers the best blend of customizability, ease of use, and scalability.

1. It’s Easy to Use

You don’t have to be a tech wizard to manage your WordPress site. It’s user-friendly, which means once your website is set up, you can easily update content yourself. This is huge for small business owners who want to keep their site fresh without constantly needing to hire a developer.

I had a beauty salon owner as a client who was terrified at the thought of updating her website. But after just one session of me walking her through how to post a blog and update her services, she was adding new photos and promotions with ease. WordPress makes it that simple.

2. It’s Highly Customizable

Every business is unique, so why shouldn’t your website be? With WordPress, there are thousands of themes and plugins that allow you to build a site tailored to your business’s exact needs. Whether you need an online booking system, a contact form, or even an ecommerce store, WordPress has you covered.

For instance, I worked with an electrician who needed an easy way for customers to request quotes online. WordPress had a plugin for that, and we customized it to fit his branding and workflow. Now, instead of fielding endless calls, he directs potential clients to his website where they can request quotes 24/7. It’s freed up his time while streamlining the process.

3. It’s SEO-Friendly

WordPress is well-known for being SEO-friendly right out of the box, which is a huge advantage for small businesses. Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential because it helps your website rank higher in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. WordPress has built-in features like clean code, proper HTML markup, and mobile responsiveness—all factors that search engines love.

The Process of Getting a WordPress Website Made

So, how does this whole process work? If you’re ready to have a WordPress website made for your small business, here’s what the journey will look like:

Step 1: Planning Your Website

Before we dive into design, we need to understand your business goals. What do you want your website to achieve? Are you looking to generate leads, sell products, or simply have an online presence? Defining this from the start helps us create a site that meets those goals.

One of my clients, a local contractor, thought he just needed a simple website until we really dug into his goals. He wanted to generate more leads and show off his portfolio of work. That shifted our design focus to include a portfolio section and a contact form front and center.

Step 2: Design & Development

This is the fun part! Once we know your goals, I’ll design a website that fits your brand and appeals to your target audience. I always focus on user experience (UX), ensuring that your site is not just beautiful but functional. It needs to be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading.

Step 3: Customization

We’ll then customize the site to meet your specific needs. Want a blog to share your expertise? A gallery to showcase your work? Maybe an ecommerce store to sell your products? WordPress’s flexibility allows us to integrate all of these elements.

Step 4: Launch & Optimization

Finally, we’ll launch your site and make sure it’s optimized for speed, SEO, and usability. This is where we make sure your website is not just live, but ready to perform.

Every small business website is different, but here are some features I often recommend:

Contact Form

Make it easy for potential clients to reach you. A simple contact form can do wonders for generating leads. I always suggest placing it on multiple pages to make sure it's easy to find.

Testimonials

Nothing builds trust like reviews from satisfied customers. Whether you're a beauty salon, a contractor, or a bakery, showcasing testimonials on your website gives potential clients confidence.

Mobile Optimization

More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website doesn’t work well on phones and tablets, you’re missing out. Luckily, WordPress makes it easy to ensure your site looks great on any device.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Web Designer

Sure, you could build a website yourself. But hiring a professional web designer ensures that your site is not just functional but effective. I’ve seen DIY websites that look fine but don’t perform well because they’re not optimized for SEO or user experience.

By working with a professional, you’re investing in a website that will grow your business. Plus, you get the benefit of ongoing support, so if something goes wrong, you’ve got someone to fix it.

Ready to Get Started?

Having a WordPress website made is one of the best investments you can make for your small business. It’s your digital storefront, a way for potential customers to find and trust you. If you’re ready to take the next step, feel free to reach out for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your goals and how we can make them happen with a WordPress website that truly works for you.