Starting a small business: How to build your own website

Starting a small business: How to build your own website. A website is essential for your small business to thrive. It’s a hub for potential and existing customers to find you, learn about your products or services and make purchases. The good news? Building a website has never been easier or more affordable, thanks to tools like Domains.co.za’s Site Builder Add-On.

With the website builder, you can access over 200 professional, pre-designed, mobile-responsive templates and customise the design. What you do need though, is content. But luckily there are various free and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to help you create winning content.

Here’s how to create a website that reflects your brand and sets you up for success.

Plan your content

Every great website starts with good content. To create clear, engaging copy that resonates with your audience:

• Use AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Gemini to help you write SEO-friendly website content tailored to your business.
• Be specific with your prompts—include details about your industry, target audience, and desired tone of voice.
• Focus on key pages like a Home Page, About Us, Services or Products, and a Contact page.
• Don’t forget to add compelling call-to-actions like “Shop Now” or “Contact Us.”

Create professional visuals

Your website’s visual appeal plays a huge role in making a good first impression. Create professional visuals with the help of the below:

• Use tools like Canva or Looka to create a professional logo. These platforms let you customise designs based on your business name, style preferences, and industry.
• Use DALL-E or Canva to help you create high-quality content like infographics, videos, banners, icons, etc.

Choose high-quality images

• You don’t have to make all your visuals, you can consider good-quality photographs or bought images. Platforms like Shutterstock offer a vast selection of royalty-free images.
• Use your smartphone to capture authentic, high-quality photos of your products, workspace, or even your daily activities.
• Edit your own pictures with free apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to give them a more polished look.

Build your website

Now it’s time to put it all together! With Domains.co.za’s Site Builder, you don’t need to be a tech wizard. Simply:

• Choose a template that suits your brand.
• Customise it with your content, logo, and images.
• Drag & Drop plugins like contact forms, image galleries, or social media links to make your site functional.