Why a Website Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated (or Cost a Fortune)

If you run a small business, you’ve probably thought about having a website at some point—maybe when someone asked if you have one, or when you realised more people are searching online than looking in the phone book these days.

But it’s easy to put it off. You might think it’ll be too expensive, or that you’d need to be “techy” to get started. The truth is, a website doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. In fact, having one can often save you time and money in the long run.

Here are a few things worth knowing before you rule it out:

1. A website doesn’t have to be big or fancy.

A simple site with a few pages—like your opening hours, what you offer, and how to get in touch—is often enough to give customers what they need. You can always add more features later if your business grows.

2. The costs are usually lower than expected.

There’s a common belief that websites cost thousands to build, but that’s not always true anymore. Many small businesses get started with affordable packages or even monthly plans that spread the cost out.

3. You don’t need to be a tech expert.

These days, web designers (or even simple website builders) handle all the technical details—like making your site mobile-friendly or setting up your email. Your job is usually just to share your story, your services, and a few photos.

4. It can make life easier for you.

A good website can answer common questions like “Are you open today?” or “Do you take bookings?” That means fewer phone calls or messages to reply to, freeing up more of your time to focus on your business.

5. It’s an investment that grows with your business.

You don’t have to launch the “perfect” site on day one. Starting small and adding to it later—like an online shop or a booking system—is often the best way forward.

For many small businesses, having even a basic website makes a big difference in being found online and building trust with customers. If it’s something you’ve been putting off, it might be easier (and cheaper) than you think to take the first step.