Sole traders, partnerships and small firms
Web Design for Small Businesses
Web design for small businesses works best when it's simple. Most small firms don't need dozens of pages, animations or complex features; they need a site that explains what they do, shows they're trustworthy and makes it easy to get in touch. This guide covers the pages most small businesses need, what you can safely skip, whether to build it yourself and the legal basics every UK business website should cover.
The pages most small businesses need
A home page that says what you do, who for and where, in one sentence. A services page, or one page per main service if you offer several distinct ones. An about page with real people and photos. Proof: reviews, testimonials or examples of work. A contact page with your phone number, email, form, address or service area and opening hours.
What you can usually skip
A blog you won't update. Pages of generic text about "our values". Sliders and autoplay videos that slow the site down. Chatbots, unless you have the time to manage them. Each extra feature adds cost and maintenance, so add things when you have a clear reason.
Build it yourself or hire a designer?
Website builders such as Wix and Squarespace let you build a site yourself for a monthly fee. They suit businesses with time, a good eye and simple needs. The trade-off is time, a learning curve and ongoing fees that rise over the years. A designer costs more up front, or a monthly fee on a pay-monthly plan, but brings experience in structure, copywriting and local SEO. Many small business owners tell us the real cost of DIY was the hours it took.
Legal basics for UK business websites
If you collect personal data, such as through a contact form, you need a privacy notice explaining what you collect and why. If your site uses non-essential cookies, such as analytics or advertising cookies, you need consent before setting them. Limited companies must show their registered name, number and registered office address on their website.
Small business website checklist
- One sentence on the home page saying what you do, who for and where
- Phone number visible at the top on mobile
- Real photos of you, your team or your work
- Reviews or testimonials with names, used with permission
- Privacy notice and cookie consent where needed
- Company details if you're a limited company
Good to know
Your questions, answered.
How many pages does a small business website need?+
Five is a good starting point. Add pages for individual services when you want to be found for each one.
Is a free website builder good enough?+
It can be for a very simple site, but free plans usually show the builder's branding and have limits. Most businesses move to a paid plan or a designer as they grow.
Do I need cookie consent on my small business website?+
If you use analytics, advertising or other non-essential cookies, yes. Strictly necessary cookies don't need consent.
Related guides
Sources
Ready to price your project?
Last updated