Here are the top 10 FAQs for new business owners getting their business online:
1. Do I need a website or is social media enough? While social media is valuable for engagement, having your own website gives you control, credibility, and a central hub that you own. Many successful businesses use both—social media to connect with customers and drive traffic to a website where they can learn more and make purchases.
2. How much does it cost to build a website? Costs vary widely. DIY website builders like Wix or Squarespace run $15-$50/month, while hiring a professional website designer might cost $1,000-$10,000+ depending on complexity. Factor in domain registration ($10-$20/year) and hosting if needed.
3. What domain name should I choose? Ideally, pick something memorable, easy to spell, and closely related to your business name. A .com is still preferred, but other extensions (.co, .io, .shop) work too. Check availability and try to secure social media handles that match.
Building a website is easy. Doing it correctly is not.
4. Do I need to hire a web developer or can I do it myself? Modern website builders make it possible for non-technical owners to create professional sites. However, if you need custom functionality, e-commerce features, or have limited time, hiring a developer might be worthwhile.
5. How do I accept payments online? Payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Square integrate with most website platforms. For e-commerce sites, platforms like Shopify have built-in payment processing. You’ll need a business bank account and may need to register for sales tax collection.
6. How do customers find my website (SEO)? Search Engine Optimization involves using relevant keywords, creating quality content, ensuring fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, and getting backlinks from other sites. Keep in mind that Local SEO differs from Global or National SEO. Local businesses should also claim their Google Business Profile as well as their Bing Places for Business Profile.
7. What legal pages does my website need? Most businesses need a Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and if collecting emails, a clear consent mechanism for GDPR/privacy law compliance. If selling products, you’ll need shipping and return policies too. Learn why website policies are important!
8. How do I drive traffic to my new website? Combine organic strategies like SEO and content marketing with social media promotion, email marketing, Google Business Profile, and potentially paid advertising through Google Ads or social media ads once you’ve validated your approach.
9. Do I need an email list? Yes—email marketing typically offers the best ROI of digital marketing channels. You own your email list, unlike social media followers. Tools like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, HubSpot, or Constant Contact make it easy to start collecting emails and sending newsletters.
10. How do I make my website mobile-friendly? Most modern website builders create responsive designs automatically. Test your site on multiple devices and ensure text is readable, buttons are easily clickable, and pages load quickly on mobile connections—over 60% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices.