Why Every Small Business Needs a Website
In 2026, if you don't have a website, you simply don't exist for the majority of your potential customers. That is not an exaggeration. Studies show that over 80% of consumers search online before contacting a new business, whether it's a contractor, a lawyer, a coffee shop, or a physiotherapy clinic.
Your website is your first meeting face with the customer. It works 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even while you sleep. It answers questions, showcases your work, and lets customers reach out to you conveniently.
Businesses that still rely solely on Facebook or Instagram are making a mistake: social media platforms belong to external companies that can change algorithms, reduce your reach, or even shut down your account. Your website is the only digital asset that truly belongs to you.
What a Business Without a Website Actually Loses
- Leads from Google: when someone searches for "plumber near me" and you don't show up, the customer goes to one of your competitors.
- Credibility: many customers won't contact a business that doesn't have a website. It looks unprofessional, even if you're excellent at what you do.
- Ability to send quotes and links: instead of explaining who you are again and again, you send one link to your site.
- Local presence on Google Maps: a Google Business Profile works much better when there's a linked website.
What Is the Difference Between a Brochure Site, an Online Store, and a Landing Page?
Before talking about pricing, it's important to understand that a website is not a single product. There are several types, each suited to different needs.
Brochure Website
A brochure website is the "classic" business site: a few pages presenting who you are, what you do, where you're located, and how to get in touch. It's ideal for:
- Independent professionals (dentists, psychologists, lawyers)
- Local businesses (hair salons, restaurants, daycare centers)
- Small service companies
Typical cost: $800 to $3,200 for development, plus ongoing hosting and maintenance.
Online Store (eCommerce)
An online store lets customers buy products directly. It includes a product catalog, shopping cart, payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe, credit cards), and order management. Cost: $2,200 to $11,000+, depending on the number of products and level of customization.
Landing Page
A single page with one clear goal: get the visitor to take action (leave their details, buy, call). Excellent for paid advertising campaigns. Cost: $400 to $1,400 typically.
Practical tip: If you're just starting out, a landing page combined with Google Ads can generate leads faster than a full website. Once your business is established, upgrade to a complete brochure site.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website: Price Comparison
This is the question everyone asks, and the answer is: it depends. But let's break it down into real options.
Option 1: Wix / Squarespace (DIY)
If you have the time and desire to learn, platforms like Wix allow you to build a basic website for free (with limitations) or for about $25 to $50 per month.
- Pros: affordable, no developer needed, relatively quick to start
- Cons: looks generic, harder to rank in SEO, limited customization, you don't own it
Option 2: WordPress + Ready-Made Theme
WordPress is the most popular platform in the world. With a ready-made theme, a developer can build a site for $800 to $1,600.
- Pros: flexible, SEO-friendly, massive plugin ecosystem
- Cons: requires ongoing maintenance, can be hacked if not updated
Option 3: Custom Development
A professional website built from scratch by a development agency. Cost: $2,700 to $14,000+. Suited for businesses with unique needs, large content volumes, or system integrations.
Option 4: AI-Generated Landing Page
Tools like JOYO Digital allow you to generate a professional landing page in minutes, with AI-written content tailored to your business, at a low monthly cost. Excellent for getting started quickly and testing the market before making a big investment.
What Must Every Professional Website Include?
Whether you're building a brochure site or a store, there's a mandatory checklist of things you cannot skip.
Content Requirements
- A clear headline that explains what you do and for whom, within 3 seconds
- Clear contact information: phone, email, address (if relevant), in the header and on a contact page
- An "About Us" page with real faces, not stock photos
- A services/products page with clear, scannable descriptions
- Customer testimonials: even three genuine reviews are worth their weight in gold
- A clear call to action (CTA) on every page: "Contact Us", "Get a Quote", "Book a Meeting"
Technical Requirements
- SSL certificate (https): mandatory. Without it, Google marks your site as "not secure"
- Fast loading speed: a site that loads in 3 seconds or less. Every additional second reduces conversions
- Mobile-responsive design: over 60% of browsing is on mobile
- Google Analytics: to know where your traffic is coming from
- Google Search Console: to know what Google is ranking you for
How to Choose a Web Development Company
The market is full of web development companies, from students offering a "site for $150" to large agencies with premium price tags. How do you avoid getting burned?
Questions You Must Ask Before Signing
- "Can you show me 5 websites you've built?" If they dodge the question, that's a red flag.
- "What's included in ongoing maintenance and how much?" Websites need updates. Find out what happens after the site goes live.
- "Will the site be fully mine?" Some companies build sites that are "locked in" with them. Make sure you have full access.
- "Who writes the content?" Good content is half the battle. Find out if they include copywriting or if it's on you.
- "How long does it take?" A basic brochure site should take no more than 4 to 8 weeks.
Signs That a Company Is Not Right
- They don't provide a written agreement
- They can't explain exactly what's included in the price
- They promise "first page on Google" within two weeks
- They pressure you to sign immediately without giving time to think
Tip: It's worth paying in 3 stages: 30% upfront, 40% at the draft presentation, 30% at completion. That way you're protected.
If you're looking for a fast, professional solution for your small business, JOYO Digital (joyohub.com) offers landing page and website creation at an affordable cost, with proven results for businesses of all sizes.