Why your website deserves more attention than your logo (at least to start with)
Starting a small business comes with a lot of decisions, and a lot of costs. There’s registering the business, sorting your branding, getting your product or service ready, and setting up your online presence. It’s a lot to juggle, especially if you’re working with a limited budget.
As a website designer, I’ve worked with plenty of small businesses at the early stages, and I’ve seen how easy it is to get caught up in spending on the wrong things first. Things like perfecting a logo, booking brand photoshoots, or paying for social media tools before you’ve even got a website live.
So here’s a bit of honest advice: Focus on one part of your business in the early days. This may be your social media, your branding or your website, but just focus on one! Obviously as a website designer I would recommend your website!
Most new businesses face the same challenge: trying to look professional without spending a fortune. It’s a balancing act. The temptation is to make everything look polished straight away, but not everything needs to be perfect from day one, and don’t beat yourself up about it.
What matters more is prioritising the things that help people find you, understand what you offer, and take the next step, whether that’s making a purchase, booking a service, or getting in touch. That’s what your website does.
Why your website matters most
People will look you up. Whether they find you on social media or through word of mouth, most people will Google you or click a link before they decide to engage with your business.
It’s the one platform you control. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, you’re not at the mercy of an algorithm. Your site can clearly show what you do, why it matters, and how to take action.
First impressions do count. A simple, easy to navigate site builds trust. It doesn’t have to be flashy, you just need a clear, well structured, and mobile friendly site.
Where you can keep costs down
Getting your website sorted doesn’t mean spending thousands. And to keep your budget in check, there are a few areas where you can save whilst just starting out:
Branding
A logo, some colours, and a couple of fonts are enough to start with. Free tools like Canva can help you create something clean and simple. You don’t need a full brand package unless you’re launching something very design led.
Templates
Website builders like Squarespace, Webflow, or WordPress (with the right theme) are more than enough for most early stage businesses. Templates give you structure and design out of the box. This is a good place to start, however for a more tailored design and probably time saving then using a local website designer can really help.
Writing your own copy
Don’t worry about sounding perfect. Just explain what you offer, how it helps, and how people can get started. You can always refine it later or hire a copywriter down the line, but your own words are a great place to begin.
Starting a business is full on. There’s always something to pay for and something you feel you should have. But not everything needs to be done straight away and not everything needs a big budget behind it.
If you focus on getting a solid website up and running, one that tells people who you are, what you do, and how to get involved you’ll be off to a strong start. Everything else can evolve from there.
And if you’re feeling a bit stuck or unsure about how much is enough, you’re definitely not alone. There’s no perfect formula, just progress.