Before You Build: Essential Website Tips for Startups & Small Businesses

Your website is more than just an online presence—it’s a key part of your small business marketing strategy. Whether you’re launching a new venture or refreshing your brand, getting the brief right before engaging a developer can save you time, money, and frustration.

Here’s what to consider before you start.

Turning Your Business Idea into a Thriving Brand

Starting a business is exciting—you've got a great idea, a vision, and the drive to make it happen. But once the wheels are in motion, the big question is: how do you generate awareness, attract leads, and start bringing in business?

The digital space is crowded with companies promising to get you on page one of Google or build you a website for a small fortune. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the noise. Instead of jumping at the first flashy pitch, take a step back. Narrow your list of potential suppliers to a few you trust, and before you commit to a website build, make sure you’ve thought about these key factors..

Your Business Goals

Before jumping into design and features, think about what your website needs to achieve. Are you looking to generate leads, sell products, or simply establish credibility? A well-thought-out site will align with your marketing plan and support your overall business growth.

Your Audience

Your website should be built with your ideal customer in mind. Who are they? Where do they spend time online? What information do they need before making a decision? Understanding your audience is essential for effective online marketing for small businesses and start-ups, and will influence everything from design to content.

Prioritise User Experience (UX)

A visually appealing website is useless if it’s frustrating to use. Make sure your developer focuses on good UX by:

✅ Designing simple and intuitive navigation so visitors can easily find what they need

✅ Creating a mobile-friendly design that works seamlessly on all devices

✅ Optimises for fast loading times to keep users engaged and reduce bounce rates

A smooth user experience is essential and ensures visitors stay on your site longer and take action.

Planning Your Content

Content isn’t just about filling pages—it’s about engaging visitors and driving action. Your website should clearly communicate:

• Who you are and what you do

• Why customers should choose you

• How to take the next step (contact, buy, book)

A strong content strategy also improves all your small business advertising efforts by making it easier for potential customers to find you through search engines and social media.

Consider Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) from the Start

A great-looking website is useless if no one can find it. Optimising for search engines (SEO) should be part of your website plan, not an afterthought. This includes using relevant keywords, structuring pages properly, and ensuring fast load speeds.

Choosing the Right Features

Do you need e-commerce functionality? Online booking? A blog? The right features will depend on your business type and strategy. Make a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves so your developer understands your priorities.

Setting a Realistic Budget & Timeline

Websites can range from simple landing pages to fully custom-built platforms. Having a clear budget and timeline in mind will help set expectations and keep the project on track. Work with your developer who can help guide you on what’s achievable within your budget.

Working with an Expert

We know the web development space can be confusing—some agencies charge thousands for a basic site when all you need is something clean, functional, and flexible. The key is finding a developer who listens to your needs, doesn’t push unnecessary extras, and builds a site that works for your business now—with the flexibility to grow with you.

At Unfair Advantage, we cut through the jargon and deliver websites and simple packages that are strategic, scalable, and built for success—without the bloated price tag. Contact us if you would like more information.