Website design checklist for first-time entrepreneurs.
When you’re starting a new business, your website becomes the face of your brand. It’s where people learn who you are, what you offer, and how to get in touch. It also helps you look professional and build trust right from the start.
The problem is that creating your first website can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices, from design platforms to colors to content. It’s easy to get stuck wondering what actually matters and what doesn’t.
But really, you don’t need to know absolutely everything to build a great website. You just need a clear plan. This checklist will walk you through what to focus on first so you can create a site that looks good, works well, and supports your business goals.
1. Start with a clear goal and audience
Before you start designing, take a few minutes to think about what you want your website to do and who it’s for.
Ask yourself a few simple questions:
What is the main goal of my website?
Who do I want to reach?
What do I want people to do once they’re here?
If you’re a service-based business, your goal might be to get people to schedule a consultation. If you’re selling products, you’ll want visitors to make a purchase.
Knowing your goal helps you design with purpose instead of guessing. When you understand what you want people to do, it’s much easier to create a site that actually works for your business.
2. Pick a platform that fits your comfort level
There are a lot of website platforms to choose from, but not all of them are right for beginners. The best one for you depends on how much time and customization you want.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Squarespace: Easy to use, beautiful templates, and everything built in. Great for most small businesses.
Wix: Flexible and visual but can get messy if you add too much.
Showit: Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want more visual freedom without coding.
WordPress: Very customizable but has a steeper learning curve and requires separate hosting.
If this is your first website, start simple. Platforms like Squarespace or Showit make it easy to build something professional without getting lost in technical details.
3. Write your main content first
Your design will look better when your words are ready. Think about what information your visitors need to see first.
Most small business websites can start with these basic pages:
Home: A short overview of what you do and who you help.
About: Your story, background, and what makes your approach unique.
Services or Products: What you offer and how people can work with you.
Contact: A simple way for people to reach you.
If you plan to add a blog, that can come later. For now, focus on writing clear and friendly text that speaks directly to your audience. Keep it conversational, like you’re talking to a potential client in person.
4. Choose visuals that feel like your brand
Images are one of the first things people notice, so take time to choose visuals that reflect your business.
If you can, invest in a few professional photos. They don’t have to be fancy or staged, just authentic and aligned with your style. Include a professional headshot, photos of your workspace or products, and any images that help tell your story.
Stick to a simple color palette with three to five colors and one or two fonts that are easy to read. The goal is to create consistency, not complexity. Even a minimalist design can look polished if it feels cohesive.
5. Keep your navigation simple
Your visitors shouldn’t have to hunt for information. A clean menu helps people find what they’re looking for quickly.
Your main navigation should include only the most important pages, such as:
Home
About
Services
Contact
If you have additional pages, group them neatly under dropdowns. The simpler your navigation, the better the experience will be for your visitors and the easier it will be for search engines to understand your site.
6. Make sure your site works well on mobile
Most people will visit your website from their phone, not a computer. That means your site has to look and function well on smaller screens.
After you’ve built your site, test it on your phone. Make sure:
The text is large enough to read without zooming.
Buttons are easy to tap.
Images load quickly and resize properly.
The menu works smoothly.
Most website builders automatically create a mobile version, but it’s worth double-checking each page yourself. A site that’s easy to use on mobile will keep visitors around longer and help your SEO.
7. Include clear calls to action
Every page should make it easy for visitors to take the next step. That might be scheduling a call, booking a service, or filling out a contact form.
Use clear and simple language for your buttons and links. Examples include:
“Book your consultation”
“Get a quote”
“Shop now”
“Contact me”
When you guide visitors clearly, they’re much more likely to take action.
8. Set up basic SEO
Search engine optimization helps people find your website through Google. You don’t need to be an expert to get started.
Here are a few easy things you can do:
Write unique titles and descriptions for each page.
Use keywords that describe what you do and where you’re located.
Add alt text to your images.
Use headings (H1, H2, H3) to organize your content.
Link between pages when it makes sense.
These steps tell search engines what your website is about and help it show up in the right searches.
9. Test everything before you launch
Before you share your website with the world, take time to check it thoroughly.
Click through every link, test every form, and make sure your contact information is correct. Proofread your text, double-check your images, and see how fast your pages load.
Ask a friend to visit your site and give honest feedback. Fresh eyes often catch small things you might have missed.
10. Keep your website updated
Once your site is live, keep it current. Add new photos, update your services, and refresh your text as your business grows.
You don’t need to change things constantly, but updating your website a few times a year keeps it feeling fresh and relevant. It also shows visitors (and Google) that your business is active.
When you’re launching your first business, your website is one of the most exciting parts. It’s where your ideas finally start to feel real. But figuring out what to include, how it should look, and how to make it all work can feel a little overwhelming at first.
The good news is that building a great website doesn’t have to be complicated. This checklist will guide you through the process step by step so you can create a site that looks professional, feels clear, and helps your business start strong.
And if you’re not really comfortable with the DIY approach and would like professional guidance instead, I can definitely help you launch your website in a professional and efficient way…
