Small Business Website in 2025: Cost, Setup, Mistakes & Tips

Key highlights

• Learn how to make a small business website with a step-by-step guide covering platforms, setup, SEO and launch. 
• Understand how much does it cost to make a website for a small business based on different approaches. 
• Explore real examples of successful small business websites to see what works and why. 
• Uncover common business website design mistakes and how to fix them with visual tips and best practices. 
• Know why Bluehost WooCommerce hosting is the ideal solution for small businesses looking to build fast, secure and scalable online stores. 

Jessica Griffin created Scoops of Favor, a feel-good brand serving lactose-free and vegan ice creams with a mission. What began as a mobile creamery in Jacksonville grew into a booming online business. The game-changer? Launching a small business website. 

After going live, Jessica experienced faster load times, improved SEO rankings and an increase in orders, all without a technical background. 

In 2025, knowing how to make a website for a small business is your shortcut to reach, revenue and resilience. This guide walks you through every step you need to build a business website that’s ready for 2025. We’ve discussed how much does it cost to make a website for a small business and shared inspiring examples to help you get started. 

Let’s take the first step! 

Quick start: How to build a small business website in 2025

Want to build your business website fast? Here’s your cheat sheet to get started right away:

Step	Your best pick in 2025
Best platform	WordPress with Bluehost WooCommerce Hosting (includes AI builder, eCommerce tools)
Domain name cost	Free for 1st year with most hosting plans; ~$12–$20/year afterward
Hosting plan	Bluehost eCommerce Premium – Starts at $9.95/month (includes SSL, SEO tools, plugins)
Launch timeline	1–3 days for DIY setup with AI; 2–6 weeks with professional help

Skip to 10-Step Setup Guide to begin right away. Or keep reading for planning tips, common mistakes, and real-world success stories. 

What to consider before you start? 

Before you build a business website, it’s important to lay the groundwork. These first few steps will help you save time and avoid costly mistakes later. A little planning now can set your WordPress site up for long-term success. 

Here’s what every small business owner must nail down before starting to make a business website: 

1. Define your business website’s purpose and audience  

Start by identifying what you want your business website to achieve. Are you selling products, promoting a local service or building credibility for your brand? Your website’s goals will shape everything from layout to features. 

Think about who your target audience is, too. Are they local customers? Other small businesses? Busy parents? Knowing who you’re speaking to will help you craft the right experience when you build a business website for them. 

For example, a bakery serving local families should use warm, inviting visuals and clear pricing. And avoid cold, corporate jargon. 

2. Gather branding elements

Your business website is your digital storefront, so it should reflect and represent your business. If you don’t have formal branding yet, start simple: 

• Logo (high-resolution files) 
• Color palette (3-5 core colors for buttons/text/backgrounds) 
• Fonts (1-2 easy-to-read fonts for headings/body text) 
• Photos/Videos (professional shots of your team/products/location) 
• Brand voice guidelines (casual, formal, playful) 

Why does this matter? Staying consistent when you build a business website helps people trust your brand. Searching for files halfway through just slows things down.

3. Decide between DIY, website builder or hiring a pro

Not every small business needs a custom-built site. If you’re comfortable with basic tech tools and want to save money, a Content Management System (CMS) platform like WordPress is a great way to build a business website.

If you’re short on time or have complex needs, such as custom features or advanced eCommerce, hiring a web designer or agency can be beneficial. 

Here’s a quick comparison of different ways to create a business website:

Quick tip: Start small. Most businesses do well with a simple DIY or website builder, and you can always scale up later.

4. Plan essential business website pages

Think through the must-have website pages your website should include. Most small business websites need the following:

1. Homepage: Clear value prop + navigation hub
2. About Page: Your story, mission and team (builds trust!)
3. Services/Products: What you offer + pricing/packages
4. Contact Page: Phone, email, form and Google Map
5. Legal Pages: Privacy Policy + Terms of Service (non-negotiable!)

Depending on your industry, you may also need a blog, FAQ page, testimonials or portfolio. Mapping this out early ensures nothing important gets left out.

5. Understand basic legal requirements

Even a small business website needs to follow legal best practices. At a minimum, consider adding the following when you build a business website: 

• Privacy policy: Required for collecting emails and payments (GDPR and CCPA compliance). 
• Terms of service: Limits liability and sets usage rules. 
• Accessibility (ADA): Aim for WCAG 2.1 standards to avoid lawsuits. 
• Industry-specific rules: Health (HIPAA), finance (PCI-DSS), etc.

These steps help build customer trust and keep your business compliant. Use free generators like Termly.io to create a business website policy page. Ignoring this term risks fines of up to $7,500 per violation. 

Pro tip: As you plan your small business website, think mobile-first. More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. So, make sure your site design, navigation and contact forms work well on smaller screens. A mobile-friendly site enhances user experience and supports Search Engine Optimization (SEO). 

Also read: How to Make Mobile-Friendly Website on WordPress

10 simple steps for building a small business website in 2025

Creating a professional website for your small business doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With today’s tools, you can launch a fully functional WordPress site in just a few steps, even without any tech background. Follow these 10 simple steps to get your small business online in 2025: 

1. Choose the right website platform for your small business
2. Choose and register a domain name
3. Choose a web hosting provider for your small business website
4. Install WordPress on your web hosting
5. Select a business website template or theme
6. Create and customize your small business website
7. Install WordPress plugins to add more features
8. Create strong, customer-focused content
9. Apply SEO and marketing to your small business website
10. Test, launch and secure your business website  

Let’s explore each step in more detail:

Step 1: Choose the right website platform for your small business

One of the biggest mistakes beginners can make when they build a business website is choosing the wrong platform to host it. 

Every small business website has different needs and requirements. For instance, eCommerce websites may receive more website traffic and require higher bandwidth than a simple informative website. 

Cost is also a factor in choosing the right platform for your small business website. You may have high requirements but can only afford to spend so much. Your budget will then limit the kind of platform used to host your website. 

How much does it cost to make a website for a small business? 

The average cost of creating a small business website range from $50 to $10,000 or more. It depends on how you build it and which platform you choose. There are three popular routes: 

1. Hire a website designer 
2. Use a website builder 
3. Build a site using WordPress 

Not sure which option is right for your business website? Here’s a quick comparison of the top website-building paths to help you decide based on cost, effort and flexibility: 

Feature/option	Hire a web designer	Website Builder	WordPress (with Bluehost)
Cost range	$2,000 – $10,000 + (one-time) + $500 – $1,000/month maintenance	$10–$50/month	Starts at $6.95/month
Technical skill required	None	Low	Low to moderate
Design flexibility	High	Moderate	High
Time to launch	2–6 weeks	1–5 days	1–3 days
eCommerce support	Custom integration	Built-in (varies by platform)	Built-in with WooCommerce
SEO control	High (with expert setup)	Limited	Full control
Best for	Businesses needing custom features & expert help	Beginners wanting ease & speed	Businesses needing growth-ready control
Example service	Bluehost Web Design Service	Wix, Squarespace, Shopify	Bluehost WooCommerce Hosting

Let’s explore each one in detail:

1. Hire a website designer

Hiring a web designer is the most hands-off but also the most expensive option. It’s ideal if you need a highly customized design and have the budget to match. 

Design fees typically range between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on the complexity and scope of your small business website. Ongoing maintenance and updates, when handled by a developer, can cost $500 to $1,000 per month. 

If you prefer a done-for-you experience backed by WordPress and expert support, Bluehost offers a professional Website Design Service. It’s tailored for small business owners who want a modern, responsive site built by experts without the usual design headaches.

Best for: Small businesses that need polished branding, expert help and a hands-free setup 

Keep in mind: Higher upfront costs and reliance on professionals for changes 

2. Use WordPress website 

WordPress is an excellent middle-ground option between hiring a website designer and using website builders. It’s user-friendly and gives you more control over your website. 

WordPress is technically free to use but requires web hosting to get your website online. Plus, the costs can add up if you use premium themes and plugins. 

Bluehost WooCommerce hosting starts at just $6.95 per month and includes premium plugins valued at over $2,500 per year. You’ll also get access to an AI website builder, so you can create your WordPress site in minutes, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Best for: Business owners looking for long-term growth, eCommerce capabilities and full WordPress site control 

Keep in mind: Slight learning curve and occasional updates to manage 

3. Use a website builder 

Website builders like Wix, Squarespace and Shopify offer an easy, no-code solution to build a business website. These platforms bundle hosting, small business website template and drag-and-drop editor into one package. 

Plans typically cost $10 to $50/month, depending on the features and level of customization. While website builders are beginner-friendly, they may lack the flexibility needed for advanced SEO or complex customizations. 

Best for: Entrepreneurs who want a quick, low-effort setup without technical know-how. 

Keep in mind: Limited control and higher long-term costs for premium features.

Summary: Pricing comparison WordPress vs. Website builders vs. custom designer

Website builders are great for getting started fast but they’re not your only option. Depending on your budget, goals and how much control you want, there are three main ways to create a business website. 

Here’s how they compare at a glance:  

Platform	Best for	Starting price	SEO flexibility	Verdict
WordPress + Bluehost	Growth-ready small biz	$9.95/mo	Full control	Best overall
Website Builder	Quick setup	$10–$50/mo	Moderate	Fast, but less flexible
Custom Designer	Premium needs	$2K+	High	Ideal for advanced brands

Step 2: Choose and register a domain name

A domain name is the website address that users type on their web browsers to access your website. It’s important that you choose the right domain name when creating an online business website. It should sound professional and easy for people to remember.

Here are some tips for choosing a domain name from a domain registrar: 

1. Go for a .com domain. It sounds more professional and is 33% more memorable. 

2. Choose a domain name that includes your online business name. Remember that the domain name should be:
   1. Easy to recall 
   2. Easy to spell 
   3. Not too long 
3. If your preferred domain name isn’t available, try adding a geographical location, such as ‘[jacksonvillebakery].com’ or ‘[miamipetgrooming].com’. This can also boost your visibility on local search engine results pages. 
4. If you’ve tried both options and the domain you want still isn’t available, consider using other domain extensions, such as .net, .co, .shop or .biz. These are widely recognized and can still make your WordPress site look professional. 

Some web hosts require you to purchase a custom domain name separately. But you get a free domain name for the first year and a free website builder when you sign up with Bluehost.

Step 3: Choose a web hosting provider for your small business website

WordPress is an open-source framework that gives you access to thousands of free themes, plugins and tools. So, you can build everything from simple portfolios to full-fledged online stores without coding. 

However, WordPress itself isn’t a hosting service. To take your business website live, you’ll need a reliable web host. This is more than just storage space. Your hosting partner affects your site’s speed, uptime, scalability and even security. When evaluating hosting providers, pay attention to: 

• Reliability and uptime: Aim for 99.9% uptime or higher to ensure your WordPress site stays accessible.
• Speed and performance: Look for hosts that offer built-in caching, NVMe storage and CDN support. 
• Scalability and bandwidth: Your hosting should handle traffic spikes without slowing down. 
• Support and ease of use: Especially critical if you’re not hiring a developer. 

It’s also important to choose the right type of hosting for your online business needs. Here are your main options: 

• Shared hosting: Cost-effective and beginner-friendly, ideal for new websites with low traffic. 
• WordPress hosting: Optimized specifically for WordPress, with pre-installed tools and updates. 
• VPS hosting: Offers more power and flexibility for growing businesses that need more control. 
• Dedicated hosting: Gives you an entire server for high-performance needs and heavy traffic. 
• Cloud hosting: Scalable and reliable, perfect for businesses that anticipate rapid growth. 
• WooCommerce hosting: Tailored for eCommerce stores using WordPress, with secure checkout and performance enhancements. 

Lastly, don’t skip security. Make sure your web host includes a free SSL certificate, especially if you’ll be collecting customer data or processing payments. 

For small businesses looking to sell online, our WooCommerce hosting offers an eCommerce Premium plan. You get built-in performance tools, Yoast SEO plugins, a free SSL certificate, pre-installed eCommerce features and round-the-clock support. So, you can launch and scale your site with confidence.

Step 4: Install WordPress on your web hosting

Once your purchase is complete, check your email. You’ll get login details for your web hosting dashboard. If you’re a Bluehost user, we automatically install WordPress for you. You can often jump straight into your WordPress website right from the Bluehost dashboard. 

For manual WordPress installation, here’s how you can do it from Bluehost Account Manager: 

1. Click ‘Websites’ in the left-hand menu and select ‘Add Site’. 

2. From here, choose whether you’d like to install WordPress or transfer existing WordPress. Click ‘Continue’ within the WordPress box to begin.

3. You’ll be prompted to enter a business website name (Site Title). Once ready, hit ‘Continue’. 

4. The installer will then start downloading and setting up WordPress software. 

5. Once installed (it only takes moments), your new WordPress site will appear under the Websites tab. Click ‘Edit Site’ to dive into your WordPress dashboard. This is your command center for building and managing your entire small business website.

Note that this process may vary depending on different hosting providers. To ensure a smooth setup, refer to your host’s official documentation or check out our detailed beginner’s guide on installing WordPress. 

Step 5: Select a theme or template

The theme is like a business website template that determines your website’s look and feel. 

WordPress comes with a default theme that you can use. If you want to change the look of your business website, the platform has several best free and paid business themes you can choose from.  

Many of these themes are free and can be accessed directly from your WordPress dashboard. Simply go to ‘Appearance’ > ‘Themes’ to explore available options.

After installing and activating your selected theme, you’ll be able to start customizing it. For those seeking a more tailored experience, consider a premium business theme. 

Also read: How to Install a New WordPress Theme 

An important consideration when choosing a theme is mobile responsiveness. A mobile-friendly theme will ensure your business website is functional across all devices.

Step 6: Create and customize your small business website

Once you’ve selected a theme, the next step is to bring your brand to life through thoughtful design and content. A great small business website should reflect your brand personality, guide users smoothly through your offerings and create a professional impression from the first click. 

Keep these web design best practices in mind when you build a business website: 

• Use your brand colors and fonts consistently across pages. 
• Make navigation simple; visitors should find key info (services, contact, about) within one or two clicks. 
• Avoid clutter and use white space to guide attention. 
• Ensure mobile responsiveness, as most users will visit your site on their mobile devices.
• Add CTAs (call to action) buttons like ‘Book Now’ or ‘Get a Quote’ to drive engagement.

Create and customize your business website with an AI website builder

If you’re looking for a faster, easier way to build a professional WordPress site, Bluehost’s WonderSuite is just for small business owners. Our AI-powered tools streamline everything from site setup to design, so you can get online quickly, even without technical skills. 

After WordPress installation, click ‘Edit Site’ in your WordPress dashboard. You’ll be welcomed by WonderStart AI, a personalized onboarding experience that helps you set up your site based on your business needs.

Here’s how the process works: 

1. WonderStart AI gathers essential details, like your business type, name and goals, to generate personalized layouts.

2. You’ll see three tailored design options. Hover over each to preview and explore different styles before selecting the one that fits best. 

3. Once you choose a version, click ‘Customize’ to update the color palette, typography and branding elements. 

4. If you prefer something different, click ‘Regenerate’ to let the AI create new layout options. 

Note: If you’ve generated multiple site variations, click the dropdown at the top center and select ‘View All’ to compare and choose from your saved designs. 

5. Once satisfied with your choice, hit ‘Save & Continue’ to proceed to the WordPress dashboard for final touches.

Step 7: Install plugins for your small business website

WordPress plugins extend the functionality of your website. You can mix and match plugins to customize your website. There are WordPress plugins for almost everything, from security plugins that protect your website to WooCommerce plugins that add eCommerce functionality to your small business website.

With many choices available, it’s tempting to install as many as possible. However, doing so may slow down your small business website and impact its performance. Therefore, it’s best to focus on plugins or extensions that serve the following key areas: 

• Performance and optimization: A fast-loading website is a must for most small business owners. To enhance your site’s speed, consider using tools that help with caching and database optimization. 
• Security: It’s essential to protect your site from spam, hackers and other threats. You can use SiteLock to keep your online store secure. 
• Backups: Regular backups of your site’s database and files are critical to prevent data loss. CodeGuard offers automatic daily backup and restores your site with a click. 
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO helps boost your website’s visibility and attract more customers. Yoast SEO is a user-friendly plugin that can guide you in optimizing your content. 
• eCommerce: If you run an online store, you’ll need an eCommerce plugin to handle your transactions. WooCommerce is one of the best WordPress options. 

Bluehost’s eCommerce Premium offers 25+ premium plugins and advanced features (valued at over $2,500) for just $9.95/month.

This powerful bundle includes all the tools for appointment booking, gift card integration, advanced product search and filtering, promotional campaigns and more. It’s everything you need to boost your online visibility and sell your products or services with confidence. 

Read more: Supercharge your Online Store with Bluehost’s eCommerce Premium 

Step 8: Create strong, customer-focused content

Now that the structure of your small business website is in place, it’s time to bring it to life with engaging, helpful content. The goal here isn’t just to fill pages but to speak directly to your audience’s needs, build trust and guide them toward action. 

Start by creating the essential pages every small business website should have: 

• Homepage: This is your digital storefront. Clearly communicate what you offer and who you serve. Keep it visually clean, easy to navigate and focused on the value you deliver. 
• About page: Often one of the most visited pages, the About section helps humanize your business. Share your brand story, highlight your mission or team and consider including FAQs to answer common customer questions. 
• Contact page: Make it easy for customers to reach out. Include a professional email address or a contact form and link to your social media accounts. If you have a physical location, add your address and map integration. 

To simplify content creation, Bluehost includes WonderBlocks as part of the WonderSuite. It’s a powerful design tool that helps you create professional-looking pages in minutes without any design skills. WonderBlocks comes with: 

• Pre-designed block patterns: Drag-and-drop sections like testimonials, services, CTAs and more
• Full-page templates: Ready-made layouts for About, Contact and other key pages 
• Images and placeholder text: Pre-filled content you can easily customize for your brand 

Follow these steps to start creating new pages with WonderBlocks: 

1. From the WordPress dashboard, go to ‘Pages’ and click ‘Add New’.

2. In the top-right corner of the editor, click the WonderBlocks button to open a full library of layout tools.

3. Choose your layout tools:

• Patterns: Pre-designed content blocks (headers, testimonials, CTAs, etc.) that you can drag and drop into any page.
• Templates: Full-page layouts designed for specific use cases, such as contact pages or product showcases.

Add any pattern or business website template with a click, then tweak the design, text and imagery to match your brand.

4. Once you’ve customized your pages and are happy with the results, go ahead and publish your page.

Also read: How to Create, Delete and Edit a Page in WordPress 

Step 9: Apply SEO and marketing to your small business website

Once your content is live, the next critical step is making sure people can actually find it. That’s where SEO and marketing come in.  

Search engine results pages often display thousands of competing business websites. According to research conducted by Backlinko, only the top three Google search results capture 54.4% of all clicks. 

In fact, the first organic result alone claims nearly 27.6% of user traffic. If your site isn’t optimized, you’re leaving potential revenue and customers on the table.

Here’s how to effectively optimize and promote your WordPress small business website: 

1. Optimize with On-Page SEO best practices 

Use tools like the Yoast SEO plugin to fine-tune every page and post. Yoast helps you: 

• Optimize titles and meta descriptions for search snippets 
• Add structured data for better visibility in rich results 
• Check keyword density, readability and internal linking 

If you’re new to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), our guide to using Yoast SEO breaks down every feature with examples tailored for small business owners. 

2. Use strategic keyword placement 

Don’t just sprinkle keywords randomly; place them where they matter: 

• In your page titles and meta descriptions 
• In the first 100 words of your content 
• In URLs, headers (H1–H3), image alt text and anchor links 

Avoid keyword stuffing. Google is smarter than ever, and unnatural repetition will do more harm than good. Focus on clarity, context and keywords relevant. 

Also read: How to Find Keywords in 2025? 

3. Add internal and external links 

Adding internal and external links is about more than just navigation; it’s a signal of authority: 

• Internal links help search engines crawl your site and keep users engaged longer. 
• External links (to trustworthy, high-authority sites) show search engines that your content is credible and well-researched. 

Pro tip: Link from high-traffic pages to your important service/product pages to boost their visibility. 

4. Prioritize website speed and mobile performance 

Site speed directly impacts bounce rates, user experience and search engine rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify what is slowing your small business website down. 

With Bluehost hosting, you benefit from built-in caching, free CDN and SSD storage—all optimized for WordPress performance out of the box. 

5. Boost engagement with email marketing 

Search traffic is only part of the equation. To build relationships and repeat business, you’ll need direct communication with your audience. This is where email marketing shines. 

With CreativeMail, included free with Bluehost WooCommerce hosting, you can: 

• Design stunning email newsletters using drag-and-drop templates 
• Collect leads through signup forms and pop-ups 
• Promote blog posts, product launches and seasonal offers 
• Automate follow-ups to stay top-of-mind with your audience 

Bluehost also offers professional email addresses (for example, you@[yourdomain].com) to help you communicate with credibility.

Step 10: Test, launch and secure your business website

Congratulations! You’re now ready to launch your small business website. Remember, the work doesn’t stop once the launch is over.

It’s never been easier or more affordable to start a small business site. Sign up for a Bluehost plan today, and we’ll walk you through it.

What to do after your business website launch?

Launching a business website is just the beginning. To truly reap the benefits of your effort and investment, here are three essential steps to keep your site productive, secure and growth-ready: 

1. Keep content fresh and up to date

A website should be a living asset, not a static brochure. Regular updates signal visitors and search engines that your site is up-to-date and trustworthy. 

• Share blog posts, product updates or behind-the-scenes insights new enough to engage your audience. 
• Review core pages like Services or About every few months to refresh offers, team bios and testimonials. 
• Create a quarterly content calendar aligned with seasonal trends, promotions or local events to stay competitive.

2. Monitor performance and update plugins

Once live, it’s crucial to keep your small business website performing smoothly and securely. 

• Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to track traffic trends, bounce rates and conversions. Tie these metrics back to your goals (for example, ‘how to make a website for a small business’ conversions).
• Keep WordPress, themes and plugins updated regularly. Outdated software exposes vulnerabilities and slows page load times. 
• Consider using uptime monitoring services to alert you if your site goes down. This keeps you responsive to customer issues. 
• Check site speed occasionally with tools like GTmetrix. Compress images, clean up CSS/JS and leverage caching as needed.

3. Add features as your business grows

As your business evolves, your website should too. Instead of building everything upfront, start simple and expand thoughtfully. 

• Launch features like appointment booking, eCommerce or custom forms based on new service offers or customer requests. WordPress plugins make it easy to scale feature-by-feature. 
• Track which pages of your small business website perform well. Then, add complementary content, upsells or lead magnets to amplify success. For example, a product page with high traffic can host a downloadable comparison guide. 
• When adding new capabilities, test thoroughly across browsers and devices. Prioritize mobile-friendliness and cross-platform compatibility as recommended by competitor experts.

Website design mistakes small business owners often make

Even with the best intentions, many small business websites fall short on the basics. Avoiding these common design mistakes can mean the difference between a bounce and a conversion. Let’s break down what to look out for, and how to fix possible business website design mistakes. 

1. Using a free Gmail instead of a branded email address

Mistake: Many businesses list an address like [yourbiz]@gmail.com on their contact page or contact forms. While convenient, it doesn’t look professional and can reduce trust with potential customers. 

Fix: Set up a branded email like hello@[yourbusiness].com using your domain name. Bluehost offers a free professional email trial for one month, along with a web hosting service.

2. Cluttered homepage with no clear call-to-action

Mistake: Some small business sites overload the homepage with too much text, images or links without guiding visitors toward an action. 

Fix: Keep the Homepage of your business website clean. Use one primary CTA (Call to Action) button above the fold (like “Book a Consultation” or “Shop Now”) and a supportive copy below. Make it easy to navigate.

3. Ignoring mobile responsiveness and accessibility

Mistake: Not testing your small business website across devices or ignoring how users with disabilities navigate can cost you traffic and credibility. 

Fix: Use a responsive WordPress theme and run accessibility audits using tools like Lighthouse or WAVE. Ensure buttons are tappable, font sizes are readable and color contrast is strong.

4. Writing jargon-heavy or unclear website content

Mistake: Overusing industry jargon, technical terms or vague messaging can alienate your audience; especially first-time visitors. 

Fix: Write in plain language. Use short sentences, active voice and customer-focused messaging for your business website. Imagine you’re explaining your service to a friend over coffee.

Pro tip: Every few months, revisit the homepage, contact page and product pages of your own website. Ask someone outside your business to test your site. If they’re confused or can’t find what to do next, revise.

Inspiring examples of small business websites

Sometimes, the best way to plan your own website is to see what others are doing right. Below are three standout small business websites built on WordPress powered by eCommerce tools. Take note of what makes them successful and how you can apply those lessons to make a business website:

1. Scoops of Favor

A feel-good brand offering lactose-free, vegan-friendly ice cream with a strong community mission.

• What they did right:
  • Cohesive, upbeat branding that resonates with their lactose-free, vegan-friendly niche
  • Clear, action-oriented CTA above the fold (‘Order Now’ or ‘Book Event’)
  • Professional email address using their domain names (contact@[scoopsoffavor].com), boosting credibility
• Platform & tools: Hosted on Bluehost WooCommerce hosting

Also read: Case Study – Scoops of Favor

2. Progeny Coffee

A direct-to-consumer coffee business website rooted in transparency and fair trade values.

• What they did right:
  • Strong story-driven homepage tying brand mission to visuals
  • Simple product lineup focused on core offerings, matched with emotional narrative
• Platform used: WordPress with WooCommerce

3. Phi Phi Pirate Boat

A Thailand-based adventure business website offering party cruises to young travelers.

• What they did right:
  • Engaging, playful design targeting younger travelers
  • One-page booking flow built with WooCommerce Bookings and social chat integration
• Platform used: WordPress + WooCommerce Bookings

What can you learn from these business websites?

Here’s a quick breakdown of insights and how to apply them to your own site:

Insight	Action for your business website
Clear above-the-fold CTA	Use buttons like ‘Book Now’, ‘Order Online’ or ‘Learn More’ to drive conversions
Storytelling through branding	Weave your mission, values or founder story into your Homepage or About page
User-friendly eCommerce flow	Implement a smooth purchasing or booking system using tools like WooCommerce
Trust builders	Add testimonials, FAQs or live chat to reassure visitors and reduce drop-offs
Performance matters	Optimize image sizes, caching and speed

Great small business websites aren’t just beautiful; they’re purposeful. From branding and layout to functionality and trust signals, each detail influences how visitors perceive and interact with your business website. 

Whether you’re selling ice cream, coffee or cruise tickets, Bluehost WooCommerce hosting gives you the foundation to build a business website.

Final thoughts

Jessica Griffin’s journey with Scoops of Favor proves that building a small business website isn’t just a tech checkbox; it’s a growth catalyst. In 2025, knowing how to make a website for a small business helps attract clients, build trust and boost revenue. 

We’ve covered the essential steps, common mistakes and how much does it cost to make a website for a small business. Now, it’s your turn to take action with the right tools and support by your side. 

Ready to launch your own business website or service site? Get Bluehost WooCommerce hosting and unlock $2,500 in premium eCommerce tools.

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