Creating Your First Business Website (Absolute Beginner's Guide)
First time? That's perfectly okay. This guide assumes you know nothing about websites - no jargon, no assumptions, just simple steps. By the end, you'll have a working website.
You Can Do This
17% of small businesses still don't have websites. If you're reading this, you're about to join the 83% who do - and in 2025, it's easier than ever. No technical skills required.
What You Need to Understand First
Let's demystify some terms you'll hear:
What is a Website?
A website is a collection of pages on the internet that people can visit to learn about your business. Think of it like a digital brochure or shopfront that's available 24/7. When someone types your address into their browser, they see your website.
What is a Domain Name?
Your website's address - like yourbusiness.com. It's what people type to find you.
You can buy one (about £10-15/year) or start with a free address like yourbusiness.chilledsites.com.
What is Hosting?
Hosting is where your website "lives" on the internet - a computer that's always on, serving your pages to visitors.
Good news: Modern website builders include hosting. You don't need to understand or manage it.
The Good News
All-in-one website builders handle everything - website creation, hosting, domain connection, security. You just describe your business and customise what the AI creates.
The 5 Essential Pages Every Business Website Needs
Don't overthink this. Most businesses need just these pages:
Homepage (Your Front Door)
What you do, who you help, and how to contact you - all at a glance. First impression.
About (Your Story)
Who you are, why you started, what makes you different. People buy from people.
Services/Products (What You Offer)
Clear descriptions of what you sell. Can include prices or "contact for quote".
Contact (How to Reach You)
Phone, email, contact form, location/map if relevant. Make it easy.
(Optional) Testimonials/FAQ/Blog
Nice to have, but not essential to start. Add these later as you grow.
That's it. You don't need 20 pages. 4-5 pages is enough for most small businesses to start.
Choosing Your Website Name (Domain)
Tips for Picking a Good Domain
- Use your business name - sarahsplumbing.co.uk is better than bestwaterservices247.com
- Keep it short - easier to remember and type
- Avoid hyphens and numbers - they're confusing verbally
- .co.uk is fine for UK businesses - .com is nice but not essential
What if Your Name is Taken?
- • Try adding your location: sarahsplumbingleeds.co.uk
- • Try adding "uk": sarahsplumbinguk.co.uk
- • Use a variation: sarahplumbing.co.uk
- • Or start with a free subdomain and buy a domain later
Step-by-Step: Your First Website
Here's exactly what to do, with no assumed knowledge:
Step 1: Choose a Website Builder
Go to a website builder (we recommend one that uses AI, like ChilledSites). Click "Sign Up" or "Get Started".
Why AI? It does the hard work for you. Instead of dragging elements around, you describe your business and it creates the website.
Step 2: Describe Your Business
The AI will ask you questions: What do you do? Who are your customers? What's your style? Answer in plain English.
Example: "I'm a mobile dog groomer in Sheffield. I come to people's homes to wash and groom their dogs. Friendly, professional, love dogs!"
Step 3: Watch the Magic Happen
The AI generates your website - pages, text, images, design. It takes a few minutes. Watch it build your site.
Step 4: Make It Yours
Click on any text to edit it. Don't like a phrase? Change it. Want different colours? Pick from a palette. Upload your own photos if you have them.
Tip: You can't break anything. There's always an undo button.
Step 5: Add Your Contact Details
Make sure your phone number, email, and location are correct. Test the contact form by sending yourself a message.
Step 6: Connect Your Domain (Optional)
Either buy a domain through the builder, connect one you already own, or use the free subdomain to start.
Step 7: Publish! 🎉
Click the "Publish" or "Go Live" button. Your website is now on the internet!
Common First-Timer Mistakes (Avoid These)
Overcomplicating It
You don't need 15 pages. Start with 4-5, add more later.
Waiting for "Perfect"
Done is better than perfect. Launch, then improve.
Worrying About SEO Day One
Basic SEO is automatic. Advanced stuff can wait.
Not Going Live
Many people build but never publish. Click that button!
Beginner Questions
What is a website exactly?
A website is a collection of pages on the internet that people can visit to learn about your business. Think of it like a digital brochure or shopfront that's available 24/7. When someone types your address (like yourbusiness.com) into their browser, they see your website.
What's a domain name?
A domain name is your website's address - like yourbusiness.com. It's what people type to find you. You can buy a domain name (around £10-15/year) or many website builders include a free subdomain (yourbusiness.chilledsites.com).
What pages do I need on my business website?
Most businesses need 4-5 essential pages: (1) Homepage - what you do at a glance, (2) About - your story and why you, (3) Services or Products - what you offer, (4) Contact - how to reach you. Optional extras include testimonials, portfolio, FAQ, and blog.
Do I need to understand hosting?
Not anymore. Hosting is where your website "lives" on the internet, but modern website builders include hosting automatically. You don't need to understand or manage it - it's all handled for you.
Ready for Your First Website?
Every expert was once a beginner. Start your website journey now - we'll guide you every step of the way.
From £8 • Beginner-friendly • No experience needed