Every small business needs a website — but choosing the right type can be genuinely confusing. There are dozens of platforms, a wide range of price points, and no shortage of opinions about which approach is best. Here's a plain-English guide to help you make the right decision for your business.
What does your website actually need to do?
Start with the outcome, not the technology. A website for a local tradesperson who wants to receive enquiries has very different requirements from a retailer selling products online, or a service business offering online booking.
The most important question is: what action do you want visitors to take? Once you're clear on that, choosing the right platform becomes much easier.
The main options
Website builders like Wix, Squarespace and WordPress.com are designed for people without technical experience. They offer templates, drag-and-drop editing and managed hosting. They're a good starting point for simple sites, but can become limiting as your business grows.
WordPress.org (the self-hosted version) is the most flexible option and powers around 40% of all websites. It requires more technical knowledge to set up and maintain, but offers almost unlimited customisation.
Shopify is the best option if selling products online is a core part of your business. It handles everything from product listings and payments to shipping and inventory, and is designed to scale as your business grows.
What about cost?
Website costs vary enormously. A basic website builder might cost £10–20 per month. A professionally designed custom WordPress site might cost £1,500–5,000 upfront. Shopify plans start at around £25 per month.
The right investment depends on how central your website is to your business. If it's your primary source of leads or sales, investing in a professional result is usually worth it. If it's primarily a reference for existing customers, a simpler option may be entirely sufficient.
Don't forget ongoing maintenance
Websites need regular updates, security patches and occasional content changes. Factor in the ongoing cost of maintenance when comparing options — a cheap website that breaks regularly or becomes outdated quickly isn't really cheap.
How Bytova can help
I offer Website Design and Build for small businesses, including Shopify stores. If you're not sure what your business needs, a Business Digital Audit will give you a clear recommendation before you commit to anything.