Building your first website can feel a bit like stepping into the wild west of the digital world—there’s a lot to think about, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t stress—this week on Mind Your Business, we’re breaking it all down into simple, startup-friendly steps to help you get online with confidence!
From figuring out whether you really need a website, to understanding what features are worth investing in (especially when budgets are tight), we’re answering the big questions that every new entrepreneur should be asking!✨
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Robert Kinsella from Arkay Digital. Rob specialises in building new websites—whether bespoke or template-based—tailored to suit your business and your budget. He offers optimisation of existing sites, ecommerce solutions, and one-to-one consultations to help businesses elevate their digital presence.
Rob is passionate about creating long-lasting digital solutions that address real business challenges, working closely with his clients to not only solve today’s problems but to build a strong foundation for tomorrow’s growth.
Making a Digital Splash or the Traditional Website Setup
In today’s digital-first world, having a website can be a powerful tool for visibility, sales, and credibility—but that doesn’t mean every startup needs one from day one. “Even if you don’t have a website to generate traffic or leads, having an online presence will help to build credibility,” so while a full site might not be essential right away, being discoverable online in some form is.
In the early stages, “hosted platforms like Squarespace or Shopify” can offer a solid starting point. “These will come with monthly costs, but save on large upfront fees.” They’re ideal for getting a clean, professional-looking site up and running quickly—especially for product or service-based businesses.
For startups wanting more creative control, self-hosted options like WordPress paired with user-friendly page builders like Elementor offer flexibility and room to grow—though they may require a little more technical know-how. That said, there are trade-offs to consider. “Hosted platforms may offer convenience and speed in getting your site live without that initial outlay, but if your business scales or needs advanced functionality they can become restrictive.”
The key takeaway? While a website is a great asset, it’s okay to start small and scale as you go. The most important thing is to create a digital presence that reflects your business and grows with it! 💻
Navigating Website Must-Haves Without Getting Lost in the Tech Talk
If you’ve got the time and willingness to learn, you can build something great! But if tech isn’t your thing, investing in a little support—even just a one-time setup—can save a lot of frustration and give you a more professional result. Let’s take a look at the essentials:
🧼 Prioritising a Clean, User-Friendly Design
When you’re working with a tight budget, simplicity is your best friend. A solid website doesn’t need all the bells and whistles—but it should look professional. A clean layout, easy navigation, and clear call-to-actions are a must. These elements help visitors find what they need and guide them toward your goals, whether that’s booking a call or making a purchase.
📱 Forgetting About Mobile Users
With more than half of all web traffic coming from mobile devices, mobile responsiveness isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. A site that looks great on a laptop but breaks on a phone could mean lost opportunities. Make sure your design adapts across devices and screen sizes for the best user experience.
⏳ Ignoring Load Speed
It’s tempting to pack your site with videos, animations, and fancy features—but if you’re using a budget hosting platform, these can seriously slow things down. Visitors won’t wait around for a site to load, so focus on lightweight, streamlined design that keeps your pages quick and responsive.
🔍 Skipping the SEO Basics
You don’t need to be an expert to make your website search-engine friendly. Start with the essentials: clear page titles, appropriate headings, keyword-rich meta descriptions, and image alt text. These small steps make a big difference when it comes to helping people find you online.
Starting Simple and Growing Smart With Your Website Strategy
Building your first website as a start-up can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be perfect from day one. The most important thing is to get started. “Focus on clarity and user experience, but don’t get caught up in trying to make everything perfect before launching.” A simple, clear, and easy-to-navigate website will always outperform something flashy that confuses your visitors. The goal is to get your message across quickly and guide people smoothly to your call-to-action—whether that’s getting in touch, signing up, or making a purchase.
Turning visitors into paying customers starts with understanding what they actually need. “When setting out your structure/content, think about it from the customer perspective—what do they need to see, and how to get them to your target as seamlessly as possible.” This means making your site intuitive, giving people the information they need before they have to ask, and “testing it as if you were one of those potential customers.”
Getting this right isn’t about having a huge budget or fancy tools—it’s about stepping into your customers’ shoes and making sure every step they take on your site brings them closer to hitting that “buy,” “book,” or “get in touch” button. That’s where the real magic happens! 🪄
