I started using HoneyBook because I needed something that could streamline the business-y side of my work—things like contracts, invoices, and client communication—without pulling me away from the parts I enjoy most: designing thoughtful websites, building creative brands, and spending time with my family and horses.

So many of us in the horse world are also building businesses—sometimes in completely different industries—and it can feel like there’s never enough time to make things look as polished as we’d like.But here’s the thing: making your business feel more professional doesn’t require a full rebrand or a 10-hour workday. With a few intentional changes, you can elevate how your business shows up online without stretching yourself thin.

Before building your website, make sure you have the essentials in place. From images and copy to goals and branding, here’s what every small business owner needs before launching a site.