How to Build a Website From Scratch

Website Tips & TricksSmall Business Web DesignDIY Web Design

Dec 16

If you’re building a website from scratch, let me start by saying this: you’re not behind — and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Most business owners don’t struggle because they can’t build a website. They struggle because no one ever explains the process in a clear, logical way. So they open Squarespace (or whatever platform they chose), stare at a blank screen, feel overwhelmed… and close it again.

Let’s change that.

Below is the exact step-by-step process I walk my clients through when we build their websites together.

Start With the Purpose (Not the Platform)

Before you touch a website platform, you need to be clear on why your website exists in the first place.

Your website’s job is usually pretty simple: help the right people understand what you do, build trust, and guide them to take the next step. That might mean showcasing your services, listing products, sharing pricing, explaining how to work with you, or providing important details like hours, location, and contact information.

There are also less obvious — but incredibly important — jobs your website does. It builds credibility (how many times have you Googled a business before hiring them?), shows real client results through testimonials, and allows people to take action without friction, like booking a service directly on your site.

Once you’re clear on what your website actually needs to do, choosing the right platform becomes much easier.

Choose a Platform That Won’t Fight You

There are so many platforms out there for building a website, which is exactly why this step feels overwhelming. So let me simplify it.

For most small business owners, Squarespace is the best overall option.

I choose Squarespace for a few key reasons. It’s easy for my clients to update once the site is designed, it allows you to send emails, sell physical products, sell digital products, and manage everything in one place. It also has a lot of built-in features that are genuinely user-friendly — including blogging (no offense, WordPress).

I’ve also worked with Showit and Wix. While they can work, they usually create more complexity than most small business owners need. With Showit, you have to rely on multiple outside platforms just to handle basic website functions like email marketing or selling products. If web design isn’t your main job, that setup just isn’t very realistic. Wix offers similar features to Squarespace, but its SEO capabilities and overall design usability simply aren’t as strong.

You can absolutely choose whatever platform feels best for you — I just want you to understand why I recommend Squarespace so often. And if you do choose Squarespace, I can also provide a 180-day website trial and 20% off an annual membership through my Circle member benefits…. just reach out!

Get Your Domain (and Lock It In)

Your domain is your website’s address, the name people type into their browser to find you.

You can purchase a domain directly through Squarespace or GoDaddy, which makes setup much simpler later on. Even if you’re not ready to build your website yet, this is something I recommend doing sooner rather than later. Domains are relatively inexpensive (usually around $12–$20 per year), and securing your business name early can save you frustration down the road.

Once your business name is solidified — especially if you’ve registered your LLC — grabbing your domain and your social media handles is one of the smartest next steps you can take.

Gather What You Already Have

Before you start building pages, pause and gather what you already have. That usually includes your logo, brand colors, fonts, photos, and anything else that visually represents your business.

If your business is brand new and you don’t have these things yet, that’s okay. A lot of people panic and think they need flashy branding right away. While consistent branding does help build trust, it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

If you’re not ready to hire a brand designer, at least choose one or two fonts and a simple color palette and use them consistently everywhere — your website, Instagram, emails, all of it. Nothing makes a business feel more scattered than using ten different fonts across platforms. Even if that means choosing something basic like Arial, consistency matters more than trends.

Don’t have professional photos yet? Totally fine. Many businesses start with stock images and update them later. Websites like Unsplash and Pexels offer great free options. Just stick to a similar style so everything feels cohesive. Your website can — and should — grow as your business grows.

Figure Out What to Say (This Is Where Most People Get Stuck)

This is the part I see people struggle with the most.

You know what you do, but writing it down in a way that sounds clear, confident, and professional can feel surprisingly hard — especially when it’s your own business. You’re too close to it.

Take your time here. Think about language you’ll use across your website, emails, and social media so everything feels aligned. This is also where SEO comes into play. Using the right keywords and phrases helps people actually find your website.

If you’re unsure what to say or how to structure it, my Website Copywriting Guide walks you through exactly what to write on each page using simple prompts. It also explains how to naturally incorporate SEO so your site is optimized and sounds like you.

You don’t need fancy language. You just need to clearly explain who you help, how you help them, and what someone should do next.

Build the Website Without Chasing Perfection

Once you have your pages planned, your copy written, and your images ready, the actual building process is much simpler than people expect.

Drop your content into place, adjust as needed, and focus on clarity over creativity. A website that’s easy to understand will always outperform one that’s trying too hard.

If designing still feels overwhelming, this is where website templates can be a huge help. There are great options available on Creative Market and Squarespace, and I also offer small-business-focused Squarespace templates designed to remove the guesswork.

Templates allow you to swap in your own images, fonts, and colors without designing from scratch — meaning you can realistically build your site in a weekend instead of over several months. My templates also include access to my Website Template Resources Library, where I walk you through the entire process step by step so you’re never left wondering what to do next.

Launch It — Even If You’re Nervous

Your website does not need to be perfect to be effective.

I’ve seen so many solid websites sit unpublished because someone was waiting for the “right time” or one last tweak. A website can evolve — it just needs to exist first.

Once it’s live, you can refine and improve as your business grows.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Launching a business is scary. You’ve put in the hours, the dedication, and the money — and you need your website to perform. I get that.

When I lost my full-time job shortly after coming back from my honeymoon, I jumped head-first into my web design business. It was uncomfortable, unpredictable, and I didn’t have everything figured out. I’ve been there.

You can do this — and you don’t have to do it alone. With the right guidance, tools, and support, your website can become something you feel confident in instead of intimidated by. If your wanting a business partner from afar to cheer you on and support you, jump on my email list. I provide support, website design tips, and so much more to my close inner circle!

Facebook more your style? Join my support group of other Small Business Owners who are out there getting it done!

And if you would rather watch and learn yourself, check out my YouTube Channel:

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Rebecca Tolstedt https://wildhorsecreativemt.com

How to Build a Website From Scratch