Are you feeling stuck and overwhelmed when designing your small business site?
The good news is you don't have to hire a designer to design a small business website. You have many options available to you.
Here's a simple path to a design that's on brand and attracts your audience.
1. Gather Inspiration

Whether you decide to design your site yourself or use a premade template, it’s essential to gather inspiration. Looking at different designs may influence whether you try to design the site yourself or find a template that gets you there.
Here are my go-to sources for web design inspiration:
- Browse Pinterest boards related to web design.
- Explore Behance and Dribbble for cutting-edge designs.
- Check out Awwwards for award-winning websites
- Use tools like Muzli for daily design inspiration
- Visit your competitor's websites to see industry standards
Once you’ve gathered ideas, consider creating a Pinterest mood board to organize the design elements that appeal to you. This will help guide the aesthetic of your website.
2. Choose Your Design Approach
There are several ways to design your website, even if you’re not a professional designer. Depending on your comfort level and available resources, you can choose from the following approaches:
- Use design software: Create your design using tools like Figma, Sketch, Photoshop, or Canva. This is a more skilled approach that is not for beginners.
- Design directly in WordPress: Use page builders like Elementor, Divi, or Beaver Builder to create whatever layout you like.
- Start with a pre-built template: Browse WordPress theme marketplaces like ThemeForest or use template libraries within page builders like Elementor.
- Content-first approach: Begin by adding your content to WordPress and using the Block Editor to structure it. Then, add further design elements around this.
No matter which approach you choose, stick to a simple, user-friendly layout. Your audience doesn’t expect flashy features – they want a website that’s easy to navigate and provides useful information. Minimal is often the best approach to design.
2. Start with a Wireframe

Before selecting colors, fonts, or images, it’s a good idea to create a basic wireframe of your website. This is essentially a blueprint that helps you map out where elements will go.
You can create a wireframe by hand using pen and paper or use digital tools like Figma or Balsamiq. Focus on key elements such as:
- Header and navigation placement: Where will your logo and menu go?
- Main content areas: What are the most important elements on each page?
- Call-to-action locations: Make sure your CTAs, like “Contact Us” or “Buy Now” buttons, are clearly visible.
- Footer elements: Include important links, your logo, and contact information here.
Creating a wireframe gives you a clear idea of how to structure your website before diving into the actual design. Keep it simple; it doesn't need to be complex.
4. Incorporate Your Brand Elements

Your website is an extension of your brand. As you design, ensure it reflects your business’s personality and identity. Consider the following:
- Logo placement: Your logo should be prominently displayed, typically in the upper left-hand corner or center of the header.
- Consistent colors and fonts: Stick to your brand’s color palette and font choices to create consistency across your site.
- Images and graphics: Use images that align with your brand’s message and tone. This could be professional product photography, team photos, or custom illustrations.
If you don’t have a strong visual brand established yet, keep it simple. You can always evolve your website’s design as your brand grows.
5. Design with Your Audience in Mind
It’s essential to keep your audience in mind when designing your website. What do they expect when they land on your site? Here are a few key considerations:
- Clarity: Visitors should immediately understand who you are and what your business offers.
- Navigation: Make sure it’s easy to move through the site. No one likes to hunt for important information.
- Mobile-responsiveness: A large portion of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so ensure your site looks great on all screen sizes.
- Speed: A slow-loading site will frustrate your visitors. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to optimize load times.
Focusing on your audience's needs and values will create a website that keeps them engaged and coming back for more.
You Can Design a Small Business Website
Don’t let the fear of not being a designer stop you from creating a stunning website for your small business. With the right approach, inspiration, and tools, anyone can build a professional-looking site that works for their audience.
Your website is your business’s digital storefront. Take the time to gather ideas, choose the right tools, and ensure it reflects your brand and serves your customers well.
Design not your thing?
Consider using a prebuilt theme from ThemeForest or paying a designer to create your design. You can find affordable designs on a site like Fiverr.