A website does one job for a small business: it helps a stranger decide to contact you. Everything on the first version should serve that job. Here is what to get right on day one, and what can safely wait.
1. Say what you do and where, in one line
The first screen should answer three questions without scrolling: what you sell or do, where you are, and how to reach you. "Bridal and festive sarees in Surat, delivered across India" is more useful than "Welcome to our website".
2. Make contacting you effortless
- A phone number that starts a call when tapped on a mobile.
- A WhatsApp button, because many customers prefer to message first.
- An enquiry form with only the fields you actually need (name, phone, what they want).
- Your address with a map link, and your opening hours, if customers visit you.
Check that every enquiry reaches someone who will reply the same day. A form that goes to an unread inbox is worse than no form.
3. Show your real work
Photos of your own shop, products, team or completed projects build trust faster than any sentence. Phone photos taken in daylight are fine. Avoid stock photos of people who are clearly not your staff.
4. List services or products with prices where you can
Customers compare. Even a "starting from" price saves both of you a call. If prices change daily, say so and invite a WhatsApp message for today's rate.
5. Answer the questions you hear every day
Delivery areas, payment options, minimum order, appointment timings, parking. Put them in a short FAQ. Every answered question is one less call that interrupts your work.
6. Get found on Google
Use your business name, city and what you sell in the page title. Create or claim your Google Business Profile and link it to your website. Keep the address and phone number identical everywhere.
What can wait
A blog, multiple languages, a full online store and detailed "about us" history are all valuable, but none of them should delay going live. Publish the basics, share the link with existing customers on WhatsApp, and improve the site every week.
With Merci Sites, the questionnaire sets up most of this list for you, so you can spend your time on the photos and prices only you can provide.