Why Your Business Needs a Website #

 

In today’s digital age, having a website is more than just an option—it’s essential.

 

A website provides a central hub where customers can learn about your business, browse your offerings, and connect with you. It serves as the face of your business, building credibility and trust among potential customers.

 

But beyond that, a website can also be a powerful tool for automation, helping you streamline various business processes and improve customer experience.

 

That said, while a website is crucial, some businesses can rely on third-party apps and services for many of the functions a website might handle—things like bookings, payments, and customer support.

 

These platforms (like Google Business, Bark.com, or MyJobQuote) often offer robust integration with a business’s daily operations, and in some cases, they can be more streamlined than a traditional website.

 

However, there’s a trade-off: you lose the central hub where potential customers can explore your business in their own time.

 

For most small businesses, the best solution is a hybrid approach—combining a static website with third-party services.

This way, you get the best of both worlds: a professional online presence and the ability to leverage specialized tools for certain functions.

 

In certain industries, like trades in the UK, self-employed professionals may skip building a full website and focus solely on lead marketplaces.

 

But for those looking to establish a solid online presence, it’s important to take a step-by-step approach to decide what’s right for them. That’s where we come in.

 

Step One: Assessing Your Skills and Resources #

The first question to ask yourself is whether you or your team have the time and ability to build and maintain a website.

 

Developing and managing a website requires ongoing work, so it’s important to be realistic about your capacity.

 

If you’re comfortable with the idea, you can explore do-it-yourself (DIY) options. If not, a professional team like Tazwik can handle the technical challenges for you, allowing you to focus on your core business.

 

There’s a delicate balance between ease of use and cost.

For example, platforms like Shopify make running an online store incredibly easy by handling things like inventory, payments, and product listings.

 

However, these benefits come with a price. Shopify’s basic plan starts at around £25 per month, which may seem reasonable, but you’re limited in terms of customization.

 

You can’t fully control how your website looks and functions, and expanding beyond their core offerings can be difficult and expensive. This is especially limiting when you’re trying to create a unique brand identity.

 

 

Step Two: Exploring Website Builders #

For small businesses that want to create their own websites without much hassle, there are all-in-one platforms like Squarespace or Wix.

 

These platforms offer drag-and-drop builders that make it easy to create beautiful, functional websites. They are user-friendly, and their business plans cost around £25 per month, which includes features like e-commerce, SEO tools, and mobile optimization.

 

However, we often caution clients that these solutions, while convenient, can be restrictive. They’re great for simple, static websites—perfect for portfolios, blogs, or businesses with minimal customization needs.

 

But if you want your website to reflect a unique brand identity or plan on growing and scaling your business, the limitations of these platforms may become a roadblock.

 

Furthermore, using these platforms means you’re essentially renting your website; you don’t have full control over it and must continue paying to keep it active.

 

 

Step Three: The Power of WordPress #

At Tazwik, the platform we recommend most often—whether we’re building the site for you or guiding you through doing it yourself—is WordPress.

 

Why? Because WordPress offers the perfect balance between customization, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use.

 

WordPress is an open-source platform that powers over 40% of websites on the internet. It’s highly flexible, allowing you to create virtually any kind of website, whether you’re running a blog, a business website, or an online store.

 

Plus, there’s an enormous library of plugins and themes to help you customize everything from design to functionality.

 

Unlike platforms like Wix or Squarespace, you can run a WordPress website for a fraction of the cost. Many hosting providers, such as Hostinger or SiteGround, offer hosting plans that include a free domain and WordPress integration for under £100 for the first two or three years.

 

This setup allows you to fully own your website, with no ongoing subscription fees. You have complete control over the look, feel, and functionality of your site.

 

Though WordPress can seem overwhelming at first, it’s important to remember that there’s a massive community of users and developers who have created countless tutorials and resources to help you get started. With the right guidance, even beginners can build powerful, professional websites.

 

 

Step Four: Understanding Hosting #

Hosting is one of the key components of building a website. When you opt for website builders like Wix or Squarespace, hosting is included as part of the package.

 

But with WordPress or custom websites, you’ll need to choose a hosting provider. This is where you can save money.

 

Providers like Hostinger, Bluehost, and SiteGround offer affordable hosting plans that often include a free domain, email hosting, and built-in WordPress installation. For as little as £50 to £100 for the first few years, you can get reliable hosting for your website, along with the tools needed to build and manage your site.

 

The advantage here is that you’re not locked into a monthly subscription model and have the freedom to move your website to another host if needed.

 

By choosing WordPress with a low-cost hosting provider, you’ll have a professional online presence that’s not only scalable but also cost-effective.

 

Plus, you’ll avoid the higher recurring costs of platforms like Shopify or Squarespace.

 

 

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance #

Choosing the right website solution is about understanding your needs, budget, and technical abilities.

 

If you’re just starting out and want a simple website that requires minimal setup, options like Squarespace or Wix might seem attractive.

 

But for businesses looking to grow, establish a strong brand identity, and avoid long-term fees, WordPress is a far better option.

 

At Tazwik, we believe in helping clients find the best solution for their business. Whether that’s through DIY resources, professional website management, or guiding you through the process step by step, we’re here to ensure you make an informed decision.

 

As you continue through our learning centre, you’ll find more detailed guides and resources to help you along the way.

 

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of the online world, giving you the tools and advice you need to succeed, regardless of whether you’re a client or a member of our learning community.