The 6-Step Web Design Process for Small Businesses
Getting Started: A Clear and Affordable Web Design Process
Building a website shouldn’t feel complicated, overwhelming, or expensive.
Over the years, I’ve refined a 6-step web design process that keeps things clear, practical, and aligned with your budget. Whether you need a full website or a streamlined single-page solution, the goal is always the same: build something that works — without unnecessary complexity or inflated agency pricing.
Let me walk you through how it works.
Step 1 – Discovery & Website Strategy for Small Businesses
Every project begins with a conversation.
Not about colors. Not about fonts.
About your business.
What are you trying to accomplish?
Who are you trying to reach?
What would make this website a success for you?
This is often where clarity happens.
In fact, I’ve had three clients recently come in thinking they needed a large multi-page website — only to realize, during discovery, that a well-structured single-page website would serve them better and cost significantly less.
That moment? That’s the Aha! moment.
Sometimes strategy saves you money.
Step 2 – Affordable Website Planning & Scope Definition
This is where we define what you actually need.
Not what agencies sell.
Not what templates push.
Not what someone else’s business required.
For example:
Chonou Psychiatry → https://chonoupsychiatry.com
Tesh HVAC → https://teshvac.com
Both projects narrowed down to powerful, focused single-page websites. Clean. Strategic. Easy to navigate. Cost-efficient. Instead of building unnecessary extra pages, we built clarity.
If your budget matters (and it should), this step protects it.
Step 3 – Professional Website Design & User Experience
Once the strategy is clear, we design intentionally. Every layout decision supports:
You don’t need flashy animations. In fact, if your website uses a lot of flashy designs or scrolling images, it might not meet accessibility rules. You don’t need complicated structures. You need a site that helps visitors understand what you do and take the next step.
That’s where thoughtful design makes all the difference.
Step 4 – WordPress Development Built for Performance
Your website is built using a lightweight WordPress framework designed for:
This isn’t bloated code or overbuilt systems. It’s streamlined, scalable development that supports your growth. And because I work independently — not as a large agency — you’re not paying for layers of overhead.
You’re investing in results.
Step 5 – Refinement, Optimization & Budget Alignment
Before launch, we refine. We adjust messaging. We simplify where needed. We make sure nothing feels forced or unnecessary. This is also where we double-check that the project still aligns with your goals and budget.
If something doesn’t add value, we remove it. Your website should serve your business — not inflate your invoice.
Step 6 – Launch & Long-Term Support for Growing Businesses
Once everything is ready, we launch confidently. You receive guidance on how your site works, how to update it, and what next steps might look like.
Some clients choose ongoing support. Others manage it independently. Either way, the goal is the same: give you control and clarity.
Do You Really Need a Big Website?
Here’s the truth: Many small businesses don’t need a massive, multi-page website.
They need clarity. They need professionalism. They need strategy.
And sometimes — one strong, focused page does more than five scattered ones. If you’re unsure what your business truly needs, that’s exactly what the strategy call is for.
Ready to Build Something That Fits Your Budget?
If you’ve been hesitating because of cost or complexity, let’s simplify it. I work with small businesses, nonprofits, and service providers who want professional websites without agency-level pricing.
- Let’s clarify your scope.
- Let’s align with your budget.
- Let’s build something purposeful.
