To make a website for your small business on a budget, follow these practical steps:

1. Choose a Cost-Effective Platform

• Use a DIY website builder like Wix , Weebly , Squarespace , or WordPress. These platforms offer user-friendly drag-and-drop interfaces and customizable templates, allowing you to build a professional-looking site without coding skills

• WordPress.org is a popular option that is free to use, with many free themes and plugins to add functionality, making it budget-friendly and scalable

2. Get a Domain Name and Hosting

• Purchase a domain name for about $3.50 to $15 per year.
• Choose affordable web hosting, which can cost as low as $2 to $10 per month for shared hosting plans suitable for small businesses

3. Plan Your Website Content and Design

• Keep your website simple with essential pages: Home, About, Services/Products, Contact.
• Use free or low-cost templates to save on design expenses.
• Focus on mobile-friendly and SEO-optimized design to attract visitors

4. Use Free or Low-Cost Tools and Plugins

• Add features like contact forms, social media integration, and basic e-commerce with free plugins (especially on WordPress).
• Avoid unnecessary complex functionalities at the start to keep costs down

5. Consider Hiring Freelancers for Specific Tasks

• If you need help with design or content, hire freelancers from platforms like Fiverr or Upwork at rates ranging from $15 to $100+ per hour, depending on expertise

• Alternatively, use affordable freelance services for branding or SEO setup.

6. Budget Overview

• Domain: $3.50–$15/year
• Hosting: $2–$10/month (shared hosting)
• Website builder subscription (if applicable): $0–$20/month
• Optional freelance help: $100–$500 for basic design or setup
• SSL certificate: Often free with hosting or up to $250/year

You can realistically build a functional small business website for under $500 if you do most of the work yourself using website builders and free tools

Summary

• Use DIY website builders or WordPress for ease and affordability.
• Buy a domain and hosting from budget providers.
• Start with essential pages and features.
• Use free themes and plugins.
• Hire freelancers selectively for specialized tasks.

This approach lets you create a professional online presence without a large upfront investment, helping your small business grow online efficiently