What to prepare before your first website
Before we start building, it helps to have a few things ready. You don’t need everything on day
one, but the more you have, the faster we can go.
- Your business name and a short description — What you do and who you serve.
- Contact details — Email, phone, and (if you use them) social links.
- Photos or images — Logo, team photos, or product shots. If you don’t have
any yet, we can use placeholders and add real ones later.
- Rough idea of pages — e.g. Home, About, Services, Contact. We can refine
this together.
If you’re not sure about something, that’s fine — we’ll guide you. The goal is to get you
thinking so the build stays on track.
Domain vs hosting in plain English
Two terms you’ll hear a lot: domain and hosting. They do
different jobs.
Domain is your address on the internet — like yourbusiness.co.za. When
someone types that into a browser, they need to find your site. The domain is the “name” that
points to where your site lives. You usually pay for it once a year.
Hosting is the space where your website’s files (pages, images, code) actually
live. A hosting company keeps those files on a server so your site is online 24/7. You typically
pay monthly or yearly.
Think of it like a shop: the domain is the street address, and hosting is the building. You need
both for your site to be visible. We can help you get a domain and hosting if you don’t have
them yet.
How long does a website take?
It depends on the size of the site and how quickly we get content from you.
1-page website — Usually 5–7 business days from when we have your content and
approval on the design.
5-page website — Typically 7–10 business days for design, build, and your
feedback.
Custom or larger sites — Often 2–4 weeks, depending on pages, features, and
revisions.
Delays usually happen when we’re waiting on text, photos, or decisions. The more you can send
upfront, the faster we can deliver.
What is responsive design?
“Responsive” means your website adapts to the device someone is using — phone, tablet, or
desktop. The layout, text size, and images adjust so the site is easy to read and use on any
screen.
Most people browse on their phones, so we build every site to look and work well on mobile first,
then scale up for bigger screens. You get one site that works everywhere, not a separate “mobile
version.”
Do I need a CMS?
CMS stands for Content Management System — a way to log in and edit your own
text and images without touching code.
For a simple 1- or 5-page site, you often don’t need one. You can send us updates and we’ll make
changes during your support period, or we can show you how to edit a few key areas.
If you want to add blog posts, change content often, or manage a lot of pages yourself, we can
build a custom site with a CMS (or recommend a platform) so you have full control. We’ll suggest
what fits your needs when we quote.
What happens after we launch?
Once your site is live, we hand everything over to you. You own the site and the domain (if we
registered it for you). We’ll show you how to update the basics if you want to.
Your package includes a support period (30–90 days depending on the package). During that time we
fix any issues and make small tweaks. After that, you can still get in touch for updates — we’ll
quote you for extra work.
We’ll give you login details for hosting (and any CMS) and a short guide so you’re not left in
the dark. If something’s unclear, just ask.
Do I need a blog?
A blog (a section where you publish articles or news) can help with SEO and give people a reason
to come back. It’s useful if you want to share tips, updates, or industry news regularly.
For many small businesses, a simple site with Home, About, Services, and Contact is enough. You
can always add a blog later if you decide you need one.
If you’re not sure, we can advise when we quote. We’ll suggest what fits your goals and how much
you want to update the site yourself.
SEO Basics: Getting Found
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your site show up when people search for your services.
For local businesses in Gauteng, focusing on "Local SEO" is key—making sure you appear when
someone searches for things like "plumber near me" or "attorney in Johannesburg."
Clean code, fast loading speeds, and mobile-friendly design (all things we handle) are the
foundation of good SEO.
The SSL Padlock: Why Security Matters
That little padlock next to your URL isn't just for show. An SSL certificate encrypts data and
tells visitors (and Google) that your site is secure.
Without it, browsers may mark your site as "Not Secure," which can scare away potential
customers. Every modern website should have SSL as standard for both trust and search ranking.
Professional Emails
Using a generic email like yourbusiness@gmail.com can sometimes look less professional.
A custom email address like info@yourbusiness.co.za builds immediate trust.
It shows you're established and committed to your brand. It also keeps your business
communications consistent with your website address.
Content Writing: Keep it Simple
Visitors are usually looking for a quick solution to a problem. Keep your text clear, use bullet
points, and focus on how you can help them.
Write for your customers first, and search engines second. Use simple language and don't be
afraid to keep your message short and sweet—most people just skim-read anyway.
Website Maintenance
A website isn't a "set and forget" project. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your site
fast, secure, and working perfectly for years to come.
This includes checking for broken links, updating any background software, and occasionally
refreshing your text or photos to keep things relevant for your audience.