Key Takeaways:
Understand the benefits of having a website.
Know where to start with your startup website.
Learn best practices and tips for a Phase 1 website.
Your website is more than just a digital presence — it’s a tool to share your story, connect with customers, and grow your business. Whether you’re building a website for the first time, revisiting an older one that’s not pulling its weight, or refining a recent launch, one thing is clear: your website should evolve alongside your goals. Let’s dive into why every start-up needs a website, some best practices, and how to tackle a Phase 1 site that grows with you.
“Your website is the one thing online that you have the most control over. I know a lot of startups link to their Facebook page or Instagram profile as their website. But every time those platforms decide to change things, your marketing is at the mercy of those changes.”
– Jennifer Shaheen, President and Founder, Technology Therapy® Group
The Case for Having a Website
Why is a website so essential for start-ups? Simply put, it’s the hub of your online presence. Here’s how it supports your business:
Share Your Story
Your website is the place to show off your passion, purpose, and unique approach. It’s your opportunity to explain what you do and why it matters. If your website isn’t performing well, it’s time to evaluate it through the filter of this question: “does it share your story, purpose, and passion?”
Control Your Branding
Your website is the one thing online that you have the most control over. I know a lot of startups link to their Facebook page or Instagram profile as their website. But every time those platforms decide to change things, your marketing is at the mercy of those changes.
Answer Questions
Think of your customers. What are they searching for on Google or asking AI tools? Your website should answer those questions clearly and quickly.
Build Relationships
A well-designed website helps foster trust and connection with your target audience.
Guide Visitors
Whether it’s buying a product, scheduling a service, or getting a quote, your website should make it easy for customers to take action.
Boost Visibility
Without a website, you’re missing out on SEO, Google Ads, and integrations with platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
“Set a realistic expectation for the Phase 1 launch of your website. Ask what you absolutely have to have on your website for Phase 1. You can always add more to it in Phase 2.”
– Jennifer Shaheen, President and Founder, Technology Therapy® Group
Where to Begin: Phase 1 Website Tips
Launching a website can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Think of your site as a work in progress that grows with your business.
Start Small and Build Over Time
Set a realistic expectation for the Phase 1 launch of your website. Ask what you absolutely have to have on your website for Phase 1. You can always add more to it in Phase 2. When you’re just launching a website, we recommend focusing on:
- Fast loading times
- Mobile responsiveness
- Easy navigation
- Clear calls to action (CTAs)
- Quality images and concise, engaging copy
Needs vs. Wants
When planning your site, create two lists:
Needs
These are the must-haves, like secure credit card processing, contact forms, and shipping integration for e-commerce sites.
Wants
These are features like chatbots, animations, or augmented reality that can enhance the experience but aren’t critical for launch.
For example, a boutique clothing store might prioritize an easy checkout process and high-quality images for launch while saving a personalized product recommendation feature for later.
Get Inspired
Look at competitor websites or similar businesses in other regions. What do you like about their design and functionality? Keep your budget in mind, though. Features that look simple might require complex coding.
Stay Organized During the Process
Keep all your assets — logos, images, videos, and copy — in one place. This makes updates easier to your Phase 1 website. It also ensures a smoother transition if you ever change platforms.
“Don’t bury crucial information on your website like your company’s phone number, location, returns and shipping policy, or “add to cart” button. Put these in visible places so users can easily find what they need on your website.”
– Jennifer Shaheen, President and Founder, Technology Therapy® Group
7 Best Practices for Start-up Websites
Here are seven best practices to keep in mind with your Phase 1 website, to get started on a strong foundation.
1. Responsive Design
Your website needs to look and function well on all devices. Test it on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This ensures a seamless experience for every visitor.
2. Streamlined Navigation
Don’t overwhelm visitors with too many menu items — six is the magic number. Layout your navigation in a way that makes sense for your audience. Remember to check how it looks on mobile devices, where space is limited.
3. Consistent Design
Use tools like Adobe Color or Canva to create a cohesive color palette. Stick to web-safe fonts, and keep your body text size between 14-16px for readability. Your headings should be about twice the size of your body text for clear visual hierarchy.
4. Strong CTAs
Guide visitors with clear, actionable CTAs like “Shop Now,” “Book a Free Consultation,” or “Get a Quote.” Place these prominently to encourage action.
5. High-Quality Images and Videos
When using visuals for your website, ensure that they’re of high quality. Use your own photos when possible, and make sure they load quickly. Videos, like customer testimonials or product demos, should be embedded through platforms like YouTube or Vimeo to maintain site speed. Avoid auto-playing videos with sound, as this can drive visitors away.
6. Keep it Simple and Readable
Don’t bury crucial information on your website like your company’s phone number, location, returns and shipping policy, or “add to cart” button. Put these in visible places so users can easily find what they need on your website.
7. Compliance Considerations
Protect your site and users with a clear privacy policy and terms and conditions—many platforms offer templates, but legal review is a smart move. Ensure ADA compliance for accessibility and PCI compliance to secure credit card transactions. These steps build trust, keep your site user-friendly, and prevent potential issues.
Your Website Is Never Done
With Phase 1 of your site, your approach should be to plan, launch, update, and revise. Because a website isn’t a one-and-done project. Think of it as a living, evolving tool that adapts to your business needs.
Analyze and Improve
Use tools like Google Analytics or Microsoft Clarity to identify friction points and see how visitors interact with your site. Features like heatmaps or scroll tracking can show where users click and how far they scroll, offering valuable insights for optimization.
Laying a Foundation for Future Success
Your website is the foundation of your online presence. It tells your story, engages your audience, and helps your business grow. Start with a strong Phase 1 site, focus on essentials, and adapt as you go. By following best practices and staying organized, your website can become one of your most powerful business tools.
Need Help with Your Start-up Website?
Let’s work together to create a site that grows with your business and goals!
