Starting a new business is exciting, but figuring out how to create your first website and get found online can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering how to start a business website in Canada, you’re not alone. A strong online presence for your small business can give you a real competitive edge.
This is Part 1 of our beginner-friendly, two-part guide. Here, we’ll walk you through the essential first business website checklist—from the initial setup to designing a user-friendly site. Let’s build your foundation for online success!
Checklist: Building Your First Business Website
Step 1: Register Your Business and Choose a Domain Name
Before anything else, make sure your business is properly set up. You may need to register your business with the government before you start operating. This is a critical first step to ensure your business is legitimate and protected. You can refer to the Government of Canada’s guide to starting a business for details.
Choose a domain name: This is your online address (e.g., yourbusiness.ca).
- Keep it simple and relevant: Ideally, use your business name.
- Choose the right extension: A .ca domain instantly signals you’re a Canadian business.
- Use a reputable registrar: Companies like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains sell domain names. Expect to pay around C$15-20 per year.
Pro Tip: When you register your domain, set up a professional email address like info@yourbusiness.ca. It builds trust and looks far more professional than a generic Gmail address.
Step 2: Set Up Website Hosting and a CMS (Website Platform)
With a domain name, you need a place for your website to live online.
- Website Hosting: This service stores your website’s files. Look for a reliable host with good support and Canadian servers if possible for better speed.
- Choose a CMS or Website Builder: A Content Management System (CMS) is the easiest way to build and manage a site. The world’s most popular CMS is the free and flexible WordPress. For simpler sites, drag-and-drop builders like Wix or Squarespace are options, though they can be less flexible for advanced SEO down the road. For e-commerce, the Canadian-founded Shopify is a powerhouse.
Optional – Hire a professional: If this technical setup feels daunting, using Calgary website design services can save you time and ensure your site is built correctly from the start.
Step 3: Design Your Website Structure and Pages
Before you build, plan your site’s layout. Most small business websites need these core pages:
- Home Page: A clear, welcoming summary of who you are and what you offer.
- About Us: Your business story, mission, and values.
- Products/Services: Details on what you sell, including descriptions and pricing.
- Contact Us: Your email, phone number, and physical address (with an embedded Google Map if you have a storefront).
- Blog or Resources (Optional but great for SEO): A place for articles and updates that help attract visitors and establish you as an expert.
When designing, focus on user-friendly navigation and ensure your site is mobile-responsive. The majority of website visits now happen on phones, so your site must look and work perfectly on a small screen.
You’ve Laid the Groundwork! What’s Next?
Congratulations! You’ve now planned and built the essential foundation of your business website. You have a domain, a platform, and a structure ready to go.
But how do you get Google to notice you? How do you optimize your content to attract customers and track your success?
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our guide, where we’ll dive into the exciting world of SEO:
- Basic On-Page SEO to optimize your content.
- Setting up free Google tools to track your performance.
- Leveraging Local SEO to connect with your Calgary community.
- Ongoing strategies to maintain and grow your rankings.
If you’d rather have an expert team handle all this for you, we’re here to help.
Schedule a free consultation with our Calgary-based team, or explore our subscription plans that cover everything from design to SEO.