create your own websites
A clear, step-by-step guide to build a fast, SEO-friendly website that brings local customers — even if you're not technical.
This guide walks you through simple tools, content, and marketing tactics to create a website that ranks, converts leads, and grows your small business.
Quick setup: get a simple website live (60–120 seconds)
If you want a functioning site now, follow these minimum steps. This gets a professional-looking, mobile-ready site live fast — then you can refine content and SEO.
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Pick a fast, managed platform
Choose a subscription-based service or builder that includes hosting, SSL, and domain options. Managed platforms save time and avoid technical headaches.
Why: Managed platforms reduce setup time and include security and backups by default. -
Register or connect your domain
If you already own a domain, point it to the new site. If not, register a memorable domain (yourbusiness.com.au or .com) — keep it short and related to your service.
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Add your logo, phone number & hours
Top-of-site contact info is critical. Add a visible phone number (click-to-call), service area, and business hours on the homepage.
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Create 3-5 pages to start
Essentials: Home, Services, About, Contact, and one Service Detail page. Launch with clear calls-to-action (CTA) on each page.
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Enable analytics & search tools
Install Google Analytics (GA4) and submit a sitemap to Google Search Console. These are free and help you measure performance.
Snippet example for GA4 (paste in your platform where it accepts tracking ID): G-XXXXXXXXXX
Fast-start recommended
If you'd rather not DIY the first setup, try a free demo and have a starter site created instantly — then tweak content. See the "Get Started" links to try a demo via WhatsApp.
Site structure & content that converts
Good structure and persuasive content make visitors contact you. Follow these simple copy and layout rules.
Homepage: focus on user intent
- Top fold: Your service + location + phone number. Example: "Emergency Plumber Sydney — Open 24/7 — Call 0400 000 000"
- Benefits: Short bullet list of why choose you (fast, licensed, guaranteed).
- Primary CTA: Click-to-call and a simple contact link.
Services & pages: be specific
- Create a separate page for each core service (e.g., Blocked Drains, Hot Water Repairs).
- Use clear headings (H1/H2). Each service page should answer: What, Who, Where, How much (ballpark), and CTA.
- Add 3-6 short customer testimonials per service where possible.
Write for humans and search engines
Use plain language. Put the most important info first. Use local keywords naturally (e.g., "Melbourne electrician emergency repairs").
Images & trust signals
Use real photos of your work or team. Add badges (license number, insurance) and a short About section with a friendly photo.
Essential SEO steps (do these first)
These are the highest-impact SEO actions for small businesses. Do them on every page you publish.
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1. Title tags & meta descriptions
Write concise title tags with your main keyword first and location. Example: Emergency Plumber Sydney | Same-Day Service. Meta descriptions should be a short benefit-driven sentence with a CTA.
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2. Heading structure
Use one H1 per page that matches the page intent. Use H2s for secondary topics. Keep headings descriptive and include keywords naturally.
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3. URL structure & schema
Use short, readable URLs: /services/blockage-removal. Add LocalBusiness schema or Service schema to help search engines understand your business.
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4. On-page keyword use
Use primary keyword in the first 100 words, headings, and image alt text. Avoid keyword stuffing — quality > quantity.
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5. Internal links
Link between related pages (e.g., from Services to relevant Case Studies). This spreads authority and helps users navigate.
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6. Sitemap & robots
Generate and submit a sitemap.xml to Google Search Console. Ensure robots.txt doesn't block important pages.
Local SEO & Google Business Profile
Local searches drive high-intent leads. Make it easy for local customers to find and contact you.
Optimize Google Business Profile
- Claim and verify your listing.
- Use the exact business name, address and phone number (NAP) matching your website.
- Choose correct categories and add service areas.
- Post updates and respond to reviews weekly.
Collect & display reviews
Ask satisfied customers for Google reviews and display a selection on your site. Reviews improve trust and local rankings.
Speed & mobile: the non-negotiables
Page speed and mobile usability are ranking and conversion factors. These checks are quick and high-impact.
Image optimisation
Compress images, use modern formats (WebP), and set width/height attributes. Lazy-load below-the-fold images.
Minimise scripts
Avoid heavy third-party widgets. Only load what you need. Use built-in platform tools for analytics where possible.
Mobile-first design
Design and test on phones first. Make buttons large, use clear spacing, and ensure click-to-call works.
Analytics, tracking & conversion basics
Install simple tracking to know which pages and ads bring customers. Then optimise conversions — the low-cost way to increase revenue.
Install GA4 & Google Search Console
Track pageviews, traffic sources, and conversions. Use Search Console to monitor keyword impressions and clicks.
Define 1-2 conversion events
Common events: phone clicks, contact form submissions, bookings. Track them and calculate cost per lead.
A/B test headlines and CTAs
Small changes (button color, headline text) can lift conversion rates significantly. Test just one variable at a time.
Simple marketing tactics that actually work
Spend your budget where it counts: local search, service pages, and follow-up systems.
Local search ads
Use small daily budgets on local search campaigns targeting your service+suburb keywords. Track calls from ads separately.
Email & SMS follow-up
Capture emails and phone numbers. Send reminders, specials, and short before/after case studies to past customers.
Reputation & referrals
Ask for reviews after jobs; offer referral credits. Share positive reviews on your site and social channels.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using stock content that doesn't explain what you do
- Hiding your phone number on mobile
- Ignoring Google Business Profile
- Not tracking conversions
- Letting images slow down your site
Launch checklist
- H1 & meta title set for every page
- Phone number in header and click-to-call enabled
- Google Analytics & Search Console connected
- Google Business Profile claimed and matching NAP
- Images compressed and mobile-tested
- Primary CTA tested (call / contact) and working
- Backups enabled and SSL active
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to build a simple website?
Do I need to be technical?
What's the most important SEO task?
Will a cheap website hurt my rankings?
Ready to create your own website?
Follow the steps above to build and optimise your site — or try a free Congero demo and get a starter website created for you instantly. Edit by text message, no technical skills required.
Congero builds mobile-first, SEO-optimised business websites with hosting, updates and analytics included for $49/month. No lock-in contracts.
