how can i create my own site
A practical, step‑by‑step guide to build your website, set up easy SEO, and start getting customers in 2025.
This guide walks you through the essentials — choosing a domain, picking hosting or a managed option, building pages, simple SEO and local marketing tactics that actually drive leads.
Quick 10‑minute plan: how to create a site fast
Follow these 7 small actions to have a basic, live site or demo ready quickly. Perfect if you're starting right now.
1. Decide your goal
What should your website do? Examples: get calls, collect emails, book jobs, show examples.
2. Pick a name & domain
Choose a short, memorable domain (businessname.com.au or .com). Keep it simple and close to your business name.
3. Choose how to build
Use a managed service (like Congero) for speed and support, or a DIY builder (Wix, Squarespace) if you prefer hands-on control.
4. Prepare 3 core pages
Home, Services, Contact — write clear headings, 2–3 short benefit bullets, and one call-to-action per page.
5. Add good images
Use 3–6 high-quality photos of your work or team. Stock is fine to start — replace with originals later.
6. Go live & test
Publish, open on your phone, submit any contact form yourself, and fix obvious issues.
7. Track & improve
Install analytics, check which page gets visits, and improve copy/images where people drop off.
Pick the right tools (fast options for beginners)
You have three practical options. Choose based on time, budget, and control.
Managed service
Best for busy owners. Congero builds and manages your site, handles SEO basics, domain, hosting, SSL, and unlimited updates for a flat monthly fee.
- Live in 60s demo
- Unlimited updates via text
- Local SEO included
DIY site builders
Wix, Squarespace, Webflow — drag & drop builders. Good if you enjoy hands-on editing but plan for 10–40 hours to learn and build.
WordPress (self-hosted)
Most flexible. Requires basic technical skills or a web developer. Best for advanced features and long-term control.
Domain & hosting: the simple checklist
Domain name tips
- Keep it short and memorable (avoid hyphens).
- Prefer .com.au for Australian businesses, .com if you plan global.
- Use keywords only when natural (e.g., smithplumbing.com.au).
Hosting basics
- Managed hosting is easiest — they handle updates and backups.
- Aim for SSL (HTTPS) from day one — it's free with most hosts.
- Check uptime guarantees and CDN for faster global access.
Build pages that convert: structure and copy tips
Every page should have a clear purpose. Use this proven structure for Home and Service pages.
Home page — 60 seconds to convert
- Hero: One-line value statement + main CTA (call or book).
- Top services: 3 service blocks with short benefits.
- Proof: 2–4 testimonials or before/after photos.
- Local signal: Your service area and contact details.
Service page — targeted & specific
- Clear headline: the exact service name customers search for.
- What you do: short steps or what the job includes.
- Price guide: ballpark pricing or starting fees — builds trust.
- Call to action: phone number + contact form.
Easy SEO that beginners can do today
SEO doesn't need to be complex. Start with these high‑impact items and you'll see steady improvement.
On-page SEO checklist
- Unique page title including your main keyword (keep under 60 characters).
- Meta description that sells the page (120–160 chars).
- One H1 per page and H2s for sections; include keywords naturally.
- Use alt text on images describing the photo and including a keyword when relevant.
- Mobile-friendly design and fast loading (target under 3s).
Local SEO basics
- Create/claim your Google Business Profile and keep NAP consistent.
- Add service area and business hours, and encourage reviews.
- Build one local landing page per suburb you serve (short, unique content).
Technical SEO & analytics (must-do)
Technical essentials
- HTTPS / SSL enabled
- Fast hosting + image compression
- Mobile-first design and structured data for local business
- Sitemap.xml and robots.txt submitted to Google Search Console
Analytics & tracking
- Install Google Analytics 4 (or an alternative) to track visits and conversions
- Set up goal tracking for calls, form submits, and bookings
- Monthly reports show where leads come from — double down on top channels
Simple marketing tactics that actually work
You don't need a big budget. These tactics are low-cost and high-impact for new sites.
Google Search Ads
Use short, targeted campaigns for high-value services (e.g., emergency plumbing). Start with $10–20/day and test keywords.
Local SEO & directory listings
Update your Google Business Profile, list on local directories, and ask customers for reviews — it's one of the best ROI activities.
Email & follow-ups
Collect emails with a simple signup and send service updates and seasonal offers. Email ROI is consistently high for local businesses.
Launch checklist — final 15 minutes before you go live
- Proofread copy and check contact details
- Test contact forms and booking links
- Check the site on phone, tablet, and desktop
- Install analytics and submit sitemap to Google Search Console
- Share the site on your Google Business Profile and social pages
Keep it working: simple maintenance plan
Weekly
Check messages and form submissions, ensure phone number links work.
Monthly
Review analytics, update content, add one testimonial or project photo.
Quarterly
Run speed tests, check plugins/themes, and refresh offers or prices.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to learn to code to create my own site?
How long until my site ranks on Google?
How much does a beginner site cost?
Can I move my domain if I switch providers?
Want it done for you? Get online faster.
If you'd rather focus on customers, Congero builds, hosts and optimises websites for busy trades and service businesses — live demos in 60 seconds and unlimited updates for a flat monthly fee.
Congero: Domain, hosting, SSL, local SEO and monthly analytics included. No lock-in contracts.
Ready to start? Use this guide as your checklist — then test a managed demo at the top of the page to compare the time and cost vs doing it yourself.