Why Your Website Deserves More Attention Than Your Logo (at Least to Start With)

Starting a small business comes with a lot of decisions — and a lot of costs. There’s registering the business, sorting your branding, getting your product or service ready, and setting up your online presence. It’s a lot to juggle, especially if you’re working with a limited budget.

As a website designer, I’ve worked with plenty of small businesses at the early stages, and I’ve seen how easy it is to get caught up in spending on the wrong things first. Things like perfecting a logo, booking brand photoshoots, or paying for social media tools before you’ve even got a website live.

So here’s a bit of honest advice: your website is the most important thing to get right in the early days. 

Most new businesses face the same challenge: trying to look professional without spending a fortune. It’s a balancing act. The temptation is to make everything look polished straight away, but not everything needs to be perfect from day one.

What matters more is prioritising the things that help people find you, understand what you offer, and take the next step — whether that’s making a purchase, booking a service, or getting in touch. That’s what your website does.

Why Your Website Matters Most

Here’s why it’s worth giving your website more attention than, say, your packaging or business cards (yes, even in 2025, people still print business cards).

• People will look you up. Whether they find you on social media or through word of mouth, most people will Google you or click a link before they decide to engage with your business.
  

• It’s the one platform you control. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, you’re not at the mercy of an algorithm. Your site can clearly show what you do, why it matters, and how to take action.
  

• First impressions do count. A simple, easy-to-navigate site builds trust. It doesn’t have to be flashy — just clear, well-structured, and mobile-friendly.
  

Where You Can Keep Costs Down

Getting your website sorted doesn’t mean spending thousands. And to keep your budget in check, there are a few areas where it makes sense to save:

1. Branding

A logo, some colours, and a couple of fonts are enough to start with. Free tools like Canva can help you create something clean and simple. You don’t need a full brand package unless you’re launching something very design-led — and you can always revisit branding later.

2. Images

Skip the photoshoot for now. There are loads of great royalty-free image libraries (Unsplash, Pexels, etc.) where you can find high-quality visuals that don’t scream ‘stock photo’. You can also create your own graphics or mockups using Canva or Figma if you want something a bit more custom.

3. Templates

Website builders like Squarespace, Webflow, or WordPress (with the right theme) are more than enough for most early-stage businesses. Templates give you structure and design out of the box — you just need to add your content and tweak it to suit your style.

4. Writing Your Own Copy

Don’t worry about sounding perfect. Just explain what you offer, how it helps, and how people can get started. You can always refine it later or hire a copywriter down the line — but your own words are a great place to begin.

Starting a business is full-on. There’s always something to pay for and something you feel you should have. But not everything needs to be done straight away — and not everything needs a big budget behind it.

If you focus on getting a solid website up and running — one that tells people who you are, what you do, and how to get involved — you’ll be off to a strong start. Everything else can evolve from there.

And if you’re feeling a bit stuck or unsure about how much is enough, you’re definitely not alone. There’s no perfect formula, just progress.