Why a domain matters

A custom domain (yourname.com, yourbusinessname.com) gives you a permanent address on the internet that you control. Social media profiles can be suspended, algorithms can change, and platforms can disappear. A domain you own is yours.

  • It makes your email look professional (hello@yourbusiness.com instead of a personal Gmail).
  • It gives you a single URL to put on business cards, invoices, and referral messages.
  • It's inexpensive — typically $10–$20/year for a standard .com domain from a reputable registrar.

What a minimal site should answer

You don't need a blog, a photo gallery, or twelve pages. A prospect who lands on your site needs answers to four questions:

  1. What do you do? — Your offer sentence from Lesson 2, prominently placed.
  2. Where do you work? — Service area from Lesson 3.
  3. What can I buy? — Service packages from Lesson 1 (names and brief descriptions; pricing optional).
  4. How do I contact you? — Email, contact form, or phone. One clear path, not six scattered links.

Everything else — testimonials, a bio, photos of your work — is nice to have but not essential on day one. Get the four answers live first.

How to choose a platform (criteria, not recommendations)

Website builders come and go. Instead of picking one for you, here's what to evaluate:

  • Can you use your own domain? (If not, move on.)
  • Can a non-technical person update text and photos?
  • Does it load fast on mobile? Most of your prospects will find you on their phone.
  • What does it cost per month? For a simple site, you shouldn't need more than a basic plan.
  • Can you export your content if you leave?

Start simple. You can always rebuild later once you know what clients actually look for.

Don't skip the Google Business Profile

Even if you have a website, claim and fill out your Google Business Profile — it's free and it's how many local prospects find service providers. Covered briefly in Lesson 4; mentioned again here because it's that important.

Before you continue

If you don't have a domain: research one and register it. If you do: check whether your site answers the four questions above. Fix the gaps before moving on.