Thinking about setting up a website for your business in Kenya but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Many small business owners feel the same. It can seem expensive, technical, or unnecessary. The good news is, creating a simple website doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This checklist will guide you through the basic steps so your business can have an online presence quickly and confidently.
Step 1: Decide What Your Website Should Do
Before building your site, ask yourself:
- Do I want customers to see my products or services online?
- Do I want them to reach out easily through forms, WhatsApp, or email?
- Do I want to accept orders or payments online?
Knowing your main goal will help you focus on what’s essential, without overcomplicating things.
Step 2: Plan Your Content and Pages
A simple website only needs a few key pages:
- Homepage – A clear overview of your business.
- About – Who you are and what makes your business unique.
- Products/Services – Showcase what you offer.
- Contact – Make it easy for customers to reach you.
Keep content short, clear, and focused on what matters most to your visitors.
Step 3: Hire a Developer or Designer
After planning your website, it’s time to bring in a professional.
- Look for someone who understands your business goals
- Ask to see past work or demos
- Discuss budget, timeline, and what features you need
- Decide whether a custom-built website or platform-built site is right for you
This is where the developer/designer takes over to turn your plan into a live website. You can also check out our custom website services to see examples of what a professionally built site can do for a small business.
Step 4: Domain and Hosting
Your website needs two things to go live:
- Domain – your website’s address (e.g., www.myshop.co.ke)
- Hosting – where your website files live online
Your developer can recommend reliable local or international hosting options and set everything up so your site is secure and fast.
Step 5: Building and Adding Features
This is where the developer brings your plan to life:
- Set up pages and navigation
- Add design elements, branding, and images
- Include features like contact forms, WhatsApp buttons, or online ordering
These features make it easy for customers to reach you and help you track inquiries effectively. You can also see our business website solutions for ideas on how a site can capture leads and inquiries.
Step 6: Test Before Launch
Before going live, test your website thoroughly:
- Check it on desktop and mobile devices. Ensure your website works on mobile as a lot of people browse online using mobile phones.
- Ask friends, staff, or customers to navigate it and provide feedback
- Ensure that all pages, links, and forms work correctly
Your developer can fix any issues found during testing, ensuring a smooth launch.
Step 7: Launch and Promote
Once everything works:
- Go live and share your website with your customers
- Post your link on social media, email newsletters, or any other channels you use
- Monitor inquiries and engagement to understand how your site is performing
A website isn't a salesperson, but it could be. Promote your site consitently, track perfomance, invest in SEO, and stay engaging through blogs posts and promotions. A website is your digital home, but you still have to invite people in.
Step 8: Maintain Your Website
A website is an ongoing project. Keep products, services, and contact info updated. Schedule periodic check-ins with your developer to fix bugs or add new features.
For ongoing updates and support, explore our website maintenance services.
Conclusion
Getting a website for your business in Kenya doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by defining your goals, plan your content, hire a developer you trust, and follow these steps. If you're ready to get started, feel free to contact us. We can help you turn your website idea into a live effective online presence.
