A small business needs a few connected pieces: a website you own, a Google Business Profile for local searches, one or two social channels, WhatsApp for conversations and email on your own domain. Start with the pieces that answer customers' first questions, keep details identical everywhere and add more only when you can look after them.
Website
The home you own.
Google profile
Found locally.
Social and WhatsApp
Conversation.
Email
Formal contact.
The pieces and what each is for
| Piece | Best for | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Website | The full story, prices or enquiries, proof of work. You own it. | Needs a domain, hosting and care. People must be able to find it. |
| Google Business Profile (external site, opens in a new tab) | Local searches, opening hours, directions, phone | Limited space. Google controls the format. |
| Social media | Updates, photos, community | You do not own the audience or the rules. See website or Facebook page. |
| WhatsApp Business | Quick conversations and orders | Hard to share your full story or be found by new people. |
| Business email | Quotes, invoices, formal contact | Needs a domain. See business email. |
A sensible order
- Decide the basics. Business name, what you offer, where you work, how to contact you. Write them once and reuse them.
- Claim your Google Business Profile. Often the quickest improvement for a local business. See our Google guide.
- Register your domain in the business's name and set up business email. See what is a domain name.
- Build a small website that answers the first questions. See why you need a website and the planning worksheet.
- Add one social channel where your customers already are, and link it to the website.
- Keep it all current. Use the maintenance checklist.
Keep the details identical
Use the same business name, address, phone and hours on every piece. Google's local guidance says relevance, distance and prominence decide local results, and accurate information helps people trust what they find (Improve your local ranking on Google (external site, opens in a new tab)).
Common mistakes
- Opening every platform at once. Unmanaged pages look neglected.
- Different phone numbers on different pages.
- Relying only on a platform you do not control.
- No link between the pieces. Link your website, profile and social pages to each other.
- Measuring nothing. Note where enquiries come from and ask customers how they found you.
Common questions
Where should a new business start?
With accurate details and a Google Business Profile, then a simple website. Add social media where your customers are.
Do I need all of these?
No. Start with what answers customers' first questions and add more when you can look after it.
Is a Facebook page enough?
It can be a start. See our comparison for what it cannot do.
How much does it cost to set up?
Google Business Profile and basic social accounts are free to open. A website has costs. See the cost guide.
How do I know what is working?
Ask new customers how they found you, and note calls, WhatsApp messages and form enquiries by source.
Need help with this?
Optional. You do not need any ADA service to use what you have just read.
- Website design
A site that fits with your profile and social pages. - Search visibility (SEO)
Google Business Profile and local search. - Request a written quote
Tell us what you have already.