You know having a website would be useful for your business, but perhaps you can't afford one right now. Maybe you're just starting out, testing a new idea or trying to keep your business costs down.
The good news is that you don't necessarily need a full website to get started. There are several affordable web design alternatives that can help potential customers find out about your business, understand what you offer and get in touch.
The key is choosing something that works for your business now, without spending money on things you don't need.
1. Create a simple landing page
You don't always need a website with lots of pages. If you offer a small number of services, a single landing page could be enough to get you started.
A landing page is a standalone web page that focuses on a particular purpose. It might introduce your business, explain your services, share a few testimonials and give visitors a clear way to contact you.
You don't necessarily need a dedicated website builder to create one. Many email marketing platforms offer landing page tools, allowing you to promote your services, collect email subscribers or share a free resource in exchange for an email address.
You could also invest in a custom domain name, such as yourbusiness.co.uk, and connect it to your landing page if your chosen platform supports it. This gives you a more professional web address to share, without the cost of building a full website. Check whether connecting a custom domain requires a paid plan.
The downside: A landing page has less room for information than a full website. You may also have limited control over its design and functionality, depending on the platform you use.
However, if all you need is one place to explain what you do and encourage enquiries, it could be a sensible starting point.
2. Put your services in a Google Doc or PDF
Sometimes the simplest solution is a document.
You could create a Google Doc or PDF that introduces your business, lists your services, explains your prices and tells people how to work with you.
A well-designed service guide can look professional without requiring any website-building skills. You can share a link in your social media bio, send it to potential customers or include it in your email signature.
Google Docs is free to use with a Google account, and you can share a document or PDF online.
The downside: A document isn't the same as having a website. People generally need a direct link to find it, and it won't provide the same experience as a dedicated online home for your business.
It's also worth thinking about how you'll keep it up to date. If you change your prices or services, you'll need to update the document and make sure you're sharing the latest version.
If you're just starting out and need a simple way to explain what you offer, though, this could be all you need for now.
3. Make the most of social media
If you're already using Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn, you may not need to add another platform to your workload just yet.
A well-maintained social media profile can help people discover your business, understand what you do and contact you. Make sure your bio clearly explains your services, and use pinned posts, highlights or featured content to share important information.
You could also link to your landing page, service guide, booking system or newsletter signup.
The downside: You're relying on a platform you don't own. Your posts can quickly disappear down the feed, and changes to algorithms or platform features can affect how many people see your content.
Social media can be a useful starting point, but it's worth having a plan for how potential customers can find your information without having to scroll through your entire profile.
4. Use email marketing tools
Email marketing isn't just for businesses with established websites. Many email marketing platforms allow you to create signup forms and landing pages, even if you don't have a website of your own.
You could use these tools to build an email list, share updates with subscribers or offer a free guide to encourage people to sign up. Some platforms also let you create a simple landing page to introduce your business and link to your services.
This can be a useful way to start building relationships with potential customers while keeping your costs down.
The downside: A landing page created through an email marketing platform is unlikely to offer the same flexibility as a full website. You'll also need a way to attract visitors to it, and some features may only be available on paid plans.
5. Try Substack if you enjoy writing
If sharing your knowledge through articles or newsletters is a big part of your business, Substack could be worth exploring.
Substack combines online publishing with email newsletters. You can publish articles, build a subscriber list and send new posts directly to your readers.
It's particularly useful for writers, coaches, consultants and other business owners who want to share ideas, demonstrate their expertise and build an audience.
The downside: Substack is designed primarily around publishing and newsletters. If you need detailed service pages, a portfolio or a tailored customer journey, you may find it limiting.
It's a good option if content is central to your business. If your main priority is showcasing your services and encouraging enquiries, a landing page or simple website may be a better fit.
6. Use a free website builder
If you'd prefer to have a website rather than a document or social media profile, there are free website builders that can help you establish a basic online presence.
One example is Google Sites. It allows you to create pages with text, images, links and other content without needing to know how to code.
You could use it to introduce your business, explain your services, share contact details and link to your other platforms.
The downside: Free website builders tend to offer fewer design options and less flexibility than paid platforms. You may also have limitations around branding, marketing features and functionality.
A free website can be a perfectly reasonable starting point. Just consider what you'll need as your business grows and whether the platform will continue to meet those needs.
7. Use a booking platform or online marketplace
Depending on what your business does, you might not need a traditional website straight away.
If you provide appointments or consultations, an online booking platform can let customers view your availability and book directly. If you sell handmade products or other physical goods, an online marketplace can give you a place to list products and take orders.
These platforms may already provide the functionality you need, without requiring you to build an entire website.
The downside: There may be subscription costs, transaction fees or restrictions on how you present your business. You're also working within somebody else's platform, so you have less control over the customer experience.
Before signing up, check the costs and make sure the platform suits your business.
8. Make use of business directories and referrals
Don't overlook the simpler ways people can find you.
Relevant industry directories, professional associations, local business listings and recommendations from existing customers can all help potential customers discover your services.
If you're a local business that meets Google's eligibility requirements, a Google Business Profile can also help people find you through Google Search and Maps.
Make sure your business information is accurate wherever it appears, and provide a clear way for people to contact you.
The downside: You have limited control over how your business is presented, and you may not have enough space to explain your services in detail.
These options can work well alongside a landing page, service guide or social media profile, but they're unlikely to provide everything you need as your business develops.
Which Affordable Web Design Alternatives Are Right for You?
There's no single answer. The best option depends on what you sell, how customers find you and what you need them to do next.
Here's a quick comparison.
| Alternative | Best for |
|---|---|
| Landing page | Explaining a small number of services and encouraging enquiries |
| Google Doc or PDF | Sharing a service list, prices or information with potential customers |
| Social media | Connecting with an audience and sharing updates |
| Substack | Publishing articles and building an email audience |
| Free website builder | Creating a basic online presence |
| Booking platform or marketplace | Taking appointments or selling products |
| Directories and referrals | Helping people discover your business |
You don't have to choose just one. For example, you could use social media to attract attention, share a service guide with potential customers and use a booking platform to manage appointments.
Start with what you need most, rather than signing up for every available tool.
When is it time to invest in a website?
Affordable alternatives can be useful, particularly when you're starting out. But there may come a point when they're no longer enough.
You might be ready for a website if:
You're spending too much time explaining your services individually to potential customers.
People are struggling to find the information they need before making an enquiry.
You want more control over your branding and how your business is presented.
You're relying on several different platforms and would prefer one central place for everything.
Your business has grown, but your online presence hasn't kept up.
A website won't solve every business problem, and you don't need a complicated one to get started. A small, well-planned website with clear information about your business can be more useful than a large site filled with pages you don't need.
If you're considering a website, you might find my guides to Squarespace pricing in the UK and using Squarespace for small businesses helpful.
What if you want a professional website on a limited budget?
If you've reached the point where you need a website but don't want a lengthy, complicated design project, there are ways to keep things straightforward.
You could build your own website, start with a small number of essential pages or work with a designer who offers a focused service.
My Squarespace Website In A Day service is designed to get your new website built in one dedicated day. We focus on what your business needs, creating a professional online home that reflects your brand and gives potential customers a clear way to find out more.
The aim is to give you a website you can manage yourself, without making the process more complicated than it needs to be.
Find out more about Squarespace Website In A Day to see whether it's right for your business.
You don't have to do everything at once
If you can't afford a website right now, that doesn't mean you can't build a business.
Start with an option that fits your budget, focus on helping customers find you and review your needs as your business develops.
Just remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best long-term solution if it takes up too much of your time or makes it harder for customers to work with you.
When you're ready to invest in a website, keep it simple. You don't need every feature under the sun; you need a website that does its job and works for your business.
