How to Start a Website for Your Small Business in Nigeria
- Simon Zaku
- Mar 8
- 5 min read
Starting a website for your small business in Nigeria might seem overwhelming, but trust me, it's easier than you think.
I remember when I built my first website years ago—I had zero coding skills and barely knew what hosting meant. But today, I run multiple successful websites, and I'm here to show you how you can do the same!
In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about starting a website for your business.
Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience, I'll break it down in a simple, step-by-step manner.
Plus, I’ll recommend some top hosting providers and essential tools (which I personally use and recommend) to help you get started.
Table of Contents
What is a Website?
Is It Difficult to Create a Website?
How Do Websites Make Money?
How to Start a Website for Free
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Website
Best Hosting and Website Builders
Extra Services and Tools Your Website Needs
FAQ
What is a Website?
A website is like your digital storefront. It’s where potential customers can learn about your business, buy your products, or contact you. In Nigeria, having a website is a game-changer.
It allows small businesses to compete with larger brands and reach more customers without spending a fortune on marketing.
A good business website should have:
A professional design
Easy navigation
Contact information
Clear calls to action (e.g., "Buy Now" or "Contact Us")
Fast loading speeds
Now, you might be wondering…
Is It Difficult to Create a Website?
Not at all! Back in the day, you needed to know coding to build a website, but today, there are website builders and hosting services that make it super easy.
With tools like Hostinger, Strikingly, Wix, and Website.com, you can create a professional-looking website in less than an hour—no coding required!
Think of it this way: If you can create a Facebook profile, you can build a website. Simple!
How Do Websites Make Money?
A website isn’t just a digital business card; it can also be a money-making machine. Here are some ways websites make money:
Selling products/services – If you own a business, your website can serve as an online store.
Affiliate marketing – Promote products (like the hosting services I recommend) and earn commissions.
Advertising – Platforms like Google AdSense pay you for displaying ads.
Sponsored posts – Companies can pay you to write about their services.
Membership sites – Offer premium content that users pay to access.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Website
Step 1: Choose a Domain Name
A domain name is your website’s address (e.g., yourbusiness.com). Keep it simple, relevant to your business, and easy to remember.
Where to get a domain?
✅ Hostinger – Free domain with premium hosting plans.
✅ Namecheap – Affordable domains with free WHOIS privacy.
Step 2: Pick a Hosting Provider
A hosting provider is where your website’s files are stored. Here are my top recommendations (and affiliate links):
Hostinger – Affordable, reliable, and beginner-friendly.
Strikingly – Great for drag-and-drop website building.
Wix – Intuitive design, perfect for business sites.
Website.com – Free website builder with hosting included.
Step 3: Choose a Website Builder or CMS
A CMS (Content Management System) like WordPress makes managing your website easy. Alternatively, website builders like Wix, Strikingly, and Website.com allow drag-and-drop customization.
Recommended:
WordPress – Best for flexibility and SEO.
Hostinger Website Builder – Easy for beginners.
Strikingly – Fast and simple setup.
Step 4: Install WordPress (If Using Hostinger)
If you go with Hostinger, they have a one-click WordPress installation feature.
Just log in, choose WordPress, and your website will be ready in minutes.
Step 5: Customize Your Website
Pick a professional theme
Add essential pages (Home, About, Services, Contact, Blog)
Use high-quality images and engaging content
Step 6: Install Essential Plugins & Tools
Boost your website with these must-have tools:
✅ SEO Tool: SEMrush – Improve your website ranking.
✅ Security: Sucuri – Protect against hackers.
✅ Speed Optimization: WP Rocket – Make your site load faster.
✅ Backup Tool: UpdraftPlus – Keep your website backed up.
Step 7: Publish and Promote Your Website
Once your site is live, promote it through:
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Google My Business listing
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Paid ads (Facebook Ads, Google Ads)
Best Hosting and Website Builders
Hosting Provider | Price* (Starting Fro*m) | Best For |
Hostinger | $1.99/month | Budget-friendly beginners |
Cloudways | $11/month | Scalable cloud hosting |
Kinsta | $35/month | Premium* managed *hosting |
Wix | Free / Paid plans | Drag-and-drop website building |
Strikingly | Free / Paid plans | Simple webs*ites *& eCommerce |
Extra Services and Tools Your Website Needs
Besides hosting and a website builder, here are extra tools to improve your website:
SEO Tools: Ahrefs, SEMrush (Keyword research & analytics)
Email Marketing: Mailchimp, ConvertKit
Website Security: Sucuri, Cloudflare
Payment Gateways: Paystack, Flutterwave (For Nigerian businesses)
How to Start a Website for Free
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still launch a website without spending a dime.
Here are some free website builders:
Wix.com – Free website builder with drag-and-drop features.
Strikingly – Free eCommerce website builder with domain and hosting.
Website.com – Offers a free website, domain, and hosting.
Google Sites – A simple and free way to create a basic website.
However, free websites come with limitations, such as branding, ads, and fewer customization options. If you want a professional look, you may need to invest in premium hosting and a domain.
FAQ
How much does it cost to start a website?
It depends on the platform. With Hostinger, you can start for as low as ₦3,000/month.
Can I create my own website by myself?
Yes! You don’t need coding skills. Platforms like Hostinger, Strikingly, and Wix make it super easy.
What type of website is best for beginners?
A business website, blog, or e-commerce site using WordPress or Wix is best for beginners.
Is Google Sites free?
Yes, but it has limited features compared to professional hosting providers.
How much does it cost to build a website in Nigeria?
Domain: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000/year
Hosting: ₦3,000 – ₦10,000/month
Website design (if hiring a developer): ₦50,000 – ₦500,000
How do I price a website?
If you’re offering website-building services, charge based on:
Domain & Hosting costs
Design complexity
Number of pages
Extra services (SEO, maintenance, security)
What’s the cheapest way to start a website?
Using Hostinger or Website.com, you can start a website for under ₦10,000/year.
Is WordPress still free?
Yes, but you’ll need hosting to use it properly.
Conclusion
Starting a website for your business in Nigeria is one of the best investments you can make. It boosts credibility, increases sales, and allows you to reach a larger audience.
If you're ready to start, here are my top recommendations:
✅ Best Budget Option: Hostinger – Cheap and reliable.
✅ Easiest Website Builder: Strikingly – Drag-and-drop simplicity.
✅ Best for SEO: Wix – SEO-friendly and business-focused.
Need help setting up your site? Drop a comment or reach out!
Let’s get your business online!
Simon Taki Zaku,
Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry.com.ng
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