What Should I Know Before Starting a Website Project?

The essentials every business owner should nail down before kicking off a website project — goals, audience, content, budget, and timeline.

Quick Answer

Is this a brochure, a lead generator, or an online store? The clearer the goal, the better the result. Our [packages](/packages) are organized around the most common goals for small businesses.

Web Design

Define the goal

Is this a brochure, a lead generator, or an online store? The clearer the goal, the better the result. Our packages are organized around the most common goals for small businesses.

Know your audience

Who's the website for, and what decision are they trying to make? The answer shapes everything from copy to layout.

Plan content early

Content is the #1 thing that delays website projects. Start gathering logos, photos, and rough copy now — even if you'll polish it with a pro later. See How do I describe what I want to a web designer?.

Budget and timeline

Have a realistic budget range and a target launch date. Then get in touch for a free scoping call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a professional small business website cost in Canada?

Most small business websites in Canada cost between $1,500 and $8,000 for a one-time build, or $23–$95 per month on a managed plan. See our current packages for exact pricing.

How long does it take to build a new website?

A typical small business website takes 2–4 weeks from kickoff to launch. Larger custom builds with e-commerce or booking systems usually take 4–8 weeks.

Do you handle hosting and ongoing maintenance?

Yes. Every Cloud Peak Solutions plan includes hosting, SSL, backups, security updates, and monthly content edits so your site stays fast and secure.

About the Author

This article was written by the team at Cloud Peak Solutions, a Vancouver-based web design and digital marketing agency helping small businesses across Canada and the US get more customers online through professional web design, local SEO, and Google Business Profile management. Learn more at cloudpeak.solutions.

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Cloud Peak Solutions offers free strategy calls for small businesses across Canada and the US.