Small business website development - where to start

994 words - about 4 minutes reading

In the digital world of 2025, the website is no longer just a business card - it is the main tool for the development and growth of every small business in Bulgaria. Whether you're an artisan, a small shop owner, a consultant or an entrepreneur, the right online start can bring you new customers and a steady income. But what should you start with?

Planning: the foundation of a successful website

Before you jump into choosing a design or platform, it's important to define your goals. Answer the following questions:

• What do you want to achieve with the website? - More sales, requests, inquiries, recognition?
• Who is your target audience? - Local customers, national market, foreign partners?
• What are your strengths? - Price, quality, fast delivery, expertise?

A real example: our client, a small handmade furniture company in Plovdiv, started with a clear goal - to increase enquiries from private clients. We targeted the content and design to families and young couples, which led to a 40% increase in requests in the first 6 months.

Choosing the right platform

In Bulgaria, the most popular platforms for small businesses are WordPress, WooCommerce (for online stores), Shopify and custom solutions on Laravel or Symfony. The choice depends on:

• Budget - WordPress offers a quick start with minimal costs (from 700 to 2000 BGN for a basic site), while bespoke solutions can cost over 5000 BGN.
• Features - If you need online payments, integration with couriers (Econt, Speedy), inventory or specific calculators, you should bet on a more flexible platform.
• Easy maintenance - For a small business, it's important to be able to change content, photos, offers yourself.

Practice Tip: To get started, we recommend WordPress with a professional theme and a few well-chosen plugins. This will get you up and running quickly, and then you can develop the site as needed.

Design: first impression and conversions

Design is not just a vision - he leads the client to action. For small businesses:

• Clean and simple design - No unnecessary animations, with clearly positioned contact buttons.
• Mobile version - Over 70% of Bulgarians browse websites on their phone.
• Local appearance - Use photos and elements close to your location (for example, if you're in Sofia, show local landmarks or neighbourhoods).

A real case: an online store for organic cosmetics from Varna increased sales by 35% just by optimizing the mobile version and adding direct call buttons.

Key to credibility and SEO

A successful small business website tells your story, displays expertise and inspires confidence. What content is a must?

• Page "About us" - Brief introduction, team photo, mission statement.
• Services/Products - Clear descriptions, prices, availability, real photos.
• Contact - Map (Google Maps), enquiry form, phone, social networks.
• Blog/News - Tips, case studies, new offers. This also helps SEO.

Creative Board: Add a "Before and After" or "Customer Stories" section - people like to see real results.

SEO: How to get found?

SEO (search engine optimization) is a must in order to rank on Google. Basic steps:

• Keywords - Choose words that your customers are searching for (e.g. "roof repair Sofia", "fitness equipment prices").
• Meta tags - Titles and descriptions for each page.
• Site speed - Google prefers fast sites. Choose SSD hosting from reputable Bulgarian providers (e.g. ICN, SuperHosting).
• SEO-content - Write articles that answer your customers' questions.
• Local SEO - Sign up for Google My Business, add reviews, photos, hours.

Case study: After implementing SEO, a website of an accounting firm in Ruse went from 8th to 1st position in Google for the keyword phrase "accounting services Ruse" within 4 months.

Legal and Privacy Requirements

In Bulgaria, there are several laws that every business website must comply with:

• Privacy Policy and Cookies - Mandatory under GDPR.
• General conditions - Especially if you sell online.
• Company Information - UIC, address, contacts in the footer.

Tip: Use ready-made GDPR plugins for WordPress that automatically show a pop-up cookie window.

Budgeting and pricing - how much does a website cost in 2025?

Costs vary according to volume and specificity:

• Development of a basic company website - from 700 to 1500 BGN.
• Online store with payment and delivery integration - from 2500 to 5000 BGN.
• Customised web application or software - over 5000 BGN.
• Annual maintenance and updates - from 300 to 1000 BGN.

Important: Don't be tempted by "free" sites - they often have hidden fees, ads or limited functionality.

Growth and development: how to build on?

Once your site is online, don't stop there:

• Integrate a chatbot for automated communication.
• Add a reservation system if you offer services.
• Start email marketing with a loyalty newsletter.
• Track user behaviour with Google Analytics and optimise the pages with the lowest conversion rates.
• Organize online events or webinars to engage your audience.

True story: a hairdressing salon in Burgas added an online booking option and increased its occupancy by 50% in just 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long does it take to build a website for a small business?
  On average between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on complexity, number of pages and content readiness. If you have specific requirements, it can take up to 2 months.
• What documents are needed for a company website?
  You need a company registration (UIC), address, contacts, privacy policy and, if you sell online, terms and conditions.
• Can I manage my website myself?
  Yes, most platforms like WordPress have an easy admin panel for adding texts, photos and news. Initial agency training is recommended.
• How do I choose the right agency in Bulgaria?
  Look for agencies with real projects, good reviews, a local team and clear communication during the bidding process. Ask about post-launch support and warranty.
• Is it mandatory to have an SSL certificate?
  Yes, an SSL certificate is mandatory for any website, especially if you collect personal data or accept payments online. Many Bulgarian hosts offer it for free.

Contact us and get a quote for your website

If you want to launch your online presence professionally, with a clear strategy and quality results, contact our team. Start your successful digital business today!