A business website is a digital home for your company. It helps customers find your products or services online, learn about your business, and contact you easily. Many SMEs in Bangladesh do not have a website and miss online customers. Creating a simple website is easy and affordable. This guide explains the process step by step for beginners using easy English.
Step 1: Understand the Importance of a Website
β’ A website makes your business visible online 24/7
β’ Helps attract more customers and increase sales
β’ Builds trust with customers and business partners
β’ Supports online marketing and digital payments
Why SMEs need a website in Bangladesh:
β’ More people are shopping online in cities and rural areas
β’ A website works as your digital catalog and store
β’ It allows customers to place orders, check prices, and contact you directly
Step 2: Choose a Domain Name and Hosting
β’ Domain name = your website address (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com)
β’ Choose a short, simple, and easy-to-remember name
β’ Web hosting = service to store your website online
β’ Popular hosting services: Bluehost, Hostinger, or Bangladeshi providers
Tips:
β’ Use a .com or .com.bd domain for credibility
β’ Check if the domain is available before choosing
Step 3: Select a Website Builder or CMS
β’ Website builder = drag-and-drop tools (no coding required)
β’ Popular options: WordPress, Wix, Shopify
β’ WordPress is widely used, flexible, and beginner-friendly
β’ Choose templates designed for small businesses
Tips:
β’ Start with a free or low-cost plan
β’ Choose mobile-friendly templates as many customers use phones
Step 4: Add Important Pages
A simple business website should have:
- Home Page β Brief about your business
- Products/Services Page β Showcase what you sell
- About Us Page β Share your story and contact info
- Contact Page β Include phone, email, address, and social media
- Optional: Blog or customer reviews to attract visitors
Tips:
β’ Use clear pictures and short text
β’ Highlight your unique selling points
Step 5: Enable Digital Payments
β’ Add bKash, Nagad, or bank payment options for online orders
β’ Make checkout simple for customers
β’ Use official APIs or plugins for security
Benefits:
β’ Customers can pay instantly
β’ Reduces cash handling problems
β’ Increases trust and convenience
Step 6: Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)
β’ Use simple keywords that customers search online
β’ Write clear titles and descriptions for each page
β’ Add high-quality images with alt text
β’ Use mobile-friendly design
Why it matters:
β’ Makes your website easier to find on Google
β’ Attracts local and international customers
Current Situation for SMEs in Bangladesh
β’ More Bangladeshi SMEs are using websites to sell products locally and internationally
β’ Government and private initiatives support SME digitalization
β’ E-commerce platforms are growing, increasing the importance of having a website
β’ A website helps SMEs reach customers beyond their local area
Common Challenges Faced by SMEs
β’ Lack of technical knowledge to create a website
β’ Fear of high costs for domain and hosting
β’ Maintaining content and updating regularly
β’ Ensuring website is secure and fast
Helpful Resources for SMEs
β’ SME Foundation β Digital Support: https://smef.gov.bd/
β’ WordPress: https://wordpress.org/
β’ Wix: https://www.wix.com/
β’ Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/
β’ Bangladesh E-commerce Association: https://www.bea-bd.org/
Final Advice for New SME Owners
β’ Start with a simple website and improve gradually
β’ Update product info and prices regularly
β’ Enable digital payments for customer convenience
β’ Use professional images and clear text
β’ Monitor website traffic and customer inquiries to improve service
Creating a simple business website helps SMEs in Bangladesh attract more customers, increase sales, and grow their business in the digital marketplace.