1. Decide what the website should do
Choose one main action: request a quote, ask about a service or get in touch. A salon, repair service and creative studio need different details, but all benefit from a clear explanation of what happens next.
2. Prepare your business essentials
Write down your business name, services, public contact email and the towns or areas you actually serve. If customers visit your premises, include accurate public location and opening information. Only publish contact details you intend customers to use.
3. Show what you offer
Explain each service in everyday words. Include prices in rand where appropriate, or explain how someone can get a quote. Mention relevant limits, turnaround expectations or booking requirements. Keep information accurate rather than trying to sound bigger than you are.
4. Use images of your actual work
Choose a few clear photos with permission to publish them. Remove sensitive customer information from screenshots and photos. Add a short description of meaningful images so visitors can understand them even when the image is not visible.
5. Choose a structure and build
Start with an introduction, services and a contact section. On Portaly, choose a template or an empty page, replace the prompts with your own content and preview the result. Add About or Contact pages when they make the information easier to find.
6. Set up your search details
Give each page a specific title and a useful description. Mention your actual service and location where relevant. Portaly creates technical SEO defaults and a sitemap; you can refine them in the SEO menu. Avoid repeating a list of keywords in every section.
7. Check on a phone before sharing
Read every page on a small screen. Check prices, links, enquiry forms and image cropping. Ask someone unfamiliar with your business whether they can tell what you offer. Review, complete checkout and share your published address once the site is live.
8. Keep the website current
Add your website address to the business profiles and communications you already use. Update services and images when they change, and check your enquiries. A business website complements your other business responsibilities; it does not replace them.