1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Websites for small businesses: from your first demo site to your first paid project

Build simple, fast websites for local businesses such as plumbers, salons and guesthouses. This guide covers published 2026 South African package prices, how to quote, a 14-day plan to your first paid project, scripts, and how to protect yourself with deposits.

  • 23 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • About 2 hours
  • First lesson free

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • You can build a basic site with WordPress, Wix, Webflow or code, or you are willing to learn.
  • You are comfortable talking to business owners and explaining things simply.
  • You want project income plus monthly care plans.

Think twice if

  • You need money within two weeks: first projects usually take three to six weeks from first chat to payment.
  • You do not want to chase clients for content, photos and approvals.

Honest expectations

  • Published 2026 prices for a five-page small-business site run from about R3,500 to R15,000, depending on what is included.
  • Your first project usually comes from someone you know or a local business you approach directly.
  • Monthly hosting and care plans turn once-off projects into steadier income.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How small-business web design worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Set up step by step: ready for your first client6 min (in the full guide)
    3. Pricing and getting paid: real 2026 rates5 min (in the full guide)
    4. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Build a demo site3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Draft a one-page proposal with three packages3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first clients: where to look5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Your 14-day first-client playbook6 min (in the full guide)
    6. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Land your first paid project with a 50% deposit3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Offer a care plan to every client3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Common mistakes new web designers make4 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Aim for three care plans3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Make collecting content easy3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Free courses to fill your skill gaps4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    6. Tax: what to put aside, with worked examples6 min (in the full guide)
    7. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R0 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Computer and internet
  • Hosting and a domain for your own demo site

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 26 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 26 April 2027.