Websites are great. But if you’re starting from scratch, they’re probably not your best first move.
Here’s why.
Cashflow Comes First.
Websites Don’t Magically Bring Leads.
Too many new business owners make the same mistake:
They pour thousands into a slick website… before they’ve even booked their first job.
And they wait.
And wait.
And… nothing.
Why? Because a website is a tool, not a magic lead machine.
You still need to drive traffic to it—either with effort (sales) or investment (ads). If you’re not doing either, it’ll just sit there like a digital business card no one picks up.
You Need to Hustle Before You Scale
Start with the free stuff:
Set up a Google Business Profile
Create a Facebook page and post regularly
Join community groups and get your name out there
Drop flyers, DM contacts, knock on doors
Partner with complementary businesses (e.g. if you’re a house painter, hit up builders)
At the start, you are the marketing team.
You are the salesman.
You don’t need a website until you’re too busy to be.
Don’t Waste Money Early
Websites aren’t cheap—at least, not the kind that actually perform.
And if you’re only just getting your first clients, then that spend can eat into the cashflow you need to survive.
In most cases? Delay it.
Focus on getting your first few wins through hustle and low-cost channels. Once there’s money coming in, you’ll be in a much better spot to invest in a proper digital presence that can take over some of that selling for you.
DIY Options
If you’ve got time and a bit of tech confidence, you can absolutely build a one yourself. Use Rocketspark — it’s easy to use, and free until you launch the site live.
Keep it simple:
Who you are
What you do
How to contact you
Maybe a few pics and testimonials later on
It doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to exist.
When a Website Is Worth It Early
Sometimes, a website is more than just a lead tool. It’s a credibility signal.
That’s especially true if:
Your service is unfamiliar or hard to explain
Your offering is sensitive or high-trust
Your brand needs to look legit from day one
Take Fairlight Bereavement Administration — one of our clients.
They help families handle the overwhelming admin after someone passes away. It’s a powerful, important service. But it’s new. And serious. And trust-heavy.
For them, a good website was essential — not for leads, but for reassurance.
But For Charlie at Waipa Fencing?
Totally Different Story.
When Charlie called me, he was just kicking off Waipa Fencing.
No clients, no cashflow, just motivation.
We skipped the website.
He got on Bark.
Printed and mail-dropped flyers.
Spun up a Facebook page.
Did things the old-school way.
HUSTLED
Now, one year later, Charlie’s booked solid. And when the time’s right (soon), we’ll build him a website that helps support that growth — not try to manufacture it from thin air.
Still Want a Website?
Here’s the Lean Option
If you're keen to do something online, but don’t want to blow the bank, here’s what we offer:
✅ The SKD Starter Pack – Low-Budget, High-Impact
1. A One-Page Website
Simple. Professional. Built to convert.
Clear info, easy contact, and set up for growth.
2. Google Business Profile Setup
Fully set up and optimised
You’ll show up on Maps and in local searches
3. Basic Sales + Marketing Coaching
We’ll show you how to make the most of what you’ve got
Where to post, what to say, who to reach out to, and how to get your first 5 clients the scrappy way
Perfect for:
Tradies
Local services
Side hustles ready to go full time
Anyone with more time than money, looking for momentum
This Lean Package in Action
Check out the Thrive website -
Check out the Agora website -
What You Really Need to Know
Websites don’t bring in work. People do.
If your business is new and funds are tight, be the person who brings in the work.
Market yourself. Sell your services. Build trust the old-fashioned way.
Once that’s humming — then let the website take over.
Still Unsure?
Let’s talk it through. We’ll point you in the right direction either way.
