create a website that gets you more business: a simple guide using replit

it's 2025, and having a website that actively works for your business is more important than ever. if you don't have one, have an outdated one, or just want more leads, this guide is for you. we'll use a tool called replit to make the process easier, even if you're not a tech whiz or familiar with ai.

think of replit as an online workspace where you can build and run websites without complicated setups. some newer tools, including those on platforms like replit, are starting to use artificial intelligence (ai) to help you build faster and smarter. don't worry, we'll keep it simple!

why a good website matters:

• attracts new customers: people search online for products and services. your website is your online storefront.
• builds trust: a professional website makes your business look credible.
• generates leads: it can capture contact information from potential customers.
• works 24/7: your website is always available to provide information and collect leads, even when you're not working.

let's get started! here's your step-by-step guide:

phase 1: planning your website

step 1: define your website's goal.

what do you want visitors to do? examples:

• call you for a quote?
• fill out a contact form?
• buy a product?
• sign up for your newsletter?

keep it focused. one or two main goals are best for a new website. this will be key to getting more leads.

step 2: know your audience.

• who are your ideal customers? (e.g., local homeowners, young professionals, other businesses)
• what are their needs or problems that your business solves?

speak their language on your website.

step 3: outline your key pages.

most business websites need at least these:

• homepage: the first impression. clearly state what you do and who you help.
• about us: tell your story and build trust.
• services/products: detail what you offer.
• contact us: make it easy for people to reach you (phone, email, form).
• (optional but recommended): testimonials/reviews, blog.

step 4: gather your content.

• text: write down the information for each page. keep it clear, concise, and focused on customer benefits.
• images/videos: high-quality photos of your work, products, team, or even stock images can make your site engaging.
• your logo: if you have one, get it ready.

phase 2: building your website with replit

replit offers different ways to build websites. for beginners, starting with a template or a simple framework is often easiest. replit also has features that can help deploy and host your website. some new ai-powered tools are emerging on replit that can help generate code or suggest content, making the process even simpler.

step 1: sign up for replit.

go to replit.com and create a free account.

step 2: find a suitable template or starting point.

replit has a "templates" section. look for simple website templates (often using html, css, and maybe a bit of javascript). keywords to search for might include "business website template," "landing page template," or "portfolio template."

ai assistance (keep an eye out!): as you explore replit, you might find ai-powered features. for example, some tools can:

• suggest code snippets: if you're trying to create a specific section, ai might help generate the basic structure.
• help with content: some ai can help you rephrase sentences or generate ideas for what to write.

look for "ai" or "ghostwriter" (replit's ai feature) prompts within the replit interface.

step 3: customize your chosen template.

• replace placeholder text: add your own business name, headlines, service descriptions, and contact information.
• add your images: upload your photos and logo.
• change colors and fonts (optional): many templates allow for easy visual adjustments to match your brand. keep it simple and readable.
• focus on your "call to action": this is what you want visitors to do (e.g., "get a free quote," "contact us today," "shop now"). make these buttons or links prominent.

step 4: create your key pages.

based on your outline, create the different pages. most templates will allow you to duplicate an existing page structure and then modify its content.

step 5: add a contact form (crucial for leads!).

this is how visitors can easily send you their information.

many templates come with a built-in contact form, or you can find simple html contact form templates online.

alternatively, you can embed forms from services like google forms or dedicated form builders if you find coding a form too tricky initially.

what to ask for: keep it brief – name, email, phone (optional), and a message field are usually enough.

step 6: make sure it's mobile-friendly.

many people will visit your site on their phones. most modern replit templates are "responsive," meaning they automatically adjust to different screen sizes.

use replit's preview feature to see how your site looks on a simulated phone screen.

step 7: basic search engine optimization (seo).

seo helps people find your site on google. here are simple starting points:

• page titles: give each page a clear title that includes relevant keywords (e.g., "plumbing services in [your city] | [your business name]"). you'll usually set this in the html <title> tag.
• headings: use headings (h1, h2, etc.) on your pages to structure content and include keywords. your main page title should be an h1.
• keywords in content: naturally include terms people would search for to find your services. don't overdo it!

ai for seo (potential): some newer ai tools can suggest keywords or analyze your content for seo friendliness. if replit's ai features offer this, explore it.

phase 3: launching and improving your website

step 1: test everything.

• click every link.
• submit your contact form to make sure you receive the messages.
• check how it looks on different devices (desktop, phone, tablet).
• ask a friend to look at it and give you feedback.

step 2: "deploy" your website (make it live).

replit makes this easy. when your project (your "repl") is running, replit usually provides a live web address (url) for it (e.g., yourprojectname.yourusername.replit.co).

for a more professional look, you might eventually want a custom domain name (e.g., www.yourbusinessname.com). replit often has guides on how to connect a custom domain to your project.

step 3: promote your new website.

• add the website address to your business cards, email signature, social media profiles, and any local business listings (like google my business).
• tell your existing customers about it.

step 4: monitor and update (lead conversion focus).

• track your leads: how many inquiries are you getting through the website?
• ask for feedback: when new customers contact you, ask how they found you.
• keep content fresh: occasionally update your services, add new testimonials, or post a blog entry if you have one.
• look at basic analytics (if available): some tools (including potentially future replit integrations or simple external tools like google analytics) can show you how many people visit your site and what pages they look at. this can give you clues about what's working.

how ai can help (even if you're not an expert):

• content ideas & generation: if you're stuck on what to write, ai tools can provide outlines, draft paragraphs, or help you rephrase your ideas to be more engaging. replit's "ghostwriter" might assist here.
• code assistance: if you decide to learn a little html or css, ai can help you find errors in your code or suggest how to build a specific feature.
• simplifying tasks: the goal of ai in website builders is to make complex tasks easier, like setting up certain functionalities or optimizing for search engines, without you needing to become an expert coder or seo specialist.

key takeaways for more leads:

• clear call to action: tell visitors exactly what you want them to do.
• easy contact: make your phone number, email, and contact form highly visible.
• mobile-friendly: essential for today's users.
• trust builders: testimonials, professional design, and clear information build confidence.
• keep it simple: a clean, easy-to-understand website often converts better than a cluttered one.

building your first (or new) website can feel like a big step, but tools like replit are making it more accessible. focus on clear communication, making it easy for potential customers to connect with you, and don't be afraid to start simple. you can always add more features later as your business and confidence grow! good luck!

• enzo