Website for a small business: Mandatory details and winning customers

In short: A simple website creates trust and visibility; it does need an imprint, a privacy policy and, depending on the offering, further mandatory details.

In more detail: Customers search online for providers. A small, clear page with services, prices and contact is often enough. Whoever appears commercially has legal obligations. This is general information and not legal or tax advice; rules and deadlines change, check them with the tax office, chamber or a tax adviser.

In Depth

Content that convinces

• Who are you and what do you offer? Clear headline (“Web design for clubs in Bad Kötzting”).
• Services and prices (also from-prices), references and examples, testimonials (with permission).
• Ways to contact: email, form, phone if applicable.
• Process (“How I work”) and questions/answers.
• Local reference helps with local customers (entry in Google Business Profile, directories, clubs). Write understandably, mobile-friendly and fast-loading.

Mandatory details

• Imprint (§ 5 DDG, formerly TMG): name, address for service (no P.O. box), contact (email and a second quick means of contact), when liable to VAT VAT ID, if applicable chamber and professional title.
• Privacy policy (GDPR): which data (server logs, contact form, analytics, embedded services), purposes, legal bases, user rights.
• Cookie consent if non-essential cookies/trackers run (TDDDG § 25).
• For online sales: terms, withdrawal notice, price information, button “order with obligation to pay”, shipping notes.
• Accessibility (BFSG) can be relevant depending on the offering. Avoid copies of others’ texts and images; use your own or licensed content.

Visibility and winning customers

Search engines (SEO): sensible titles, headings and texts, local terms. Recommendations and reviews are strong in local markets. Social media only where your customers are. Newsletter only with consent. Cooperations (clubs, schools, companies) and flyers locally. Set one goal (e.g. 3 enquiries per month) and check what works.

Technology and costs

Possible: site builder (Jimdo, Wix, Squarespace), WordPress, static site (GitHub Pages, Netlify, Vercel), or own development. Costs: domain (about 10 to 15 euros/year), hosting (0 to 15 euros/month). Mind HTTPS, regular updates, data backup and password security. Minors need their parents’ consent for contracts (domain, hosting) and must appear legally correct in the imprint; clarify this before starting.

See also: Imprint, Privacy policy, Marketing for beginners, SEO basics, Cookie consent