Question 1

Do I need a website if I already have a Google Business Profile?

Accepted Answer

A Google Business Profile is usually the first place neighbors look. A website still matters: you control the URL on the van, the invoice, and the ads; you can explain services Google’s short fields cannot; and you have a place for you@yourdomain.com. Treat GBP and the site as a pair, not rivals.

Question 2

Should I start with WordPress?

Accepted Answer

Not in month one unless you already have someone who will update it. WordPress is a publishing system plus hosting plus plugins plus security updates. A builder (GoDaddy, Squarespace, or Wix) gets a plumber or photographer live this month. You can move later. You cannot move later if you never launched.

Question 3

Is GoDaddy “good enough” compared with Squarespace or Wix?

Accepted Answer

For a local service page — name, area, services, phone, hours — yes, often. Squarespace usually looks more polished with less fuss. Wix has more apps. GoDaddy is the boring choice if you already want the domain and email in one bill. None of them replace a good photo and a number people can tap.

Question 4

Why not Bluehost or HostGator?

Accepted Answer

Those are shared WordPress hosts. They are not what this site is for, and they are not in our CJ affiliate set. If a developer is building you a custom WordPress site, they will pick hosting. If you are the developer and the plumber, start with a builder.

Question 5

Do I have to buy hosting and a domain separately?

Accepted Answer

No. A website builder includes the hosting. You still want to own the domain in your name. All-in-one checkouts (GoDaddy, Squarespace, Wix) sell you both. Read the renewal price on the domain before you click through a $0.99 first-year offer.

Question 6

Is SSL something I purchase extra?

Accepted Answer

On current builders, HTTPS certificates are included. You should still confirm the padlock on your live URL. Extended Validation certificates and extra “site seals” are almost never worth it for a local trade.

Question 7

Can I keep using Gmail?

Accepted Answer

You can forward you@yourdomain.com into Gmail. What you should not do is print a personal @gmail.com on the van once you have a business name. Customers use the address as a trust check.

Question 8

How much should I budget for year one?

Accepted Answer

A sensible software stack is often about $250–450 for the first year (domain + builder + one professional mailbox). A laptop and printer, if you do not already have them, are a separate and larger bill. See the 2026 cost guide for line items.

Question 9

Do you rank products with stars?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not invent test labs, awards, or star scores. We describe tradeoffs and who each option is for.

Question 10

Do you earn money if I click these links?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you later buy from a merchant we have an affiliate relationship with — currently planned as GoDaddy, HP Store, and Office Depot / OfficeMax via CJ Affiliate. That is a material connection. It does not change the price you pay. Details are on the disclosure page.