How easy is it to build a website to advertise your business?

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My DH has decided to ditch his high-stress job and become a decorator/handyman. He'd like to build a website to advertise his services, but it has to be free and easy to use. Can you actually DIY a decent-looking website?

It's not so much the site itself (just google for free website builders - plenty of tools out there to help). It's how do you get that site to appear anywhere near the top 3 when potential customers Google ? Especially since it's a very localised service, so you don't want to be paying any money to SEO outfits who buy ppc advertising in Jones, Ohio (for example).

Most important thing will be a nice gallery (make sure your DPs T&Cs allow for them to take and use such pictures). Also be prepared to put some work in. Google prefers sites that are updated regularly (why do you think so many sites have a blog ?) so maybe a "news/what's happening" section ?

You could start with a Facebook page - that way you could ask satisfied customers to link and build up a buzz that way. Although personally I'd want to own my site, and not be beholden to Facebooks Fad of the Day.

I would opt for both a website and a Facebook page as the social content will drive traffic to the website. Perhaps also get some leaflets printed and put into local shops and supermarkets.

I would also recommend building up testimonials so that you can be in 'most recommended' type leaflets and flyers that tend to come through the door.

Re websites - Squarespace is really easy to use and comes with pre-set templates that you can customise - approx £14 a month I think!

Lots of great tips here, thanks! No idea about how to make the sites appear on Google's top results, but obviously that's an important thing to get right!