Nowadays, more Ghanaian consumers research goods and services online (Website) before making a purchase. You are losing money every day if your company is not visible online.
A website provides your business with credibility, exposure, and expansion, regardless of whether you sell makeup in Kumasi, bake bread in Tamale, or provide tutoring services in Accra.
This guide will show you:
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Why your business needs a website
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What you can do with a website
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How to build one for free (no tech skills needed)
Why Many Small Businesses in Ghana Avoid Websites
Let’s be honest, many business owners don’t have websites because they think:
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“It’s too expensive”
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“I don’t know how to build one”
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“My customers already know me”
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“I sell on WhatsApp and Facebook — that’s enough”
But in 2025, this mindset is holding many businesses back.
Why Your Business Needs a Website
1. Build Trust and Credibility
People trust businesses they can find online. A website makes you look serious and professional — even if you work from home or a kiosk.
Example:
Would you rather buy from Grace’s Skincare on Facebook only, or www.gracesskincaregh.com with contact info and product details?
2. Be Found by New Customers (Even While You Sleep)
With a website, your business is always open — 24/7. People searching “where to buy shea butter in Bolgatanga” can find your page even while you’re sleeping.
3. Control Your Brand and Message
Unlike Facebook or Instagram (where you follow their rules), your website belongs to you. You control:
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The design
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Your pricing
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Promotions
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Customer experience
4. Easily Share Your Info
No need to repeat your product list to every customer. Just send your website link:
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WhatsApp: “Check out our prices here – www.mykente.com”
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Bio links, flyers, posters
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Great for referrals
5. Accept Orders Online
You can allow customers to:
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Browse products/services
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Order online
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Book appointments
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Pay via Mobile Money
Even with a free site, this is possible using platforms like Google Forms or WhatsApp integration.
What You Can Put On a Simple Website
Here’s what a basic small business website should include:
| Page | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Home | Brief intro, what you do, key product/service |
| About | Your business story and vision |
| Products/Services | Pictures, prices, descriptions |
| Contact | Phone, email, WhatsApp, address, map |
| Order/Book Now | Order form or WhatsApp button |
No need for 10 pages — just 3 to 5 is enough for most local businesses.
How to Create a Website for Free in Ghana (No Coding)
You don’t need a laptop or developer. You can create a free, mobile-friendly website using these tools:
1. Google Sites (Free & Easy)
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Go to: https://sites.google.com
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Log in with Gmail
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Choose a template
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Add text, images, contact info
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Publish and get a link like:
https://yourbusinessname.site
Best for: Service providers, consultants, tutors, event planners
2. Cardd.co
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Free plan for simple one-page websites
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Great for showcasing 1 or 2 products
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Mobile-friendly
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Add buttons linking to your WhatsApp or MoMo
Best for: Side hustlers, students, freelancers
3. Zoho Sites / Wix / WordPress.com
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Drag-and-drop website builders
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Free subdomain (e.g., yourbiz.wixsite.com)
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Upgrade if you want a custom domain later
Best for: Small shops, fashion brands, food vendors
4. Google My Business Page (Bonus Tip!)
If you can’t make a full website yet, register your business on Google Maps via Google My Business
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Show up in search results
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Add phone, hours, services, photos
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100% free
Tips for Making Your Website Effective
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Use clear pictures (your own, not stock photos)
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Keep it simple and mobile-friendly
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Add WhatsApp buttons or MoMo payment links
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Use keywords like “affordable cake shop in Accra”
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Link it to your Facebook/Instagram pages
Real-Life Example: Kobby’s Food Joint
Kobby sells fried rice and chicken in Cape Coast. In 2024, he created a simple 3-page Google Site for free. It included:
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His menu
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Phone number and MoMo number
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Directions to his shop
He printed flyers with his website link and shared it in groups.
Result:
He got 3x more orders per week, especially from students and workers who found him via Google.
FAQs About Small Business Websites in Ghana
Q: Do I need a custom domain?
No, not immediately. Start free. Upgrade later if needed.
Q: What if I can’t build it myself?
Ask a student, freelancer, or youth in your area — many know how to use Google Sites or Wix. Offer a small fee or barter service.
Q: Can I sell on the site?
Yes — with tools like:
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WhatsApp links for direct orders
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Paystack or Flutterwave buttons
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Google Forms for booking or order forms
Summary Checklist
| Step | Status |
|---|---|
| Decide your business name | [ ] |
| Choose a free website tool | [ ] |
| Write basic content (Home, Products, Contact) | [ ] |
| Add clear pictures | [ ] |
| Link to WhatsApp or payment | [ ] |
| Share link with customers | [ ] |
Your Website is Your Online Shopfront
Start establishing your online presence with a basic website if you want to expand your small business in Ghana by 2025.
It doesn’t need to be elaborate. Simply make it easy to use, clear, and clean.
Your next client may be looking for you on Google right now, so get started.
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