Quick answer: You can create a basic website free with a website builder (on a sub-domain such as yourname.builder.com), or pay for your own domain (for example a .co.ke name) plus hosting and build it yourself with WordPress or a builder. A business site needs a home page, services or products, prices or a quote form, about, contact with WhatsApp and a Google Business Profile. Paying a developer costs more but saves time; see Buy More Mall’s website cost guide for professional builds.

Free vs Your Own Domain

How to Create a Website Step by Step

1. Decide the goal: calls, WhatsApp orders, bookings or online sales.
2. Choose a name and check that the domain is available (.co.ke or .com).
3. Pick a platform: a website builder (easiest) or WordPress (most flexible).
4. Choose a template close to your business type.
5. Write the pages (see below) and add real photos.
6. Add contact options: click-to-call, WhatsApp button, map.
7. Publish, then test on your phone.
8. Register on Google: Google Business Profile and Search Console.

Pages Every Business Website Needs

• Home: what you do, where, and a clear button (Call / WhatsApp / Order).
• Services or products with prices or "from" prices.
• About: who you are and why customers trust you.
• Reviews or photos of past work.
• Contact: phone, WhatsApp, email, location map, opening hours.

How Much Does a Website Cost in Kenya?

A DIY site on your own domain costs the yearly domain and hosting fees. A professionally designed site costs more depending on pages, features and online payments. Compare options in website design cost in Kenya.

Do You Need a Website at All?

For many small sellers a free online shop is faster: a free Buy More Mall shop gives you product pages, M-Pesa checkout and buyers already browsing the marketplace, and your Stay Home Network profile can link to it.

Getting Found on Google

• Use the words customers search ("water tank installation in Thika") in page titles and headings.
• Write helpful pages that answer common questions.
• Get listed on Google Business Profile with photos and reviews.
• Make it fast and mobile-friendly.

Example: A Plumber’s One-Page Site

A plumber in Thika buys a .co.ke domain and builds a single page: services with "from" prices, photos of finished jobs, five customer reviews, a WhatsApp button and a map. He adds the link to his Google Business Profile and his van. Most new jobs now start with a WhatsApp message from the site.

Your First 30 Days

1. Week 1: choose goal, name and platform.
2. Week 2: write the pages and take real photos.
3. Week 3: publish and test on phones.
4. Week 4: set up Google Business Profile and share the link everywhere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Stock photos instead of your real work.
• No phone number or WhatsApp button.
• Slow, heavy pages.
• Letting the domain expire.

Stay safe: never pay a "registration", "activation" or "withdrawal" fee to get paid, and never share your password or M-Pesa PIN. Real online income comes from people paying for your content, products or skills.

Create your free Stay Home Network account, or log in with H-MAIL on app.stayhomenetwork.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a free website in Kenya?

Use a free website builder on its sub-domain, or a free online shop for selling.

How much does it cost to create a website in Kenya?

DIY costs the domain and hosting; professional builds cost more depending on features.

What is a .co.ke domain?

Kenya’s commercial domain extension, popular with local businesses.

Which is better, WordPress or a website builder?

Builders are easier; WordPress is more flexible.

How do I get my website on Google?

Add Google Business Profile, submit it in Search Console and write helpful pages.

Do I need a website if I sell on WhatsApp?

Not always; a free online shop or catalogue can be enough to start.

Cover photo: Website code on a laptop screen. Photo: MacBook CSS Code Web Design, CC0 1.0.