Building a good business website
When you’re running an ethical business, your website is much more than a digital presence – it’s a critical tool for showcasing your values, reaching your audience, and driving impact. In this article, we’ll explore why a website is essential for your Good Business, how to align your messaging with your ethical principles, and what it means to extend those values into the technical build.
Why you need a website
The role a website plays in your business
Your website isn’t just a static brochure—it’s a dynamic tool that works 24/7 to support your business. It:
- Builds credibility
A professional website signals that you’re serious about your business and its mission. - Reaches a wider audience
It allows customers from anywhere to discover your products or services. - Tells your story
It’s the perfect place to share your journey, values, and impact. - Drives action
Whether it’s encouraging a purchase, booking a consultation, or joining a mailing list, your website facilitates engagement.
Aligning your messaging with good business values
Your website should be an extension of your Good Business ethos, communicating your values authentically and avoiding the pitfalls of greenwashing. Greenwashing—misleading claims about environmental practices—can damage your reputation and erode trust. Instead, let your actions speak for themselves.
- Be transparent
Share specifics about your sustainability initiatives, such as carbon offsetting or eco-friendly materials. - Use clear, honest language
Avoid vague phrases like “eco-friendly.” Instead, explain how your products or practices make a difference. - Showcase certifications
If you’re pursuing or have attained certifications like B Corp, proudly display these on your website.
Continuing your good business values in the build
Your ethical approach shouldn’t stop at your operations; it should extend to the design and functionality of your website. Here’s how to embed your values into the website development process:
Ethical hosting & partnerships:
- Choose ethical hosting
Opt for web hosts that use renewable energy to power their servers. - Work with like-minded suppliers
Partner with web developers and designers who share your commitment to sustainability.
Inclusive & energy-efficient design:
- Accessible design
Ensure your website is inclusive, with features that cater to all users, including those with disabilities. - Minimalist design
A clean, simple design not only looks professional but also reduces data transfer, improving energy efficiency. - Dark mode design
Light-on-dark designs can lower energy use on OLED screens.
Technical foundations for sustainability:
Building a Good Business website also involves making smart technical choices that minimise your environmental impact. The internet has a surprisingly large carbon footprint, and taking steps to reduce yours can make a meaningful difference.
- Optimise images
Compress image files to reduce load times and energy consumption. - Simplify navigation
Fewer clicks mean less energy used to access information. Remove unnecessary pages or features that inflate your digital footprint. - Monitor usage
Use tools to track data transfer and pinpoint areas for improvement. - Educate your audience
Let visitors know how your website’s design aligns with your Good Business values.
For more insights, explore our guides:
#designtip – a green web host, a hosting provider that runs on renewable energy, is one of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce your website carbon footprint. Check out the Green Web Foundation which has a worldwide Green Hosting directory. Choose a company, close to your clients (digital travel miles!), that aligns with your business values and make the switch.
A Good Business website isn’t just functional—it’s purposeful. By aligning your messaging, extending your values into the build, and making informed technical choices, you’ll create a platform that truly reflects your ethical mission. Whether you’re sharing your sustainability story, showcasing eco-friendly products, or engaging with a values-driven audience, your website can amplify your impact while staying true to your principles.
Need help building your Good Business website? At Lil Creative Studio, we specialise in ethical, environmentally-conscious design that speaks to your audience and your values. Get in touch—we’d love to support your journey.
Our next blog in the Good Business series will look at creating your supporting marketing literature. Stay posted!
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