Updated: 13 October, 2026
- Step 1: decide what the website must do
- Step 2: know who you're talking to
- Step 3: choose your domain name
- Step 4: set a realistic budget
- Step 5: pick the platform
- Step 6: choose who builds it
- Step 7: prepare the words and photos
- Step 8: cover the legal basics
- Step 9: plan the launch
- Step 10: get found locally
- Step 11: keep it working
- Ready to start?
- Frequently asked questions
- How much does a business website cost in Gibraltar?
- Should I use a .gi or a .com domain?
- Do I need a privacy policy?
- How long does it take to get a website?
- Will my website appear on Google straight away?
Getting a business website in Gibraltar is simpler than it looks, as long as you take the decisions in the right order. This guide walks through each step, from deciding what the site must do to looking after it once it's live, with links to our more detailed articles where you want to go deeper. It's written for owners of small and medium businesses, whether you're starting out or replacing a site that no longer works for you.
Step 1: decide what the website must do
Start with the result you want, not the design. Most Gibraltar businesses want one of four things:
Enquiries: calls, WhatsApp messages and quote requests.
Bookings: tables, appointments, classes or rooms.
Sales: products ordered and paid for online.
Credibility: somewhere to send people who've heard of you, so they can check you're the real thing.
Write down which matters most. It decides almost everything else, from the pages you need to the budget.
Step 2: know who you're talking to
Gibraltar businesses often serve several groups: residents, people who cross from Spain every day, visitors, and companies elsewhere. Note who they are, what they need to know and which languages they read. If many of your customers come from Spain, plan for Spanish pages from the start; our guide to bilingual websites explains how.
Step 3: choose your domain name
Your web address should be short, easy to spell and say, and ideally match your business name. You'll usually choose between a .com and a Gibraltar .gi address. A .gi address tells people you're local; .gi names are handled by the Gibraltar .GI Registry, so check its rules on who can register before you decide. Whichever you choose, register it in your business's name, not your designer's.
Step 4: set a realistic budget
Plan for the build and the running costs. As a guide, our websites in Gibraltar start at £1,500 for a brochure site, £2,000 for a site you update yourself, £2,500 with online bookings and £4,000 for an online shop, with hosting and care at £25 or £30 a month. Our article on how much a website costs in Gibraltar breaks this down.
Step 5: pick the platform
Website builders, WordPress and custom-built sites each suit different businesses. The right one depends on who will update the site, the features you need and how long you'll keep it. See WordPress, Wix or a custom website for a plain-English comparison.
Step 6: choose who builds it
Look at sites they've built, on your phone. Ask whether the price is fixed, what's included, who owns the domain and accounts, and what happens after launch. Be wary of anyone who promises first place on Google. Our checklist on how to choose a web designer lists the questions to ask.
Step 7: prepare the words and photos
This is where most projects slow down. Gather your logo, photos of your premises, team and work, and the facts customers ask about: services, prices, opening hours, how to find you. Real photos beat stock images every time. If writing isn't your thing, ask your designer to write the text from a short conversation.
Step 8: cover the legal basics
Every business website needs a privacy policy that explains what you do with personal data, and a cookie banner that lets visitors refuse non-essential cookies. Gibraltar has its own data protection rules, overseen by the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, and if you sell to customers in Spain, Spanish rules apply too. Your designer can build the pages; a lawyer should confirm the wording for your business.
Step 9: plan the launch
Allow about three weeks for a simple site and around two months for bookings or a shop; how long it takes to build a website explains what affects the timeline. At launch, make sure:
every page works on a phone;
the contact form, phone and WhatsApp links work;
the site is connected to Google Search Console;
your Google Business Profile links to the new site.
Step 10: get found locally
Most local customers find businesses through Google Maps. Set up and complete your Google Business Profile (step-by-step guide), ask happy customers for reviews, and make sure your name, address and phone number match everywhere. Our guide to local SEO in Gibraltar covers what helps you rank on the map.
Step 11: keep it working
A website needs care: security updates, backups, fresh content and the occasional improvement. Check your enquiries every month, update prices and photos when they change, and plan a refresh every few years. When the time comes, our website redesign SEO checklist helps you keep your Google traffic.
Ready to start?
If you'd like help with any of these steps, see web design in Gibraltar or request a quote. We'll give you a fixed price and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a business website cost in Gibraltar?
With us, from £1,500 for a brochure site to £4,000 for an online shop, with bespoke projects from £4,500. Hosting and care is £25 or £30 a month.
Should I use a .gi or a .com domain?
A .gi shows you're a Gibraltar business; a .com is familiar everywhere. Check the .GI Registry's rules on who can register a .gi name.
Do I need a privacy policy?
Yes, if your site collects any personal data, including through a contact form. A lawyer should confirm the wording.
How long does it take to get a website?
About three weeks for a straightforward site, and around two months for bookings or an online shop.
Will my website appear on Google straight away?
It can be found within days of launch once it's submitted to Search Console. Ranking well for competitive searches takes longer, and no one can guarantee a position.


