Starting a service business online has never been easier. With WordPress and Stripe, you can create a professional website and start accepting payments in just a few hours.
Why Use WordPress and Stripe for a Service Business?
WordPress
WordPress powers over 40% of the web, and for good reason. It’s:
- Free and open source
- Flexible with thousands of plugins and themes
- Easy to customize (no coding required)
- SEO-friendly out of the box
For a service business, it’s perfect. You can quickly build a professional-looking site with your brand, service descriptions, booking pages, and testimonials.
Stripe
Stripe is one of the most trusted payment processors online. It allows you to:
- Accept credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more
- Offer one-time or recurring payments
- Manage subscriptions and invoices
- Get funds directly in your bank account
When combined with WordPress, Stripe gives you a smooth, secure, and modern way to get paid online without expensive software or technical headaches.
Step 1: Choose the Right Hosting and Install WordPress
Before anything else, you’ll need a reliable WordPress host. Choose one that offers Fast performance (important for SEO and user experience). SSL certificate (required for Stripe), Automatic backups and updates.
Once you’ve select a WordPress hosting plan, WordPress should already be pre-installed.
Step 2: Select a Professional Theme
Your website design shapes your brand’s first impression. Look for a theme that loads fast and is mobile-friendly, supports easy page building (like Elementor or Block Editor), matches your business type (consulting, agency, coaching, etc).
For free, you can start with one of the default WordPress themes and customize colors, fonts, and layout.
Step 3: Define and Display Your Services
Use clear, benefit-driven language when describing your services. For each service page:
- Add a strong headline (e.g., “Business Coaching That Drives Real Results”)
- Explain what’s included
- Share testimonials or case studies
- Include a visible Call to Action (CTA) — like “Book a Session” or “Pay Now”
You can easily create a services grid using WordPress blocks or a page builder.
Step 4: Set Up Stripe Payments
This is where your business starts earning revenue. To accept payments on WordPress, you’ll need a Stripe integration plugin.
Recommended Option: WP Stripe Checkout
WP Stripe Checkout is a lightweight plugin that connects WordPress directly to Stripe (no complex eCommerce setup needed). You can:
- Accept one-time or recurring payments
- Use simple shortcodes or buttons
- Support global currencies and digital wallets
- Enjoy PCI-compliant checkout via Stripe’s secure payment pages
Just drop the shortcode on any page, and you’re ready to get paid.
Step 5: Add a Booking or Contact Option
Many service-based businesses need a way for clients to schedule appointments or consultations.
You can use:
- Simply Schedule Appointments or Amelia for online bookings
- Contact Form 7 for inquiries
- Calendly or TidyCal embeds for quick scheduling
Make sure every service page has an easy next step: Book Now, Pay & Schedule, or Get Started.
Step 6: Build Trust and Credibility
Your website isn’t just a brochure, it’s your sales engine. Add sections that make potential clients confident in hiring you:
- Testimonials or Reviews: Include client feedback, ideally with names or photos.
- Portfolio or Case Studies: Showcase past results.
- About Page: Tell your story (who you are, what you believe in, why you care).
- Guarantee or Promise: Offer risk-free engagement (e.g., free intro call, satisfaction guarantee).
Step 7: Optimize for Conversions
- Keep CTAs above the fold
- Use contrasting button colors
- Reduce distractions on checkout pages
- Offer limited-time incentives or bonuses
Step 8: Promote Your New Service Website
Once your site is live and Stripe is connected, it’s time to let the world know about it. Begin by sharing your new website across all your professional and social platforms. Announce your launch on LinkedIn, Instagram, and relevant Facebook groups, highlighting what makes your services unique. If you work locally, add your business to Google Business Profile and other local directories to improve search visibility.
You can also consider running small paid ad campaigns on Google or Meta (Facebook/Instagram). Target specific keywords or interests that align with your audience, and direct visitors straight to your service or booking pages. Even a small daily budget can generate meaningful leads if your messaging is clear and your checkout process is simple.