What It Is
A prototype is a working model of a website that you can click through. Buttons lead to other screens, menus open, and you can follow a path such as booking an appointment. It may not have real data behind it, but it behaves like the real thing. It is like a test drive in a show car before the production model is built.
Why It Matters for Your Business
Prototypes catch problems that static pictures miss. A contractor might discover that the quote request takes too many clicks, or that customers cannot find the way back to the services page. Fixing these issues in a prototype is far cheaper than changing a finished, coded website.
Good to Know
Not every small business site needs a full prototype. They are most useful for sites with steps a visitor must complete, such as online booking, ordering or a multi-step quote form. For a simple brochure site with a few pages and a contact form, wireframes and mockups are usually enough.