How To Create a Small Business Website That Makes a Good First Impression
A 2021 Pew Research Center report shows that 85% of Americans say they go online every day, with 31% reporting that they go online “almost constantly.” With those kinds of numbers, it becomes obvious that many of your potential customers are looking online for the products and services you offer.
If you’re a small business owner, having a website to show your current and potential customers what you can do for them is no longer a “nice to have” — it is a must-have for your business.
To turn potential customers into buyers, your website needs to be engaging and easy to navigate. Let’s take a look at some of the basics for creating an effective website.
What To Include When Creating a Website For Your Business
1. An easy web address
Let’s start with the basics. Your web address should be simple and easy to remember. You want potential customers to be able to visit your website after seeing the address on an advertisement or hearing it from a friend. Avoid dashes, confusing acronyms and numbers. Keeping it as close to your business name as possible is the best option.
For example, if your business is “Bob’s Hardware” try to establish “www.bobshardware.com.” This will make it easier to find.
2. A clear call to action on the homepage
What is the primary action you want people to take when they visit your website? Include a button on the top of the homepage that encourages them to take the desired action. Depending on the type of business you are running, here are some examples of what your CTA button could say and do:
- “Contact Us For a Quote” | This would direct the customer to your contact information or to a page where they can contact you directly from the website.
- “Order Online” | If you sell products online, this will take your customers to your online store or ordering page.
- “Discover Our Services” | This could take potential customers to your product offering page that shows them how they can benefit from your business.
3. Menu or list of products and services
One of the main reasons people are coming to your website is to learn what your business offers. Your website should include a list of all of the products and services you provide. For example, if you run a restaurant, this is where you would include your full menu. If you’re a web designer, this is where you would list the services you provide and share examples of your work.
If you’re in the retail space, you may want to show your prices; otherwise include a way for them to contact you for a quote or more information.
4. About Us
Today more than ever, people want to know who they’re doing business with. Use the About Us page to tell your story in a thorough yet concise way. Tell them your mission, how your business benefits your customers, and why you sell the products or services you do. Also include information on particular areas you serve and whether you serve customers nationally or globally.
5. Contact information and locations
If a customer is interested in making a purchase or getting more information, they need to know how to find you. Include all the ways they can contact you, including:
- Business phone number
- Email
- Social media accounts
- Contact form on the website
This is also where you will list the address for each of your physical locations.
6. Online store/ordering
If you sell products, you can add an online store or ordering system to allow customers to make purchases online. There are many e-commerce services, such as Toast, Shopify or Etsy, that can plug right into your small business website.
Learn More: Choosing the Right E-Commerce Apps
Many e-commerce solutions include credit card processing systems, and often you can choose your own. We work closely with Professional Solutions to provide a secure payment gateway and direct processing for credit card purchases.
7. FAQ page
If there are questions customers ask regularly, include them and the answers here. This will save time for you and your customers.
8. Testimonials
If your business has been reviewed by reputable and well-known people or publications, add them to your website. Be sure to include the sources to let your customers know these are legitimate reviews.
Start Your Customers’ Journeys Off Right
In many cases, your business’s website will be your potential customers’ first step on their journey to walking through your door or making a purchase. Having the right elements on your website is key to making a good first impression.
For more information on how to find digital tools to help grow your business, check out this post on the Biz Buzz Blog.
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