7 Essential Website Elements for Small Businesses
Your business website can be a very powerful marketing tool, but many small business owners don’t put enough effort into the visual and design elements to ensure that their target customers will actually make a purchase or contact them right away. First impressions are even more important online, so you need to make sure your small business website is designed in a way that attracts the right type of customer, has a strong online presence, and delivers the type of information your visitor is looking for.
Whether you’re a tech startup or a local construction company, here seven essential website elements for any small businesses:
#1: Visible Logo
Make sure your logo is visible on the home page, and every other page of your site. Your logo is an important part of your brand image, and you need customers to identify it as quickly as possible. Use the same logo and colors on other pages and marketing materials for consistency.
#2: Contact Information
Make sure your contact information is visible on every page, not only on the Contact Us section. Put your phone number and email address at the top or bottom of each page, and include a small Contact Us button on every page. This makes it easy for the visitor to get in touch with you the moment they decide to proceed with a sale, or just when they want to talk to you.
#3: Eye-Catching Headline or Slogan
Describe your business’s key services or mission in two to three lines and place this text in a visible location on your homepage. This element of your website will be the focal point of the home page and should convey your core message when the visitor arrives.
#4: Call to Action
Whether you want your website visitor to book a consultation online, call you for an appointment, or buy something from you during the same visit, make it as easy as possible for the visitor to proceed with the next steps. A large button that links to your contact page or a shopping page can be all it takes to encourage the visitor to take the next step.
#5: Quality Content
Whether you’re describing a set of products and services, sharing your mission statement or providing industry news, make sure you are providing original, useful and high-quality information for your visitors regularly. Updating your site regularly with quality information not only keeps visitors entertained and informed, but also offers a search engine optimization benefit. You can post articles, archives of newsletters, or even maintain a blog on the site to help generate more traffic and keep visitors interested.
#6: About Us Section
A single page that summarizes your business’s history, notable achievements and awards, staff members and future growth potential can help potential customers learn more about you. This page adds a personal touch to your website and the information you provide here can help to set you apart from competitors in your area.
#7: Map and Directions
Make it easy for prospective customers to find your office, store or warehouse by providing a map and directions on your Contact Us page or About Us page. You can also include a link to directions on the home page for easy access.
From an eye-catching headline to a thorough “About Us” section, make sure your small business website has all of the essential elements of a quality, reputable site. First impressions are still important in the online world, so you need a site that reflects your company’s core values, showcases your products and engages your target customer.