What Makes a Good Website for a Small Business?
What Makes a Good Website for a Small Business?
In today’s digital age, a website is no longer optional for small businesses—it’s essential no pun intended, well actually pun intended. But not just any website will do. So, what makes a good website for a small business? It’s a question that many entrepreneurs grapple with. Let’s break down the key elements.
1. How to Create a Good Small Business Website: User-Friendly Navigation
A good website is easy to navigate. Visitors should be able to find what they’re looking for quickly and intuitively. Clear menus, logical site structure, and a prominent search bar (if applicable) are crucial. What makes a good website for a small business in this regard is its ability to guide users effortlessly through the site. One important aspect you must understand is who your audience is and the type of user you expect to be using your website. Something to consider is, are they visually impaired, do they need screen readers to interact with your website, are they older, so maybe adding a lot of animation and cool features isn’t necessary. Once you can answer this question, you are on your way to building a user-friendly website.
2. Creating A Great Small Business Website: Mobile Responsiveness
More and more people access the internet on their smartphones. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing potential customers. What makes a good website for a small business is its adaptability to various screen sizes, ensuring a seamless experience on desktops, tablets, and phones. Especially in cases where you have a restaurant or e-commerce site, having it mobile-friendly allows your customers, for instance, when they are on the go or even in the vicinity of your restaurant, to easily reserve a table.
3. Compelling Visuals and Branding Will Help Make A Good Small Business Website
First impressions matter. High-quality images, a clean design, and consistent branding help establish credibility and capture visitors’ attention. What makes a good website for a small business is its ability to represent the brand accurately and professionally. One thing to keep in mind as your brand evolves, your website should as well!
4. Clear Value Proposition and Content to Assist With Making Your Website Great
Visitors should immediately understand what your business offers and why they should choose you. Concise, compelling copy that highlights your unique value proposition is essential. What makes a good website for a small business is its ability to communicate its core message effectively.
5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Makes Your Website Searchable
A beautiful website is useless if no one can find it. Optimizing your website for search engines like Google is crucial for driving organic traffic. What makes a good website for a small business includes implementing SEO best practices, such as using relevant keywords, optimizing meta descriptions, and ensuring fast loading speeds. Also, be sure to set up your Google Business Profile and add all the necessary information about your business such as website, description, services, hours, etc.
6. Clear Call to Action Helps Generating Results
Every page on your website should have a purpose, guiding visitors toward a desired action. Whether it’s making a purchase, contacting you for a quote, or signing up for your newsletter, a clear call to action is essential. What makes a good website for a small business is its ability to convert visitors into customers.
7. Fast Loading Speed From Good to Great
Website visitors expect pages to load quickly. A slow-loading site can frustrate users and cause them to leave. Optimizing images, minimizing code, and choosing a good hosting provider are crucial for a fast website. Some plugins, such as WP-Rocket for WordPress websites, are great as they handle a lot of the heavy lifting for you. Be sure to review whatever platform/hosting provider you are on to see what options they may have available.
In conclusion, what makes a good website for a small business is a combination of user-friendly design, compelling content, and effective marketing. It’s a website that not only looks good but also drives results.
Whether you want a new website or a redesign, it’s important to understand what goes into having a good website. Ready to begin your journey with Everyday Web? Schedule a meeting with us, or sign up for our newsletter for valuable tips and insights on building a successful online presence for your small business.
