Having a website for your small business isn’t just nice to have—it’s an essential in today’s technological era. But it’s not just about having a good looking website, it needs to work well, be easy to find, and help customers take action.
Some of the vital website must haves for small businesses work in the background; not things that visitors will even notice. Security, mobile-friendliness, and SEO ensures your site runs smoothly and appears on search engines.
Then, there are the front facing elements that visitors actually see and are vital for your small business website. These include a clear homepage, contact information, customer reviews, and information that helps visitors trust you and take the next step.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 11 must haves for a small business website, covering both the behind the scenes essentials and the customer facing details that make all the difference.
Looking for help with your website? Get in touch with us at info@findableNZ.co.nz
4 Behind the Scene Web Essentials for Small Business Websites
To start off, we’ll briefly discuss the behind-the-scenes aspects of a website. The foundation for a strong website includes security, mobile optimization, page user-friendliness, and SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
Even the best looking website may struggle to attract visitors or function properly without having a fast, secure, and easy to read. By focusing on these core elements, you create a seamless experience that keeps customers engaged and encourages them to take action.
1. Website is User Friendly
A user-friendly website is easy to load, navigate, find information, and take action. What this means for a small business website owner is that the pages load relatively quickly, the menu is easy to use, and have an intuitive design.
These all contribute to a positive experience that keeps visitors engaged, and increases the chance of converting them into customers.
2. SSL / Security on a Website
Security is a must for any small business website. An SSL certificate encrypts data, protecting customer information from hackers and making your site more trustworthy. Visitors expect to see the padlock icon in the browser bar, signaling that their data is safe.
An SSL certificate also converts the URL from http to https (read more on cloudlflare). Some browsers will warn visitors that they are going to an unsecure website, one that only has an http URL, and they will be asked if they wisht to proceed or not. This creates a huge barrier for visitors entering a website.
Plus, search engines like Google prioritize secure websites, which helps with SEO. Without proper security, you risk losing customers and credibility. Investing in SSL and other security measures ensures your website remains a safe and reliable space for visitors.
3. Mobile Friendly
With more people browsing the internet on their phones than ever before, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial.
A site that doesn’t adjust properly to different screen sizes can be frustrating to navigate, leading potential customers to leave before taking action. A mobile-friendly design ensures that your site loads quickly, is easy to read, and allows users to interact seamlessly while on a small screen.
4. SEO
Search Engine Optimization helps your website show up in search results when potential customers are looking for businesses like yours. Good SEO includes using relevant keywords, optimizing images, and ensuring your site loads quickly.
By improving your SEO, you make it easier for people to find and connect with your business online.
7 Essential Front-Facing Elements For a Business Website
While behind-the-scenes elements ensure your website functions smoothly, customer-facing features are what make a strong first impression. These elements help visitors quickly understand your business, build trust, and take action. From a well-organized homepage to clear contact details, each piece plays a crucial role in turning visitors into customers.
5. Domain Name/URL
Your domain name is your online identity, so it should be simple, memorable, and relevant to your business. A clear, easy-to-spell domain name helps customers find you quickly and improves credibility.
Also look for one that is not too similar to other businesses in your field. Having a unique domain helps visitors put your name to the service, not a competing service.
6. Well Laid out Homepage
As a small business, your homepage is often the first thing visitors see. It’s important for it to be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and clearly communicate what your business does.
A well-structured homepage guides visitors to the information they need and encourages them to explore further and find your contact information easily.
7. About Section
An engaging about section builds trust by telling your business’s story, mission, and values. Customers like to connect with brands on a personal level, so this section should highlight what makes your business unique.
This also helps visitors put faces to the company, creating trust in the business. The about section can be a short paragraph on the homepage, or a full page dedicated to describing you and your business.
8. Ways of Contact
Having contact information or ways to contact in multiple locations on the website makes it easier for visitors to contact you. Visitors don’t want to do work trying to find contact information on a website. By having multiple contact locations and options for contact is vital.
Some common ways of contact to put on a website include email address, phone number, or contact form. Making it easy for visitors to contact you is essential for converting leads.
Have these easy to find, in multiple locations – like header, footer, on the homepage in a few spots, and even it’s own contact page.
9. Call to Action
A strong call to action (CTA) tells visitors what to do next, whether it’s booking a consultation, making a purchase, or signing up for a newsletter. Clear and compelling CTAs help drive conversions.
This can be located at the bottom of the page, as well as partway through a page after a compelling reason that this website visitor should contact you.
10. Services
Clearly listing your services helps potential customers understand what you offer. Be specific and concise, making it easy for visitors to decide if your business meets their needs.
11. Reviews
Customer reviews provide social proof and build credibility. Featuring positive testimonials on your website reassures potential customers that others have had a great experience with your business.
Website Must Haves For Small Businesses – Summary
By incorporating these 11 must-haves into your small business website, you create a strong foundation that attracts more visitors and turns them into customers. A well-optimized, secure, and user-friendly site builds trust and ensures a smooth experience for your audience.
If you need help setting up or improving your website, I can assist in making sure it meets all these essential criteria. Let’s create a website that works for your business—reach out today!