As a small business owner, you know how crucial it is to have a strong online presence. With more consumers turning to the internet to find local products and services, your website serves as your online storefront. But simply having a website isn't enough. To really stand out among the crowd and attract customers in the competitive local market, your website needs to have certain essential elements. Let's take a look at the 10 must-have website features that your small business website absolutely needs.
Make it easy for potential customers to get in touch with you by displaying your contact information in an obvious location. Include your phone number, email address, and physical address. A great tool to have is Google My Business. According to a study by Gitnux, 96% of consumers access Google My Business before making a purchasing decision.
Optimize your website for local search by including relevant keywords and phrases related to your business and location. This will help your website rank higher in search engine results when people in your community are looking for products or services you offer.
With more people using smartphones to browse the internet, it's vital that your website is mobile-friendly. Ensure that your site is responsive and displays correctly on all devices, including smartphones and tablets. If you need assistance, hiring a local website designer can help you curate an mobile friendly site that customers love.
Use high-quality images and videos to showcase your products, services, and business location. Visual content is more engaging and can help capture the attention of potential customers. Stay away from stock images and use more original images. This website feature will also help your website rank higher in search engines.
Make it easy for visitors to navigate your website by organizing your content logically and providing clear menu options. A user-friendly navigation structure will improve the overall user experience and encourage visitors to explore your site further.
Displaying testimonials and reviews from satisfied customers can help build trust and credibility. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms such as Google My Business, Yelp, or your website.
Connect your website to your social media profiles to encourage visitors to follow you on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X (twitter). This will help you engage with your audience and build a community around your small business.
If this applies to your business, consider integrating online booking or appointment scheduling on your website. This can streamline the booking process for customers and make it more convenient for them to access your services at any time.
Anticipate common questions that potential customers may have about your business, products, or services. Create a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on your website to address them. Providing helpful information upfront will improve customer satisfaction and reduce the number of inquiries you receive.
Every page on your website should include a clear call to action prompting visitors to take the next step, whether it's contacting you for more information, making a purchase, or signing up for your newsletter. Tell them what you want them to do next.
A well-designed website with these 10 essential website features can help your local small business attract and engage customers effectively. By optimizing your online presence and providing valuable information to your target audience, you can ultimately drive growth for your business in your local community.
Need help building the perfect small business website? Contact us today for a consultation with a web designer in Austin and let us help you create a website that stands out from the crowd!
