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(Because “Coming Soon” Doesn’t Count) And we know this from experience!
Let’s be honest, if you don’t have a real small business website (and no, we’re not talking about a single landing page with a logo and a Gmail address), you’re already behind. Social media is essential, but your website is your digital headquarters. It’s where trust is built, customers are converted, and credibility is established. So why are so many small businesses treating their website like an afterthought?
Here’s the no-BS checklist of what every small business website must have, no excuses.
1. Clear, Compelling Small Business Website Homepage
Your homepage is your virtual handshake. It should immediately answer three questions:
- Who are you?
- What do you do?
- Why should anyone care?
If your homepage opens with a blurry stock photo and a vague “Welcome to Our Site,” scrap it. Instead, use bold headlines, clean visuals, and a sentence that punches your value proposition. Lead with confidence, not confusion.
2. Obvious Contact Information
Your phone number shouldn’t be buried three clicks deep. Put it in your header, your footer, and on a dedicated “Contact Us” page. Include:
- Phone number
- Email (preferably not a Yahoo account)
- Physical address (if applicable)
- Embedded map or directions
- Business hours
Bonus points for a contact form that doesn’t feel like it was built in 2006.
3. About Page That Tells a Story
People don’t buy from faceless logos. They buy from people. Your About page shouldn’t just be a timeline of how you started your business; it should communicate your mission, values, and what makes you different. Add a photo. Tell us why you do what you do. Be human.
This is your chance to connect, not bore.
4. Products or Services Page
Don’t make people guess what you sell. List your services or products clearly, and write copy that sells them. If you’re a service-based business, break down what’s included, who it’s for, and what results to expect. If you’re selling products, use high-quality images and include specifications, descriptions, and pricing information.
Pro tip: “Call for price” usually means “lose the sale.”
5. Strong Calls to Action (CTAs) Throughout Your Small Business Website
Every page should guide your visitor toward a specific action, such as calling you, filling out a form, scheduling a consultation, or booking a service. “Learn More” is fine, but “Get Your Free Estimate Today” is better. Be direct. Tell people what to do.
And for the love of marketing, make your buttons big enough to tap on a phone.
6. Testimonials or Social Proof
Don’t just tell people you’re great, show them. Add testimonials from happy customers, case studies, or links to reviews. Got media coverage or awards? Showcase it. People trust people. And they trust the proof.
Even three quotes from real clients can go a long way.
7. Mobile Optimization for Small Business Website
Over 60% of web traffic occurs on mobile devices. If your site looks like a jigsaw puzzle on an iPhone, you’re losing customers. Responsive design isn’t optional. Your site should load quickly, format properly on any device, and be finger-friendly.
Because if we have to zoom in to click your menu, we’re out.
8. SEO Basics
We’re not saying you need to be an SEO wizard. But at minimum:
- Each page should have a descriptive title and meta description.
- Use keywords your audience is searching for.
- Don’t ignore image alt tags and header structure (H1, H2, etc.).
Search engines need to understand your site to rank it. And if you’re invisible on Google, you might as well not exist.
9. Legal & Trust Signals
It’s not sexy, but it matters:
- Privacy Policy (primarily if you collect emails or have a contact form)
- SSL Certificate (that “https” matters for trust)
- Accessibility considerations (don’t forget your audience with disabilities)
These small touches show that you take your business and your visitors seriously.
10. Fresh, Relevant Content
Your website isn’t a one-and-done. Update it regularly with blog posts, new testimonials, seasonal offers, or photos. It keeps your site fresh and gives search engines more content to index.
Plus, nothing screams “we’re out of business” like a site that hasn’t been updated since 2019.
Bottom Line: Your Small Business Website Isn’t Just a Brochure
It’s a 24/7 sales rep. A brand ambassador. A customer service assistant. If it’s half-baked, so is your credibility.
So if your site is missing any of the essentials above, fix it before your competitors. Thank you for making their job easier.
Don’t you know how to build a website or have time to keep it current? Don’t worry, we do that! TCHQ Communications: Building smarter, more innovative organizations, one playbook at a time.
Let TCHQ Communications help you grow the business and the team you deserve. Looking to take your organization to the next level? Contact TCHQ Communications today at 502-209-7619.
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