Virtually every business has a website; it’s no longer the early 2000s. However, having a successful, professional-looking website is all the rage and a little more difficult to achieve than your basic, standard WordPress theme. I understand your website’s importance to your sales and marketing; it’s often the first thing visitors see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A successful small business website must be easy to navigate and use, leave a lasting impression, and, most especially, balance the need for content with the expectations of users. Define your purpose and goals while planning ways for engaging with your audience. Then, pick and choose from the best web developers and designers. Pro tip: 5-page websites work wonders.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a more detailed discussion, based on my views and experience, on how to create a successful small business website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before diving into the design process, take a step back and think about your website’s purpose and goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Defining your small business website’s purpose and goals is paramount before you start creating it. Purpose dictates the website design and content strategy, also ensuring the site effectively serves its intended purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some questions to consider when defining your purpose and goals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your brand goals should also influence the structure and design of your website. For example, if you want to establish your business as a leader in the industry, your website should have a professional and polished look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you’re aiming for a more casual and friendly image, your website can have a more relaxed and playful design. Ensure your website’s overall look and feel align with your brand’s identity and messaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s always important to know what your competitors are doing. They have similar goals and target audiences, so their websites can serve as inspiration for your own site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take note of the design elements, content, and features that stand out on your competitor’s website. It will give you an idea of what works well in your industry and how to differentiate yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After defining your goals and researching your competitors, the next step is to choose the right website builder for your dev project. Many options are available, each with a unique set of features and pricing plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you’ve considered these factors and narrowed down your options, sign up for free trials or demos. Always get a feel of their UI and features before committing to a subscription. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I consider myself an experienced web dev professional, having built over 100 websites for small businesses over the last decade. I prefer working with Liqui<\/a>d Web<\/a> because of its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and vast library of fast-loading design templates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there are many different types of website layouts, a simple 5-page layout is often the most effective for small businesses. It includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you can be a little more flexible. Here’s more on ‘Small Business Website Packages: Choosing the One that Fits.’<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from a visually appealing layout, also prioritize user-friendly design when building your website. Users should find it easy to navigate and use, and the pages should load fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following are some tips for creating a user-friendly website:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I recommend that you continuously evaluate and improve the user-friendliness of your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Search Engine Optimization (SEO) entails improving the user experience on your website by tweaking your content and web structure hoping to perform better on search results for relevant keywords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SEO improves user experience, marketing tactics, and overall search traffic by increasing its visibility and potential for conversions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some key strategies to implement include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, incorporating SEO strategies can greatly benefit your website’s search visibility, attracting more business. Here’s more on SEO for small businesses and what you need to know.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A website isn’t just a one-way communication channel; it should also allow for interactions and engagement with your audience. Your users may have questions, suggestions, or even complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, interactions and engagements keep users busy on your site, increasing retention metrics. They also signal to search engines that users are loving it on your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Improve your users’ experience by making it easy for them to share your content on their social media timelines. It makes them look informed, and your brand gains more exposure and reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also want to encourage comments on blog posts and questionnaires so users can make suggestions. Also, post your social media handles on your site, with links to your social profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Host webinars, live chats, or Q&A sessions to directly communicate with your audience in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Create a Small Business Website that Stands Out<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Define Your Purpose and Goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How Brand Goals Influence the Website’s Structure and Design<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Research Your Competitors<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Choose the Right Website Builder<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Website Builder<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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3. Consider a 5-Page Website Layout<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Focus on User-Friendly Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Utilize SEO Strategies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6. Engage with Your Audience<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n