Easy and Actionable Tips for Small Business Websites
Do you run a small business? Your website is one of the most powerful tools you have. But here’s the thing: most small business owners don’t realise just how important (and effective) their website can be. They think of it as a digital business card, something you whip together and that’s that.
The truth is, your website can work harder for you. It can help you stand out from the competition, build trust with your audience, and, yes, even make sales while you’re sleeping.
In this post, I’m going to share some easy and actionable tips for small business websites that will:
Help you rethink your website
Bust some common myths
Shift your mindset to build a site that truly works for you
Here are 5 Quick Tips for Small Business Websites:
1. Your Website is More Than a Digital Business Card
Myth: I just need a website so people know I exist
Yes, we definitely want people to know you exist. But some people think the goal of their website is simply to show up online and go, Woohoo *waves hankie* here I am! But here’s the truth: your website is your silent partner in growing your business.
Reality: Your website should sell for you
Think of your website as a 24/7 salesperson. It’s more than a digital business card; it’s a tool that should be working hard to capture your ideal clients and convince them that you are the best solution to their problem.
Tip for small business websites:
Invest in strong copy and design that speaks directly to your ideal clients. Ensure it answers the question: “Why should someone work with you?”
2. Clarity Beats Cleverness Every Time
Myth: If it looks good, that’ll do
It’s easy to get caught up in fancy pants design, shiny animations, or trying to be “cool” with your website. But, while beautiful websites are important, they aren’t the be-all and end-all. And this is coming from someone OBSESSED with those fancy pants designs and all the rest. Your visitors need to know exactly what you do, who you help, and how you can solve their problem. Fast.
Reality: Pretty is nice, but clarity is essential
You have seconds to capture someone’s attention when they land on your site. If they don’t understand immediately what you do, they’ll bounce.
Tip for small business websites:
Make your headline clear and direct, not overly creative. Let people know who you are and what you offer right away. Save the creativity for your deeper pages, but never at the expense of clarity.
3. SEO Isn’t Just for Big Businesses
Myth: I’m too small for SEO to matter
You may think that SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is just for big corporations or businesses with huge marketing budgets. But that’s not true. Not sure what SEO is? I have a blog you might like: Website Jargon You Don’t Actually Need To Worry About
Reality: Local SEO can put you right in front of your ideal clients
If you’re a small business or service-based company, local SEO is incredibly important. It’s a powerful way to get discovered by people who are actively searching for what you offer in your area.
Tip for small business websites:
Optimise your website for local keywords. Think: “best hairdresser in Sydney” or “plants online Melbourne.” The more specific, the better.
4. Mobile Matters More Than You Think
Myth: My customers only visit on their desktops
It’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming that most people visit websites on a computer. But if you’re still thinking that way, unless you’re a time traveller, you might be stuck in the past.
Reality: Over 50% of website traffic comes from mobile devices
And that number keeps growing. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing potential customers. A website that isn’t optimised for mobile devices looks cluttered, is hard to navigate, and can lead to frustrated users who just bounce away from your site.
Tip for small business websites:
Make sure your site is responsive, meaning it looks great on desktops, tablets, and phones. Regularly test your website on your phone to make sure it’s easy to read, navigate, and use.
5. A Website Isn’t “Set and Forget”
Myth: Once it’s live, I’m done!
Phew! You did it. (and well done too!). You might think that after your website is up and running, you’re done with it. It’s live, it works, and now you can focus on other parts of your business. But here’s the reality: your website needs ongoing maintenance and attention.
Reality: Websites need regular updates
Your website is a living, breathing thing (I mean this figuratively, of course … if it were, I’d call mine Doris). It requires regular check-ins. Whether it’s revising content, ensuring everything is up to date, or refreshing SEO practices, your website needs attention to keep it relevant and effective.
Tip for small business websites:
Schedule a website “health check” every few months to ensure everything’s running smoothly. This includes checking for broken links, updating any old content, and reviewing your SEO.
Final Thoughts: Your Website Can Be Your Best Business Partner
At the end of the day, your website isn’t just something to check off your to-do list. Think of it as a powerful asset that can help:
Grow your business
Attract your ideal clients
Build trust with your audience
By shifting your mindset and understanding a few key things about how websites work, like these tips for small business websites above, you can make sure your site is more than just a placeholder, it can become one of your best business tools!
I hope these small business web design tips help you get ahead of the competition! If you’re ready to create a website that’s not just a pretty face but powerful, effective, and stress-free, let’s chat! I’m here to help guide you through the process, answer any questions, and make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
Contact me here to get started!
