Free Guide: Small Business Website Essentials

Ben Selkirk

November 30, 2021

In This Topic: Web Design

Depending on the size of a company, the size and quality of a website can differ greatly. Larger companies with a global presence may even use multiple websites in different regions to cover the vast majority of their clients. On the other hand, small business website essentials are the crucial aspects of a website small business owners must be aware of.

Understanding the size of your business and what it needs is the first step to branching into the online market. In today’s article we will explore the crucial elements of a website, and why they are important essentials for any small business owners’ website.

The Small Business Website Essentials: Easily Accessible Contact Form

Website designed for Argo Merchant Bank by Imperium. Notice the contact information, as well as the contact form.
Website designed for Argo Merchant Bank by Imperium. Notice the contact information, as well as the contact form.

Having an easily accessible contact form on the forefront of your page is a must for any business large or small. Having the contact form on the home page of your website is the best way to ensure customers see it. The task bar is another great option. This will assist customers with getting into direct contact with you as soon as possible.

You don’t want to have customers struggling to find how to get into contact with you. Make their online experience as easy as possible, and ensure they can find your contact information with one or two clicks.

Many small businesses pride themselves on their strong customer service. Unlike the majority of larger businesses who may lack that personal touch when conducting business.

Ensuring your website is easy to use and your contact form is readily available is important. This will help customers get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Brand Continuity: A Simple And Professional Color Scheme

Website designed for Kingstown Asset Management by Imperium. Take note of the simple color scheme used.
Website designed for Kingstown Asset Management by Imperium. Take note of the simple color scheme used.

Having strong brand continuity is crucial when building a local online presence in your community. Local brand recognition allows small businesses to grow there recognition in a community, and a good website can help with this.

In order to have strong brand continuity having a professional color scheme is an important first step. Using one or two simple colors will keep your website from looking busy and crowded. This will allow your website to have a strong professional quality.

Many small businesses will choose colors related to the industry they are in. A good example is using a strong orange and white theme if you are an electric based construction company.

Choosing a color scheme that fits the industry of your business will allow customers to identify your website with your industry. This is an important step for continuing to develop your local online presence.

Ultimately the choice is yours. As long as you are able to choose a strong color combination your website will look excellent. This will provide your customers with assurance that your company is modernized.

Testimonials: Showcase Your Companies Past Projects

Website designed for Canadian Environmental Drilling And Contractors by Imperium. Note the testimonials at the bottom.
Website designed for Canadian Environmental Drilling And Contractors by Imperium. Note the testimonials at the bottom.

Ensuring you have a strong testimonials page will help customers develop trust in your business, and further decide to give you their business. Testimonials are a crucial aspect to any form of online website, whether your company operates on a global scale or a local one.

By setting up a reviews page you are allowing your customers to provide written feedback on the projects or services.

Your company is showing future customers you have nothing to hide, and can ensure them you provide the best quality work. This assurance will assist your customer with providing you with their business.

The testimonials page will help gain future customers. This should allow you to secure a stronger foothold in your local community, and the industry you are in.

Booking Integration: Allow Customers To Set The Pace Of Your Transaction

Website Design for Merge Counselling by Imperium. Take note of the calendar on the right hand side, and how it shows available appointment times.
Website design for Merge Counselling by Imperium. Take note of the calendar on the right hand side, and how it shows available appointment times.

When you set up a booking extension on your website you allow customers to make appointment with you when it’s convenient for them. If you run a business that operates from 9-5 but only take clients from 10-4, you must clarify this.

The booking section of your website will allow customers to schedule times that work for both you and them. This will make the process of selling you service more streamlined.

Having a booking page will also assist you with the efficient operation of your company.

Many small business owners provide their personal information on the contact page of their website for general queries and questions. A booking page with a contact form will allow you to set up a separate email for confirmed clients.

SSL Certificate: Ensure You Have A Safe And Secure Website

Website designed for WRC Contracting by Imperium. Notice the top left corner of the search bar has a lock. This means the website is secure.
Website designed for WRC Contracting by Imperium. Notice the top left corner of the search bar has a lock. This means the website is secure.

Secure Sockets Layer certificates are a digital certificate that authenticate a website’s identity and enable an encrypted connection. This means a security protocol has been created.

This is an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser. There are varying levels of SSL certificates, and these vary in price and functionality. However, the easiest way to obtain an SSL certificate is to hire a trusted web design company such as Imperium.

Having a website that isn’t secure will deter potential customers, as they may fear their personal information is not safe. If your website is not secure, it will be difficult to earn your customers trust.

On the other hand a safe website ensure your customers information is safe. Having a secure website will help further solidify your customers trust in your company. They will be more willing to provide you with their business.

Mobile Responsiveness: Allow Customers To Visit Your Website From Anywhere, Anytime

Website designed for MacMar Electric by Imperium. Take note of the formatting used. This is what the website looks like on mobile phones.
Website designed for MacMar Electric by Imperium. Take note of the formatting used. This is what the website looks like on mobile phones.

When a website is compatible with mobile phones, it enables the customer to visit the website on the go. If a customer searches your on Google, and your website pops up they can view your services before coming in to the store.

Having a website that is compatible on mobile is a huge advantage. It will allow customers to use your website wherever they are, not just when they are at home on the computer.

The modern consumer is more likely to search things on their phone than on their computer. This is because they will almost always have their phone on them. If a customer tries to use your website on their phone, but cannot they will be deterred.

Having a website that is not compatible with mobile will give the impression that it is old and outdated. If customers believe your website is old and outdated, they may then think your services are as well.

What’s The Gist?

In conclusion there are various elements that go into creating a great website. The various sub topics listed here, however, are what we at Imperium believe are the most essential.

Having an easily accessible contact form will allow customers to establish a connection to you and your business. This will assist them with purchasing your services.

Using a simple color scheme will help keep your company website looking clean and professional. This will assist you in growing your online presence, as well as local brand recognition.

A testimonials page will help customers chose your business over other competitors. By ensuring that you provide the best work in your service industry, and can prove it through past clients and projects.

Booking integration provides your customers with flexibility to purchase your services. Having a booking form will enable customers to set the pace of your transaction. You can then work together with you to find a timeline that works well for both parties.

Securing a website is a crucial step to ensure customers information is safe, and they are not deterred from purchasing your services. Ensuring your website is safe will make customers feel safe when visiting your website

Mobile responsiveness is an important aspect to any modern business, and you should implement it into your business. Appeal to a wider audience by ensuring your website is compatible with mobile.

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