Before you discount the importance of a business website consider this, even in 2018 people equate professionalism with websites. This includes social-media-junkie millennial and generation z consumers, so don’t use social media in lieu of a site. A professional website gives you and your business credibility, even if you are only a one-person shop. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers excellent guidance for building your website, and here six pages they say you cannot live without.
1. Home
Naturally, you need a home page, and the reason why is simple. The SBA explains, “Your homepage is the virtual lobby of your business,” and since everyone shops online these days, they need to go into a virtual welcoming space. It must be professional and create a fantastic first impression within 10 seconds; otherwise, users will click away. Design a homepage that is eye-catching to draw users in, and then use it to briefly explain who are and what you offer.
2. About Us
Leave the detailed explanations about you to this page, and consider how people shop when writing the content for your About Us space. People want to know more than just your name and contact information. They want to know how your product or service is developed, what your business stands for, and how you benefit their community. Remember, today’s shopper is conscious about his or her purchases, so if you’re humane and sustainable, shout it out.
3. Product/Services Offered
Once the consumer sees you are as passionate about modern-day issues he or she is, it’s time to tell website visitors what it is you sell. One crucial element on all small business websites is visual stimulation. Dedicate a page to your products and/or services and provide plenty of high-quality pictures and videos so people can see clearly what you offer. Also include discussion both in writing and in video about how your product or service will solve their problems.
4. Contact Us
Remember what was said above, your About Us page isn’t a good space for your contact information. That page should dedicate its content to you and your business. Have a separate Contact Us page for your contact information and don’t take shortcuts. People want to see a real address and phone numbers. An email form works, but it also causes visitors to wonder if you’re legit. Prove to them that you are with comprehensive contact information on its own page.
5. Customer Feedback
Finally, don’t rely on online review websites for your customer testimonials. Have a page dedicated to them on your business site. User will get irritated if they have to open another browser tab and search for customer reviews. Have customer feedback available to them with the click of their mouse. Video testimonials are best, because people are visual and would rather listen than read, but you should also include written testimonials on your website.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
For most visitors, this may be the first and most important page they visit once they navigate away from your homepage. People want a quick reference guide to your product and/or service and they’ll head directly to the FAQ page to get it. You can also include questions and answers about your business, which you can create from common questions asked on your social media platforms and via your email. Add a search field for user convenience.
The SBA also recommends an appointment page, but you might not need this depending on what you do. The bottom line is this: You have 10 seconds to draw users in, and you must provide them easy access to the information they seek. If you cannot do this, they’ll click away.
Conclusion
Design a user-friendly website for your small business that loads well on large and small screens, and make certain to include pages your customers want and need. It is very important that your page contains information about your business and what your business is about. The tips above can certainly help you in designing a website for your business.
