• Small Business Website Design Best Practices and Common Mistakes-Featured.jpg

Small Business Website Design: Best Practices and Common Mistakes

Have you ever walked into a store, taken one look around and thought, "Yikes, I need to get out of here"? Maybe it was the cluttered aisles, the dated decor or that unmistakable musty smell.

In the digital world, your website is your storefront, and you definitely don't want visitors clicking the back button faster than you can say "Welcome!"

Picture this: Linda, a small business owner, decides to set up her first website. She's selling handmade jewelry, and she wants the world to see her creations. She spends days on end designing her website.

But, months later, she's hardly getting any visitors or sales. Why? Because like many others, she made a few critical mistakes in her website design.

So, let's dive into the world of small business website design and explore the do's and don'ts that can make or break your online presence.

Why small business website design matters

In today's digital age, your website is often the first point of contact customers have with your brand. One study showed that 75% of users judge a business's credibility based on its website design. Think about it: would you trust a website that looks like it's stuck in the '90s?

For small businesses, getting the design right can be a game-changer. It can enhance credibility, increase customer trust and drive conversions.

Best practices

  • Keep it simple and user-friendly: You want visitors to find what they're looking for without a scavenger hunt. A clean layout, intuitive navigation and clear call-to-action buttons are key.
  • Mobile optimization: With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, it's essential your website looks and functions perfectly on smartphones and tablets.
  • Engaging content: Think of your website's content as the salesperson of your online store. It should be clear, concise and tailored to your target audience.
  • High-quality images: A picture speaks a thousand words. Investing in professional images or using high-quality stock photos can elevate your brand's perception.
  • Fast load times: Nobody likes to wait. A slow-loading website can deter potential customers. Optimize your site's speed by compressing images, reducing unnecessary plugins and using a reliable hosting provider.
  • SEO: Incorporate SEO strategies to rank higher on search engines. This includes using relevant keywords, creating quality content and optimizing meta descriptions.

Common mistake

  • Overloading with Information: Remember Linda? She made the classic mistake of wanting to tell her whole life story on the homepage. Too much information can overwhelm visitors. Stick to the essentials and use sub-pages to provide additional details.
  • Ignoring analytics: After setting up her website, Linda never checked her analytics. Analytics tools, such as Google Analytics and the Marketing 360® Intelligence app, can provide insights into user behavior, helping you fine-tune your site.
  • Auto-playing videos or music: Linda thought adding her favorite song to the homepage would set the mood. Instead, it drove visitors away. It's best to avoid autoplay features unless they serve a direct purpose for your business.
  • Not updating regularly: A stagnant website can signal that a business is not active or updated. Regularly updating content, blog posts and product listings can keep your site fresh and improve SEO.
  • Neglecting social media integration: Linda missed the chance to connect her website with her active Instagram account. Integrating social media platforms can drive traffic and build a sense of community around your brand.

Conclusion

We've ventured through the world of small business website design, seen the pitfalls and celebrated the best practices. Your website is a living, breathing entity that represents your brand. By avoiding common mistakes and adhering to best practices, you set your business up for digital success.

Ready to embark on your website design journey? Looking to revamp your existing site? Learn more and sign up for your free trial.