Why Your Small Business Needs a Website

I’ve been building website for years, maybe over 20 years. Today’s website building tools are much easier. When I was building website we installed software on the computer and often had to know some level of HTML code.

Today things are much different, websites are easy to build with a few mouse clicks or swipes of your finger.

Your website is the front door to your business. Its where potential customers go to learn about your brand, your products or services, and how they can engage with you. A well-designed website builds credibility, enhances brand visibility, and ensures that you are accessible 24/7. Without a website, you risk losing customers to competitors who have already established their online presence.

Social Media Alone Is Not Enough

Many small business owners believe that having a strong social media presence is enough. While social media is a powerful marketing tool, it should not replace a website. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are great for engagement, but they don’t offer full control over your content or how you reach your audience. Social media algorithms change frequently, which means your reach can be unpredictable. A website provides a stable, controlled space where customers can always find you.

Your Website Is a Digital Anchor That You Own and Control

Unlike social media platforms, which can suspend or change their policies at any time, your website is something you own and control. It serves as your digital anchor, ensuring that your business information, branding, and customer experience remain consistent. With your website, you dictate the messaging, design, and functionality, making it an invaluable business asset.

A Website Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated—Simple Can Be Effective

Many small business owners avoid creating a website because they believe it requires technical expertise or a large budget. The truth is, a simple yet well-designed website can be highly effective. A clean layout, easy navigation, and essential information presented clearly are often all you need. Focus on making it user-friendly and informative rather than overly complex.

The Importance of a Good Domain Name

Your domain name is your online identity, so choose one that is memorable, relevant to your business, and easy to spell. It should reflect your brand and be easy for customers to find. Additionally, you can have multiple domain names that redirect to your primary website, making it easier for customers to reach you regardless of the variation they type in.

Optimize Your Website for Mobile Users

With more than half of all web traffic coming from mobile devices, having a mobile-optimized website is crucial. A site that isn’t mobile-friendly can lead to a frustrating user experience, driving potential customers away. Ensure your website loads quickly, has easy-to-read text, and features a responsive design that adjusts to different screen sizes.

Essential Elements Every Website Should Have

While every website is unique, there are some basic elements that every small business website should include:

1. A Compelling Homepage

• The homepage is the first impression visitors get of your business. It should be welcoming, informative, and clearly communicate what you offer.

2. An About Page

• This section should tell your story, mission, and values. Customers like to know who they are doing business with, and a personal touch can go a long way in building trust.

3. Easy-to-Find Contact Information

• Make sure visitors can easily find your phone number, email address, and physical location (if applicable). A contact form can also be helpful.

4. Meet the Team Page

• Introducing your team humanizes your brand and helps build connections with potential customers.

5. E-commerce Functionality (If Selling Products)

• If you’re selling products or services online, ensure your website has a seamless e-commerce experience with secure payment options.

A well-designed website is an essential tool for small business success. It not only enhances credibility but also provides a platform that you own and control. By keeping it simple, user-friendly, and mobile-optimized, you can create an effective digital presence that supports your business growth.

What is WordPress?

Broadly, there’s two ways to build a website – with WordPress and without WordPress. WordPress is a popular tool for blogging and for building good websites. You can also use a service like Wix, which is it’s own website building tool.

WordPress requires several plugins to make it work to its fullest extent and often they require added fees, although very nominal. A fully developed WordPress website can be a bit more complicated to manage as well.

This website is built on WordPress.

Having said that a WordPress built website has almost unlimited features and flexibility to grow with you and create whatever you want.

WordPress has templates you can use to build your website but services like Wix are easier to use.

Talk to a few website developer experts about what’s the best platform for your business to be built on.

Popular services to help you build a website include

• GoDaddy
• Wix
• Squarespace