About 45 percent of US small businesses don't have a website. Are you one of those business owners? You might be building or own a business site but, don't know how to make the most of it.
It all starts with using the right design and features to grab your client's attention. Yet, what makes a good website design? While there isn't a one size fits all formula for building the perfect business website, you must focus on adding the right features for your clients.
Don't know which features to add to your website? We've got you covered. Here are 10 website features you should consider adding to your design.
1. Logo, Tagline and Branded Design
Your site will turn into the go-to resource for your clients to learn about your services and company. Did you hire someone to design branded materials for your company? If not, you should get on it as soon as possible.
Customers trust branded businesses more than generic products or services. Your site should showcase your logo, brand, and tagline. Having a branded design will help you separate yourself from your competitors.
2. Work Hours and Essential Business Information
Even if you're running a home based business, you must include your daily work hours, location and other essential information.
Consider adding a Google Maps widget with your location. Displaying your address and business information on your website will boost your search engine rankings.
3. Unique About Us Page
Connecting with your potential clients begins with telling your story. If you didn't include an About Us page, you should get on it as soon as you can. Aim to tell your potential customer why you want to help them.
A good start is telling them why you opened your business and how you want to solve their everyday problems. Also, you should take a look at your competitor's and other creative About Us Page examples. Taking a look at other About Us pages can help you get an idea of how your company can stand out in your industry.
4. User-Friendly Site Design
While you might want to add as much as you can to your website, you should make it user-friendly. You want your visitor to learn more about your business and find what they're looking for.
Try to create a website that looks organized and offers the information your potential client needs. A good exercise is putting yourself in your client's shoes.
What are their everyday problems? Why do they need your services? These questions are a good starting point to figure out what your client wants to see on your website.
5. Contact Us Form
Some business owners believe that providing an email on their site is enough. Yet, some customers may think it's too much work to send an email. To boost your leads and make it easier for your clients, it's recommended to add a contact us form.
Don't make your form too complicated by asking for too much information. Your form should ask for basic information such as name, phone number, email and message.
6. Links to Other Internal Pages
Believe it or not, linking to other internal pages is a must feature on your business site. It will motivate your visitors to learn more about your business.
Consider linking to your product and services pages, branded content or even your contact us page. Internal linking gives you the opportunity to generate more leads.
7. Relevant High-Quality Content
Some people underestimate the power of relevant high-quality content. Does your website have a blog? If not, you should add one to your site as soon as you can.
Adding a blog to your website gives you a 434 percent chance of ranking higher on search engines. Also, your business blog is an excellent way to share solutions to your clients' everyday problems.
Show your clients how your company can improve their lives. When you're creating your content, you should stay away from going for the hard sell. The easiest way to create unique and relatable content is by focusing on providing value to your clients and making their lives better.
8. Highlight Reviews and Testimonials on Your Business Website
Showcasing your clients' testimonials and reviews on your website is a great way to boost your lead generation. About 84 percent of consumers trust online reviews as much as recommendations from friends and relatives.
As if that wasn't enough, experts found that 92 percent of consumers read online reviews. Featuring your reviews on your website can help you turn potential clients into customers and avid advocates of your business.
9. Social Media Pages Buttons
Social media pages are great tools to market your small business. Since your business site should be your main hub, you must connect your social media by adding social media buttons. You should consider adding the option for social media sharing on all your pages and content.
Your social media buttons will motivate your visitors to share your content and business information with their friends and family. If a friend or family shares your information, potential customers are more likely to buy your products or services.
10. Newsletter or Industry Guide Signup
A newsletter or professional industry guide is a fast way to generate more leads while building customer trust.
Sending your current potential customers a newsletter or guide can establish your business as experts. Labeling yourself as an expert is essential to growing your company and competing against the industry's big players.
The Bottom Line
While there isn't a one size fits all design for your business website, you must aim to add the features your visitors want. It all starts with building a branded and user-friendly website. Your site must target your potential customer while making them feel like your number one priority.
Focus on catering to your audience and showing them why they should choose your company over your competitors. We're confident that using the right approach and adding some of our suggested site features, you'll take your business to the next level.
Not sure what's the best design for your company website? We can help. Contact us today to schedule your free website development consultation.