If you’re a small business owner looking for a new website or considering creating one, this guide will help you understand the importance of having a website and provide best practices to ensure its success.
What Is a Website?
A website is an online platform that represents your business, offering information about your products and services. With a website, you can establish your digital presence, reach your target audience, and provide a centre for customers to learn about and engage with your business.
Why Your Local Business Needs a Website
1. Be Found on Google
A website allows customers to discover your business, explore your products or services, and engage with what you offer. A well-designed website that ranks on Google enhances your visibility, attracts potential customers, and drives leads.
2. Generate More Leads
A professionally designed website acts as a lead generation tool. By integrating contact forms, call-to-action buttons, and engaging content, your site can capture the attention of potential customers and convert them to clients.
3. Business Creditability
A well-designed website reassures customers of your legitimacy, creates a strong first impression, and builds confidence in your brand. It sets you apart from competitors by showcasing a professional, trustworthy image and providing clear, quality information about your products and services, in turn improving your brand perception.
4. Stand Out From Your Competitors
Custom-built websites designed for your industry ensure that your site aligns with your target audience while driving results and maximising engagement.
Check out our website portfolio to discover what a website built for your industry could look like.
How to Create a High-Performing Website
- Focus on User Experience (UX)
A strategically built website should be easy to navigate, fast-loading, and visually appealing. Clear menus, intuitive layouts, and engaging visuals keep visitors interested and encourage the user to take action.
- Prioritise Mobile-Friendly Design
Ensure your website adjusts seamlessly to all screen sizes to enhance user satisfaction. A mobile-friendly design improves user engagement, reduces bounce rates, and positively impacts your search engine performance.
- Optimise for Search Engines (SEO)
Incorporate relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and high-quality content to improve your website’s visibility in search engine results. Regularly update your site to stay relevant and maintain your rankings.
- Highlight Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Guide visitors toward desired actions like contacting you, making a purchase, or signing up. Use clear and compelling CTAs that align with your business goals.
- Custom-Build Your Website for Your Industry. A custom-built website designed with your industry’s offerings helps you stand out and communicate effectively with your target audience.
- Content Creation High-quality, engaging content helps communicate your brand message and provides value to your audience. It Improves search engine rankings, drives traffic, and keeps visitors engaged.
Website Success Story: Air Sound & Vision
Air Sound & Vision highlights how a well-designed website can transform a small business. Created by Localsearch, their user-friendly, easy-to-navigate website has become a powerful tool for attracting and retaining customers. As a result, Air Sound & Vision has significantly increased its online visibility, generated more leads and strengthened customer engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Websites
Can I build a website myself? Or should I hire a professional?
You can build a website using third party tools, but hiring a professional ensures a more customised, polished, and scalable result to ensure success.
What features should a business website have?
Essential features include a user-friendly design, clear navigation, mobile responsiveness, contact forms, and relevant content.
How long does it take to see results from a website?
Initial traffic can be seen within weeks, but achieving higher search rankings or increased conversions may take several months.
How do I know if my website is secure?
A secure website typically has HTTPS in its URL, signifying an SSL certificate. Regular security scans and updates also help maintain security.