You don’t need a big, complicated website to win work online. You need a simple one that does the basics really well. Here are the twelve things we make sure every small business website has, and you can check your own site against them in about 30 seconds with our free website check.
Looks and works great
1. Built for phones first
Most visitors will see your site on a phone. Text should be easy to read without zooming, and buttons easy to tap.
2. Fast to load
Aim for your main content to appear within about 2.5 seconds on a phone. Large, uncompressed photos are the most common cause of slow sites.
3. A modern, professional design
People judge a business by its website in seconds. A clean, current design that matches your brand tells them you’re established and trustworthy.
4. Secure (HTTPS)
Your site should load over HTTPS so browsers don’t warn visitors that it’s “Not secure”.
Turns visitors into enquiries
5. A clear headline
Within a few seconds, visitors should know what you do and where you do it.
6. An obvious next step
A clear “Get a quote”, “Book now” or “Call us” button on every page.
7. Easy-to-find contact details
A phone number people can tap to call, an email address, and a simple enquiry form that sends straight to your inbox.
8. Proof you’re good at what you do
Reviews, testimonials and photos of real work do more to win customers than anything you can say about yourself.
Found on Google
9. The SEO basics
A unique page title and description for every page, one clear main heading per page, descriptions on your images, and a sitemap submitted to Google.
10. A page for each service
Separate pages for your main services (and the areas you cover) help you show up for more of the searches your customers actually make.
11. A Google Business Profile
For local businesses, your Google Business Profile is often seen before your website. Keep it up to date, link it to your website and ask happy customers for reviews.
Looked after
12. Regular care
Software updates, backups and security checks keep your site safe and running smoothly. Outdated plugins are the most common way small business websites get hacked.
How does your website stack up? Our free check scores your site against all of these and more, and emails you a plain-English report with what we’d fix first.