The Ultimate Guide to Business Website Design for Local Businesses

Introduction

When it comes to business website design, the goal is simple: create a site that's not only attractive but also effective for your small business. A well-designed website can help you get found online, attract new customers, and keep your phone ringing. Here are key elements to keep in mind to ensure your local business website stands out:

• Readable fonts: Choose fonts that align with your brand and are easy to read.
• Consistent color scheme: Use colors that reflect your brand identity.
• High-quality photos: Showcase your products or services with clear and attractive images.
• Mobile optimization: Ensure your site looks great on all devices.
• Standout call to action: Encourage visitors to take the next step.

Running a local business in the home, commercial, or auto services industry is challenging enough without adding the complexities of digital marketing. Many small business owners feel overwhelmed by the idea of building and maintaining a website. Yet having a strong online presence is crucial for growth and customer engagement.

The importance of a well-crafted website cannot be overstated. It's not just about aesthetics but functionality, especially for local businesses aiming to attract and retain customers. For example, a clear and accessible "Contact Us" page can make it easier for potential clients to reach you, while high-quality photos of your work can build credibility and interest.

Creating a website may seem like another daunting task on your already long to-do list, but it doesn't have to be. By focusing on essential elements and following best practices, you can create a site that not only looks good but also serves as a powerful tool for your business growth.

How to Create a Business Website

Creating a business website can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it easier. Here's how to get started:

Pick a Domain Name

Your domain name is your website's unique address on the internet, like "yourbusiness.com." It should reflect your business name or core services to make it easy for customers to find and remember.

Tips for choosing a domain name: - Include relevant keywords to boost search engine visibility. - Keep it short and simple. - Avoid abbreviations, acronyms, hyphens, and numbers. - Aim for traditional top-level domains like .com or .net.

Register Your Domain and Pick Your Hosting Provider

Once you have a domain name, register it with a domain registrar. This usually costs between $10 and $20 per year.

Next, choose a website hosting provider. Hosting services store your website files and make them accessible on the internet. Look for hosting providers that offer:

• Tech support
• Free domain name
• SSL certificate (adds the "S" in HTTPS for secure connections)

Design Your Website

Design is crucial for business website design. You can use all-in-one options like GoSite's website builder if you don't have coding experience. These platforms offer:

• Pre-made templates
• Drag-and-drop editors
• Customization options

For more control, consider using design tools that allow you to create custom designs that you can embed into your website.

Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)

Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website rank higher in search engine results. Here are some basic SEO practices:

• Use relevant keywords naturally in your content.
• Consistently publish valuable content.
• Optimize images and enable browser caching to improve loading speed.
• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly.

Create a Content Plan

Your content should engage visitors and provide valuable information. Essential pages to include:

• Homepage: Eye-catching graphics, readable fonts, clear descriptions, and calls-to-action (CTAs).
• About Us: Share your business story, mission, and team members.
• Contact Page: Include social media accounts, emails, phone numbers, and a contact form.
• Blog or Resources: Share industry insights, tips, and news to establish authority.

Promote Your Website

Once your website is live, promote it to attract visitors. Use social media, email marketing, and online directories to spread the word. Consistent engagement and content updates will help maintain and grow your online presence.

Creating a business website may seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can build a powerful tool for your business growth. Next, we’ll dive into the essential elements of business website design to ensure your site stands out.

Essential Elements of Business Website Design

Creating a successful business website involves more than just throwing together some text and images. It requires thoughtful design and strategic elements that enhance user experience and drive conversions. Here are the essential elements every business website should have:

Readable Fonts

Choosing the right font is crucial. Your text should be easy to read and align with your brand's look and feel. Stick to simple, reader-friendly fonts. For inspiration, you can explore options like Canva Font Combinations, Fonts In Use, and Google Fonts.

Example: Chanel uses its Couture font consistently across its website, creating a seamless user experience.

Color Schemes

Colors can significantly impact how visitors perceive your website. Stick to a limited color scheme that matches your brand. A study from Loyola University found that color increases brand recognition by 80%.

Example: Cadbury’s website uses its iconic purple color, instantly reminding visitors of its brand.

High-Quality Photos

Images can make or break your website. Use high-quality photos to showcase your products or services. Authentic photos of your team, store, or products can make a big difference.

Example: Tesla’s homepage features captivating images of its cars and solar products, helping visitors visualize using them.

Mobile Optimization

With over 7.1 billion mobile users globally, optimizing your site for mobile is essential. Ensure your website is responsive, with large clickable buttons and scrollable content.

Example: Partake Foods’ homepage is optimized for mobile, featuring delicious images and a clickable call to action (CTA).

Call to Action (CTA)

A compelling CTA prompts users to take the next step. Make sure your CTAs are clear, concise, and stand out.

Example: Galan Tree Service’s homepage features a prominent “Call Now” button, encouraging users to to call for a quote.

Galan Tree Service is a GoSite customer!

White Space

White space, or blank space, helps avoid clutter and makes your site easier to navigate. It allows users to focus on important elements without feeling overwhelmed.

Example: Apple’s product photos are surrounded by white space, drawing attention to its iPhones.

Visual Hierarchy

Organize your content to guide users’ attention where you want it. Use headings, images, and CTAs strategically to create a clear visual hierarchy.

Example: Decks by Rhino's website uses a prominent brand name and clear CTAs like “Request a Quote” to direct user attention.

Decks by Rhino is a GoSite customer!

Testimonials

Showcasing customer testimonials builds trust and credibility. According to BigCommerce, 92% of consumers read online testimonials before making a purchase.

Custom User Experience (UX)

Personalized experiences can keep visitors engaged. Use behavior-based recommendations, targeted offers, and geo-targeting to deliver relevant content.

Accessibility

Your website should be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Design with accessibility in mind, ensuring your site accommodates auditory, cognitive, visual, or motor disabilities.

Example: An accessible landing page includes features like alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and clear headings.

By incorporating these essential elements, you can create a business website that not only looks great but also drives engagement and conversions. Next, we’ll explore best practices for business website design to further enhance your site.

Best Practices for Business Website Design

Creating a business website requires attention to detail and adherence to best practices to ensure it stands out and serves your audience effectively. Let's dive into some key areas:

Reader-Friendly Fonts

Choosing the right font can make a big difference. Opt for fonts that are easy to read and align with your brand's identity. For inspiration, check out Canva Font Combinations or Google Fonts. Consistency is key. Chanel’s use of its Couture font across its site ensures a seamless user experience.

Limited Color Scheme

Stick to a limited color palette to enhance brand recognition. A study from Loyola University found that color increases brand recognition by 80%. For example, Cadbury’s use of purple ties back to its iconic packaging. Aim for a palette of five colors: one white, one black, and three brand colors.

High-Quality Photos

High-quality images can make your products pop. Tesla’s homepage, with its captivating car images, is a great example. Use professional quality photos and consider before-and-after shots to showcase your work.

Mobile Optimization

With over 7.1 billion mobile users worldwide, mobile optimization is crucial. Ensure your site is responsive, with large clickable buttons and scrollable content. Partake Foods’ mobile-friendly design is a good example to follow.

Standout Call to Action (CTA)

A clear, compelling CTA is essential. For most service businesses, it's usually a good idea to incorporate Call Now and Get an Estimate buttons, guiding users to take the next step. Make sure your CTA stands out and is easy to find.

Use Plenty of White Space

White space helps avoid clutter and directs attention to key elements. Apple’s product pages, surrounded by white space, naturally draw the eye. This makes your site easier to navigate and more visually appealing.

Avoid Clutter

Keep your design simple and uncluttered. Too much text or multiple CTAs can overwhelm visitors. Use a single CTA per page and balance text with images.

Compelling Headers

Headers should be clear and compelling, guiding users through your content. Use a single size and weight for header fonts to maintain consistency.

Visual Hierarchy

Create a visual hierarchy to guide users’ attention. Use larger fonts for headings, bold colors for CTAs, and strategically placed images. This helps users find important information quickly.

Testimonials

Customer testimonials build credibility. Denver Cabinet Express showcases reviews to demonstrate their quality. Include testimonials on your site to build trust with potential customers.

Custom UX

Tailor the user experience to your audience. Ensure navigation is intuitive and content is relevant. Upstate Laundromat’s clean, easy-to-navigate site is a great example.

CTA Placement

Place CTAs where they are easily accessible. Ensure they are visible without scrolling and positioned logically within the content flow.

Accessibility

Design with accessibility in mind. Include features like alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and clear headings to accommodate all users.

A/B Testing

Regularly perform A/B testing to see what works best. Test different fonts, colors, CTAs, and layouts to find the most effective combinations.

By following these best practices, you can create a business website that is not only visually appealing but also functional and user-friendly. Next, we’ll explore the different types of business websites to help you choose the best format for your needs.

Types of Business Websites

When it comes to business website design, the type of website you need depends on your specific goals and industry. Here are the main types of business websites to consider:

E-commerce Websites

An e-commerce website is designed to sell products online. These sites need to be user-friendly and secure, offering a seamless shopping experience.

Key features:

• Product Listings: Detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and variations like size or color.
• Shopping Cart: Allows users to add items they want to purchase.
• Payment Gateway: Secure options for credit card, PayPal, or other payment methods.
• Customer Reviews: Builds trust and helps in decision-making.
• Shipping and Return Information: Clear policies to avoid confusion.

Portfolio Websites

Portfolio websites are ideal for showcasing creative work. They are perfect for artists, designers, writers, and other professionals who need to display their work online.

Key features:

• Photo and Video Galleries: High-quality visuals to show off your work.
• Project Descriptions: Detailed explanations of each project.
• Contact Information: Easy ways for potential clients to reach you.
• Testimonials: Feedback from past clients to build credibility.

Example: A local artist can use a portfolio website to display their latest projects, making it easy for potential clients to see their style and expertise.

Blog Websites

A blog website focuses on content creation, such as articles, tutorials, and news updates. Blogs can help establish authority in a particular field and attract a loyal audience.

Key features:

• Regular Posts: Consistent updates to keep readers engaged.
• Categories and Tags: Easy navigation through various topics.
• Comment Section: Allows readers to interact and provide feedback.
• Subscription Options: Email sign-ups for new post notifications.

Example: A local bakery can start a blog to share recipes, baking tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, attracting food enthusiasts and potential customers.

Small Business Websites

Small business websites provide information about a company and encourage visitors to visit in-person or contact for services. They often serve local customers and need to highlight essential details clearly.

Key features:

• Business Information: Location, hours, services offered.
• Contact Details: Phone number, email, and contact form.
• Call to Action: Encourages visitors to book an appointment or visit the store.
• Customer Testimonials: Builds trust with new visitors.

Example: A local auto repair shop can use a small business website to share their services, operating hours, and customer reviews, making it easy for locals to find and contact them.

By choosing the right type of website for your business, you can effectively reach your target audience and meet your business goals. Next, we'll address some frequently asked questions about business website design.

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Website Design

How much does it cost to have a website built for my business?

The cost of building a business website can vary greatly based on several factors including the complexity of the site, the design features, and who you hire to build it.

• DIY Website Builders: Using platforms like Wix or Squarespace can cost between $10 to $50 per month, depending on the plan you choose. NOTE: If you're not familiar with web builder and CMS tools, you might become overwhelmed with how much time and learning it might take to build and launch your own website.
• Hiring a Professional: Costs can range from $500 for a simple site to over $100,000 for a complex, custom-built website. GoSite has streamlined process for launching affordable websites at a fraction of the normal website cost. We also ensure that your business gets found online with local search tools especially effective for local service businesses.
• Additional Costs: Don't forget about domain registration (approximately $10 to $20 per year) and hosting fees, which can range from $3 to $10 per month for basic plans. If you're working with GoSite, we can help you with this step.

How do I create my business website?

Creating a business website involves several steps. Here's a simplified guide:

1. Pick a Domain Name: Choose a name that reflects your business. Make sure it's easy to spell and remember.
2. Register Your Domain: Use services like GoDaddy or NameCheap to register your chosen domain.
3. Choose a Hosting Provider: Look for providers that offer good uptime, security features, and customer support. Some popular choices include Bluehost and DreamHost.
4. Design Your Website: Use a CMS like WordPress or a website builder like Wix. If you need a more customized design, consider hiring a professional designer.
5. SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and alt text to improve your site's search engine ranking.
6. Add Content: Include essential pages like Home, About Us, Services, and Contact Us. Make sure your content is engaging and relevant.
7. Promote Your Website: Use social media, email marketing, and other digital marketing strategies to attract visitors.

What should a small business website design include?

A well-designed small business website should have the following elements:

• Testimonials: Customer reviews build trust and credibility.
• Call to Action (CTA): Encourage visitors to take action, like booking a service or making a purchase.
• Sitemap: Helps users and search engines navigate your site easily.
• Contact Information: Make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you.
• Headings: Use clear headings to organize your content and make it easy to read.
• Relevant Information: Include details about your products or services, operating hours, and any other important information.

By focusing on these key elements, you can create a website that not only looks good but also helps you achieve your business goals.

Conclusion

Creating a business website design that stands out can be challenging, but with the right tools and strategies, it's more than achievable. This is where GoSite comes in.

GoSite offers a suite of affordable tools that make it easy for local businesses to establish a strong online presence.

One of the standout features of GoSite is its ability to make sure you don't just have a website -- you have an online presence that customers can find when they search for services near them that you provide.

Customer reviews are critical in building trust and improving local search rankings. GoSite automates the review collection process, making it easy for satisfied customers to leave positive feedback. This not only boosts your credibility but also enhances your visibility in local searches.

Our mission at GoSite is to support your business growth by providing you with the tools you need to succeed in the digital landscape. We understand the unique challenges faced by local service businesses, and our goal is to make it easier for you to connect with your local community and grow your business.

By leveraging GoSite's comprehensive tools, you can streamline your operations, improve your online presence, and ultimately, thrive in a competitive market.

Take the first step towards enhancing your online visibility today and let GoSite help you achieve your business goals.