No matter how big or small a business is, it is essential to build and own their local business website. You can’t merely rely on word of mouth for your small business to expand. Today, it is used as a tool to achieve various marketing strategies for a company to grow and succeed. In contrast with other marketing tools, it can gain a broader range while increasing online traffic. It doesn’t only create an online presence but helps build and establish your local brand.
Why Do You Need a Local Business Website?
There are several reasons why a website can bring positive changes to a business. One way that it can help a local business is by boosting its local search results. Whether you are a local or a tourist looking for a specific store, the first thing most people do is search online. By simply typing the keywords “near me”, your potential customers can easily find your store.
In its simplest form, websites are utilised to display the products and services that you offer. You may aesthetically present it in a way that viewers will have a reason to use your services. Similarly, you also can include numerous tutorial videos and manuals to entice customers to buy from you.
Most importantly, it is the foundation for your online marketing strategy. Websites increase local business’ credibility. It helps show that your business is legitimate and valuable. Moreover, as several local companies tend to rely on the use of social media and other third-party platforms, it is proven that it is not enough. A local website is key to achieve online visibility, promote services, and increase your marketing campaign.
The Foundations of a Local Business Site
As a small local business, you might find it hard and confusing to start creating a website. WordPress and Shopify can be as simple or complex as you require, where having some development knowledge can be useful towards building a great site. Using simple DIY sites such as Wix or Squarespace can reduce the knowledge and effort required, but can also mean more messy code and less control with page speed loading (which may impact your search results). To help put your feet in the right direction, here are the essential features that a website should have:
Localized Site and Details
From its domain name to its contact details, your local business website must portray that it is all about you and your brand. For its domain, choose what would represent your business. Similar to most sites, you can select your company name as your domain. Additionally, you may specify the country that your business originates by including a Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD). This strategy can also help achieve a higher ranking in the search engine.
The homepage can be used to feature your company’s best-selling products and allow a potential customer to see what you can offer. Through this, you encourage viewers to browse and purchase. Moreover, you can also include your contact details, such as phone number, email, and social accounts, on your website. Thus, you make it easier for your customers to reach and communicate with you.
Most importantly, your website must contain its brand logo and colours. This way, it is easier for your customers to identify that it is your company’s site. This step also helps build your brand personality, which makes you more legitimate and credible.
User-Friendly and Functional Navigation Design
A website’s navigational bar must include all the necessary pages found on your website. The menu design may vary depending on your type of business. Some of the pages you may like to include on your site and homepage are about us, services and products, blog posts, contact, and even reviews.
You need to ensure that your design is readable and visually appealing. You may start by selecting comfortable to read fonts. Also, make sure that your design and functionality is consistent on every page.
Effective and Quality Website Content
Good content can easily attract potential customers and increase site ranking. With this, quality content becomes crucial and vital to the success of your website. You can start by using optimised keywords on your headlines. Through these headlines, it helps you summarise the nature of your company. Creating your company’s headline is also the key to catch a viewer’s attention and make them remember you.
Lastly, including reviews and testimonials help build trust between your company and customers. It provides proof and increases the possibility of buyers purchasing your services.
As you start your company, it may be difficult to approach things that you don’t have any experience or expertise. You do not need to sacrifice your success! If you need help, contact us today and get a free consultation from the experts.
