Why a Website is Important For Your Business

A website acts as your business’s online storefront, accessible 24/7. It builds credibility, showcases your offerings, and allows customers to find, learn about, and interact with your brand.

Businesses with websites are more likely to attract and retain customers because they offer convenience and trustworthiness. Think about the first thing someone does when they hear of a new place or product that interests them… they more than likely will look you up to learn more, read reviews & see photos. A website effortlessly allows new eyes to view and get to know your business.

Popular Website-Building Platforms and Their Costs

Building a website is easier than ever with a wide range of platforms catering to diverse needs. There are many options to chose from that it may be overwhelming to pick. Consider a platform that provides easy to build websites; The goal is to have a simple, clear, and information capturing site – there is no need to build a website from the ground up unless you have the funds and time to do so.

Popular options for small business owners include:

Steps to Set Up a Website

How to Pick a Website Name

Keep It Short and Catchy
Choose a name that is easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. Avoid complex or hard-to-pronounce words to ensure your business name sticks with potential customers.

Reflect Your Business
Make sure your business name clearly represents your industry or niche. A name like “GreenTechSolutions.com” conveys what your business is about.

Use Relevant Keywords
Incorporate keywords that people might use when searching for your type of business. For example, “HappyPawsGrooming.com” is ideal for a pet grooming service.

Check for Availability and Extensions
Use domain registrars like Namecheap or GoDaddy to ensure your desired domain name is available. Stick to common extensions like “.com” for better recognition.

Avoid Legal Issues and Be Future-Proof
Verify that your business name doesn’t infringe on trademarks using tools like the USPTO Trademark Database. Choose a name that allows for potential business growth, avoiding limitations.

If you’re stuck, try tools like Shopify’s Domain Generator or Lean Domain Search. These can offer creative suggestions based on keywords.

What to Include on Your Website

Home Page: A welcoming overview of your business with simple & clear formatting.

About Page: Share your story and mission with viewers. This can build trust with your viewers.

Services/Products: Showcase your offerings with clear descriptions and pricing.

Contact Page: Include your phone number, email, address, and social links. Social media is an important part of businesses. Learn how you can use social media to reach a larger audience or produce content for your business Here.

Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourage visitors to take specific actions like “Contact Us” or “Shop Now”. You may also offer a discount or freebie as a way to get client information, build email lists & so on.

How to Get Online Orders

Setting up an online ordering system is essential for businesses offering products or services. Here’s how to get started:

1. Add an E-Commerce Feature to Your Website

• If using platforms like Shopify or Wix, activate their built-in e-commerce tools to enable online shopping.
• For WordPress sites, install a plugin like WooCommerce to create a shop and checkout page.

2. Choose an Online Payment Processor

• Select a payment gateway like PayPal, Stripe, or Square.
• These platforms handle secure transactions and integrate easily with most website builders.
• Learn more about Stripe’s setup or PayPal for Business.

3. Set Up Delivery or Pickup Options

• For product-based businesses, offer shipping through services like USPS, UPS, or FedEx by connecting to your e-commerce platform.
• Service-based businesses can set appointments and accept payments directly through tools like Acuity Scheduling or Calendly.

4. Create a Menu or Product Page

• Clearly display your offerings with high-quality images, descriptions, and prices.
• Use categories for easy navigation (e.g., “Breakfast,” “Lunch,” or “Drinks” for a café).

5. Promote Online Ordering

• Add “Order Now” buttons to your homepage and social media profiles.
• Share regular updates about new products or services to drive traffic to your website.

6. Optimize for Mobile

• Ensure your website works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets, as many customers will place orders this way. Most modern website platforms, like Wix and Squarespace, are mobile-friendly.

7. Consider Third-Party Platforms

• If you’re in the food or retail industry, partner with platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Etsy to expand your reach.
• These services charge fees but can increase visibility for new businesses.

8. Monitor and Improve the User Experience

Offer support options like live chat or an FAQ page to address customer questions.

Test the ordering process yourself to ensure it’s quick and easy.

How to Drive Website Traffic

Driving traffic to your website is essential for gaining customers and growing your business. Here’s how you can attract more visitors:

1. Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)

• Use search engine optimization techniques to improve your website’s ranking on Google.
• Research keywords related to your business and incorporate them into your site content, headings, and meta descriptions.
• Tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs can help identify relevant keywords.
• Focus on on-page SEO (content optimization) and off-page SEO (backlinks). Learn more about SEO best practices.

2. Utilize Social Media Platforms

• Share your website content across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to drive engagement and traffic.
• Post regularly and engage with followers by responding to comments and messages.
• Run paid advertising campaigns on these platforms to reach specific target audiences. Visit Facebook Ads Manager or Instagram Business for more.

3. Content Marketing

• Publish valuable, high-quality content like blog posts, videos, or infographics that answer common questions your audience has.
• Regularly update your blog with helpful information related to your industry, and include calls to action (CTAs) linking back to your website.
• Try tools like HubSpot or Content Marketing Institute for more strategies.

4. Email Marketing

• Build an email list by offering incentives like discounts or free resources in exchange for visitors’ email addresses.
• Send regular newsletters and personalized offers to keep subscribers engaged.
• Platforms like Mailchimp and ConvertKit can help you manage your email campaigns. Learn more about email marketing tactics.

5. Leverage Influencer Marketing

• Partner with influencers in your industry to showcase your product or service.
• Choose influencers whose audience aligns with your target demographic to drive relevant traffic.
• Use platforms like Influence.co to find influencers who match your business needs.

6. Run Paid Ads

• Paid advertising through Google Ads or social media platforms can significantly boost website traffic.
• You can target specific keywords or demographics to get your business in front of a larger audience. Visit Google Ads for more on PPC campaigns.

7. Use Referral Traffic

• Collaborate with other businesses or bloggers who have a similar audience, offering them guest posts or affiliate programs in exchange for linking to your site.
• Use affiliate marketing to reward others for driving traffic or sales to your site. More info on affiliate marketing strategies.

8. Create Engaging Visual Content

• Visual content like videos, infographics, and high-quality images tend to engage users more than text-based content.
• Platforms like YouTube and Pinterest can help you share visual content that links back to your website.

9. Offer Discounts or Freebies

• Create special offers that encourage visitors to visit your website, like time-sensitive discounts, free trials, or giveaways.
• Use pop-ups or banners on your site to highlight these offers.

10. Track and Analyze Website Traffic

• Use tools like Google Analytics to track your traffic sources, behavior patterns, and which content performs best.
• Analyze your data regularly to understand what’s working and refine your marketing strategies.

By using a mix of organic and paid strategies, you can build sustained traffic that will support your business growth.

1. Lack of Mobile Optimization: Ensure your site works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets.

2. Confusing Navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for.

3. Slow Load Times: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test and improve speed.

4. Missing Contact Info: Always include multiple ways for customers to reach you.

A well-designed, user-friendly website is a powerful tool for growing your small business. Take time to build a site that reflects your brand and meets your customers’ needs!