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Small Business Web Design Best Practices for Online Success

Published by leftlanemedia | Published on June 12, 2024

If you’re a small business owner, having a custom website has probably crossed your mind. After all, it’s one of the best ways to attract new customers. But with so many things on your plate, designing a new website can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and frankly, expensive.

This is where small business website design companies come into play. They have the necessary skills, technical expertise, and knowledge to create a well-designed website. There’s no need to learn how to make a modern web design from scratch.

In this article, we’ll discuss why small business website design matters and its best practices. We’ll also teach small business owners how to choose the right web design company below.

Understanding Small Business Web Design

Small business web design is all about creating a website that accurately represents a brand identity.

As its name suggests, it helps small business owners meet the needs of their customers through effective web design. It includes everything from layout and color schemes to content and functionality.

Having a well-designed website is important because it serves as your online storefront. It can help attract new customers, showcase your products, or provide valuable information. A small business website that looks professional can make a significant difference in your success.

The Importance of Web Design for Small Business Success

Now that you know what small business website design entails, let’s discuss why it’s crucial for your success. Here are several ways it can impact small businesses:

Reach Your Local Audience

A well-designed website design helps you connect with local customers searching for your products or services online.

Common local digital marketing techniques include inserting location-specific keywords and creating content relevant to your community. Thanks to these strategies, your own site can rank well on search engines.

Let’s say you own a bakery in Austin, Texas. Targeting keywords like “Austin bakery” and creating blog posts about local events can attract more local traffic to your site.

Increase Credibility

Your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers. Having a professional-looking web design establishes credibility and builds customer trust.

According to a study, 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on its website design. If your site looks outdated or difficult to use, visitors might question the quality of your products or services.

Beat Competitors

In a competitive local market, a good website design can give you an edge over competitors.

Focus on highlighting your company’s unique selling points and creating a better user experience. You must also consider digital solutions, such as search engine optimization (SEO), to establish a robust online presence.

Armed with these strategies, you can attract customers who might otherwise choose your competitors.

Boost Profits

An effective web design can directly impact your bottom line. Features like easy navigation, clear web design logos, and a mobile-friendly interface can increase conversions and sales.

For example, integrating e-commerce website functionality, like Shopify, can introduce new revenue streams. Thanks to this feature, customers who shop online can make purchases directly from your site. This ultimately boosts the profits of your small business.

Web template layout draft sketch

15 Best Practices for Small Business Web Design

After learning the importance of web design for small businesses, let’s explore the best practices for creating an effective web design.

1. Keep Your Site Navigation Easy

First of all, your website should be easy to navigate. Online users should find what they’re looking for without confusion. Otherwise, visitors will end up leaving the page.

Use a simple menu structure with clear labels. For example, a functional site must include main categories like “Home,” “About Us,” “Products,” “Services,” and “Contact.” Avoid cluttering the menu with too many options.

2. Focus on User Experience (UX)

Having an effective small business website design can attract customers. However, it’s the ability to provide personalized experiences that will urge them to stay.

User experience is all about making your site easy and enjoyable to use for your target audience.

Add personalized features such as behavior-based product recommendations, targeted offers, and geo-targeting. Armed with these strategies, small businesses deliver content that aligns with a user’s wants and needs. Increased engagement and reduced bounce rates result from this.

3. Optimize for Mobile Devices

More people are browsing the internet on their phones than ever before. In fact, 96% of the digital population uses their mobile phones to access the internet.

That’s why it’s important to create a mobile-friendly web design. Use a responsive design that looks good and functions well on different screen sizes.

Plus, Google prioritizes small business websites that are optimized for mobile devices. As such, this can improve your ranking on search engines. Better SEO ranking means higher user traffic and brand awareness.

4. Pick a Reader-friendly Font

You can find many interesting and attractive fonts to use for your web design. However, you must ask yourself: are they readable and easy to understand?

A good strategy is to choose fonts that are easy to read on all devices. Stick to standard web fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Helvetica. Consider a font that matches your brand’s personality.

Avoid overly decorative fonts that can be hard to read.

It’s also best to keep the font style consistent throughout. For example, use the same font in your logo, brand slogan, graphic design, and other digital assets.

Consistency is also important in font sizing. Use large sizes for headings and smaller sizes for body text.

5. Stick to a Limited Color Scheme

Using a limited color scheme creates a cohesive and professional look for your small business website design.

Choose two or three primary colors to reflect your brand. Use these colors consistently throughout your site for buttons, links, and headings.

Having a consistent color scheme can make your site more visually appealing and easier to navigate.

6. Establish a Visual Hierarchy

Visual hierarchy is all about arranging web design elements in order of importance. It guides a visitor’s attention to the most important features of a web page.

Use font size, color, and placement to establish a visual hierarchy. For example, make your headings larger and bolder than your body text. You can also use colors to highlight call-to-action phrases and buttons.

7. Upload High-Quality Photos

High-quality photos can make a big difference in how professional your website looks.

Use clear, well-lit images that represent your products or services accurately.

Avoid using generic stock photos or AI-generated images. If possible, invest in professional photography or use high-quality pictures from trusted sources.

8. Include Compelling Headers

Did you know that headers are among the first things visitors see on your small business website design? That’s why you should make them compelling and informative to attract your target audience.

You can also use headers to break up large blocks of text and guide readers through your content. This makes it easier for online users to find what they need. For example, use a header like “Our Services” to introduce a section about what you offer.

9. Use Call to Action Phrases

Having a beautiful custom website isn’t enough. Sure, it can attract online users to your small businesses. However, it doesn’t urge them to take the next step or action.

This is where call-to-action (CTA) phrases come into play. They encourage visitors to take specific actions, such as “Buy Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Contact Us.”

Place CTAs prominently on your pages and make them stand out with contrasting colors.

10. Create High-Quality Content

Content is king in digital marketing.

Create high-quality, relevant content, such as vlog posts, articles, and videos to engage visitors and improve your SEO ranking.

If you already have existing content, make sure to update it to keep it fresh and relevant.

11. Avoid Clutter

According to Hick’s law, users take longer to decide when they face different choices. In small business website design, it can prevent visitors from making a critical decision to benefit your company, such as buying a product or subscribing to an email.

Avoid a cluttered web design because it can overwhelm visitors and discourage them from taking action. Do not overload your web pages with too many images, buttons, or text blocks.

Instead, keep your website clean and simple. This makes it easier to find the information users need, which improves their digital experiences.

12. Take Advantage of White Space

This best practice is related to the previous one. Using white space can create a clean and organized web design look.

White space, also known as negative space, is the empty area between elements on your web page. It helps improve readability by highlighting important information and separating sections.

13. Optimize Website Speed

A slow website can frustrate visitors and lead to higher bounce rates. This is why loading speed optimization is important. Faster loading speeds can encourage users to stay longer, which increases the chances of conversion.

Common strategies include compressing images, reducing redirects, and minimizing the use of heavy scripts.

14. Don’t Forget Accessibility

Make sure your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

Use alt text for images, provide video transcripts, and keep your site navigable by keyboard. You can also choose contrasting text and background colors. These help visually impaired people read your website content.

An accessible small business website design not only broadens your target audience but also improves your SEO.

15. Conduct A/B Testing

A/B testing involves comparing two versions of a page to see which performs better. It’s important if you want to generate leads or communicate relevant information.

Test different elements like headlines, images, and CTAs to determine what resonates most with your audience. Gather feedback from a digital growth agency and customers themselves.

Armed with these insights, small businesses can make informed web design decisions and improve their site’s effectiveness.

How to Find the Right Web Design Company?

After understanding the best practices for small business web design, the next step is to find the right web development and or web design company to bring your vision to life. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice.

1. Identify Your Needs

The first step involves clearly defining what you need from web designers.

Are you looking for a simple informational site, an e-commerce platform, or a blog?

Make a list of must-have features, such as mobile responsiveness, SEO optimization, and specific functionalities like booking systems or online payments.

Knowing your requirements will help you narrow down your choices.

2. Evaluate the Expertise of Different Website Design Companies

Once you’ve identified your needs, check if web designers have substantial industry experience.

Look at the portfolios of various web design companies to evaluate their expertise. Determine if they have experience working with small businesses in your industry.

For example, if you run a clothing store, see if they’ve designed websites for other small businesses in the fashion industry. This can ensure you get an award-winning web design!

3. Check Online Reviews

Besides the web design company’s portfolio, you must also check their online reviews. These provide valuable insights into their capabilities and reputation.

Look for reviews on Google, Clutch, DesignRush, and other industry-specific forums. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to understand the company’s strengths and weaknesses.

A web design company with consistently high ratings and positive reviews will likely deliver quality service.

4. Assess Communication Skills

Good communication is the key to a successful web design project. During your initial interactions, pay attention to how responsive and clear the company is in its communication.

Are they listening to your needs and offering constructive suggestions? A company that communicates well will update you throughout the project and address any concerns immediately.

5. Consider the Cost

Web design services can vary significantly in cost.

While it’s important to stay within your budget, remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best.

Request quotes from multiple web design companies and compare what’s included in their packages. A more expensive agency might offer additional services like ongoing maintenance, SEO, and content creation. These can provide better value in the long run.

6. Verify Ongoing Support

Lastly, check if the web design and development company offers ongoing support to help maintain your site.

Ask about their support services, such as troubleshooting, software updates, and technical assistance. Knowing you have reliable support can give you peace of mind and ensure your website runs smoothly.

Web Design With LeftLane Media

LeftLane Media

If you have a project and want to get started with LeftLane Media, fill out their quote form.

You can also contact them by dialing 714-676-9253 or visiting their office located at 3040 Saturn St #205, Brea, CA 92821.

FAQs About Small Business Web Design

Is a website a good idea for a small business?

Yes, having a website can increase your online visibility, attract new customers, and provide a platform for selling products or services. It’s essential for building your brand and reaching a broader audience.

What questions to ask small business website designers when hiring one?

There are several questions to ask a web developer before working with them. These include asking about their portfolio, client testimonials, pricing plans, and tools used, among many others.

What are the most important features of a small business website?

A small business website design should have a clear homepage, an about us page, a services or products page, contact information, and a blog section. You can also include customer testimonials and social media links to help new users get to know your brand.