Essential Features Every Small Business Website Needs
Let's face it: a website these days isn't just a nice-to-have; it's an absolute must-have. Whether you're just starting out or you're an established small business, your website is the front door to your brand—and we all know first impressions count. Even if you’re opting for a simple one-pager, you’ve got to make sure you’re ticking all the right boxes to keep things easy, reputable, and looking top-notch. Here are the must-haves for every small business website:
1. Contact Form and Multiple Ways to Get in Touch
Ah, the good old contact form—a staple of any website worth its salt! It’s a super simple way for your customers to reach out and say, "Hey, I’m interested!" But here’s the thing: not everyone’s a fan of forms. Some might prefer firing off a quick email or picking up the phone. So, why not cover all your bases? Make sure you’re collecting the essentials—email and phone number—so if they accidentally type in "gamil" instead of "gmail," you've still got a way to reach them.
And while you’re at it, ditch the generic email addresses. No one’s building confidence with a "yourbusiness@gmail.com." Go for something swish like info@yourbusiness.co.nz—it’s all about looking the part! Oh, and don’t forget your phone number. Some people still love a good old-fashioned natter.
Why It Works:
Makes it super easy for customers to get in touch, their way.
Shows you’re the real deal with a professional, domain-specific email.
Builds trust by making you accessible—no hiding behind the screen here!
Caters to everyone's contact preferences, keeping all potential customers happy.
2. Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Now, a clear CTA is your website's way of saying, "Hey, here’s what you should do next!" Whether it's "Buy Now," "Book a Consultation," or "Sign Up for Our Newsletter," a good CTA takes the guesswork out of the visitor’s journey. If you’re rocking a one-page site, great! Pop a few CTAs in there to guide folks down the page. But for multi-page websites, you’ve got to think a bit like a tour guide—keep 'em moving in the right direction!
From the homepage, your CTAs should lead visitors smoothly to key spots like your services, portfolio, or case studies. And from there, keep 'em clicking with more CTAs to direct them to juicy content or encourage them to drop you a line or sign up for something fabulous. Make it so obvious where they should go next that they don’t even have to think about it. Because if they pause for too long, wondering what to do next, you might just lose them. And nobody wants that!
Why It Works:
Boosts engagement by making the next step crystal clear.
Keeps visitors on track and moving through your site without a hitch.
Reduces the "what now?" moments, so visitors don’t bounce away in confusion.
3. Social Media Integration
Get those social vibes flowing by integrating your social media right into your website. Let your visitors connect with you across all the cool platforms—Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn—you name it. This not only builds a community but also shows off your social proof, giving your credibility a little extra sparkle.
Why It Works:
Gets more eyeballs on your brand and boosts engagement.
Shows you’re active and legit, with real social proof.
Encourages visitors to share your fab content with their networks.
4. E-commerce Functionality
Got something to sell? Then you need to make sure your site has some slick e-commerce functionality. Whether it’s just a simple payment gateway or a full-on online store, Squarespace has got you covered. It’s easy-peasy to set up, so you can start making sales faster than you can say "Add to Cart!"
Why It Works:
Opens up a direct sales channel on your site—cha-ching!
Expands your reach beyond just local customers.
Makes shopping a breeze for your customers, which they’ll love you for.
5. Testimonials and Reviews
Nothing screams "We’re awesome!" quite like a bunch of glowing testimonials and reviews. They’re like little gold stars for your business, proving you’ve done a stellar job for others and can do the same for potential customers. Even if you’re running a one-page wonder, carve out a little space for those happy customer voices.
Why It Works:
Builds that all-important trust and credibility.
Provides solid social proof that you deliver the goods.
Gives potential customers a little confidence boost to take the next step.
6. About Us Section
People want to know who they’re doing business with, plain and simple. An "About Us" section lets you share your story, your mission, and what makes you tick. And here in New Zealand, we love to know who we're supporting. Buying local and knowing the people behind the business is especially important to us Kiwis—we’re all about supporting our own! So, even on a one-page site, a snappy little section about who you are and what you’re all about can make a world of difference in connecting with your audience and showing that local touch.
Why It Works:
Puts a friendly face to your brand, making it more relatable.
Helps build a personal connection with your visitors, especially those who value buying local.
Differentiates you from competitors by sharing your unique story.
7. Fast Loading Speed and Mobile Optimisation
Speed is everything on the web—nobody’s got time to wait around for a slow-loading site! Luckily, Squarespace websites are built with speed in mind. And on my websites, all images are compressed and optimised to keep things snappy. After all, big, bulky images are often the culprits behind sluggish sites, and we definitely don’t want that!
As for mobile-friendliness, all Squarespace sites are mobile responsive, meaning they look fabulous on any device—be it a phone, tablet, or desktop. And the latest version of Squarespace even lets you customise the mobile view separately from the desktop one. So, you can make sure your site looks tip-top no matter how folks are viewing it.
Why It Works:
Keeps your site zippy, reducing bounce rates from impatient visitors.
Helps with SEO, since search engines love a speedy, mobile-friendly site.
Provides a seamless experience on mobile, where more and more browsing is happening these days.
8. Professional Branding and Photography
Let’s talk about the visual stuff—branding and photography. First off, your website needs a strong, cohesive brand identity. That means a well-designed logo, consistent colours, fonts, and graphics that all scream "This is us!" A memorable brand identity makes you instantly recognisable and helps build trust with your visitors.
And don’t underestimate the power of great photography. Images can tell your story in a way words just can't. Whether it’s product shots, team photos, or action shots of your services, professional images can really sell your business. Avoid the dreaded generic stock photos—they’re a bit like soggy chips: bland and forgettable. Instead, go for unique, high-quality images that reflect the true essence of your brand. You can read more about why I believe professional photos are the bees-knees here.
Why It Works:
Establishes a professional and consistent look that builds trust.
Makes your site more engaging and memorable.
High-quality images can really capture the spirit of your brand and draw visitors in.
Wrapping It Up
A small business website should be easy to use and exude trust and professionalism, even if it's just a simple one-page affair. By incorporating these essential features, you’ll not only enhance the user experience but also build a solid foundation of trust and credibility with your audience. Remember, a well-thought-out website isn’t just about looking good—it’s about achieving your business goals and keeping those visitors coming back for more.
But here's the thing: getting all these elements right can be a bit like spinning plates—if one falls, it can all come crashing down. That’s where I come in! If you're looking to build a stunning, effective website that does more than just sit pretty on the internet, let’s chat. Whether you’re after a fresh new site or a revamp of your current one, I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to Take Your Website to the Next Level?
Drop me a line today, and let’s create a website that truly represents your business and helps you achieve your goals. With my expertise in Squarespace, I’ll make sure your site is not just another URL, but a powerful tool for growth and success. Let’s make your online presence as fabulous as your business deserves!
