Many people will tell you that all you need to market your small business are referrals and “word of mouth” advertising from friends and family. Those two tactics do help. However, if you don’t have a website, it could be tough to get found where people search for local businesses the most – online. At BizIQ we understand the importance of having a marketing-ready website; after all, small business marketing is our business.
Our 3 Biggest Website Tips for Small Business Owners
Below are three of our most valuable tips for business owners who are new to the world of online marketing and local search.
1. You Need a Website
Nearly half of all small businesses in the USA don’t have a website. But why?
Reasons many SMBs don’t have a website:
- They don’t believe it’s necessary for a small, local business
- They don’t know how to build one
- They think it’s too expensive
Maybe you don’t spend much or any time on the internet, but rest assured, that’s not true of most of your customers. If you don’t have a website, how can they find you?
Now let’s go back to the three reasons and turn them each around:
- According to data from BrightLocal, 97% of consumers search for local businesses online.
- 72% of people who conduct a local search visit a store within 5 miles of their current location.
Still, don’t think you need a small business website?
If you’re just starting out and can’t invest in a professional website yet, you can still build your own simple site. Plus, you might be surprised at what you can afford. With the following options, you don’t have to know any code to create one for your organization.
- Drag and drop site templates from free or low-cost website builders
- Google auto-generated websites for you in GMB from your Google business profile
Maybe, you want help or something less basic but believe you can’t afford it.
Sure you can spend thousands of dollars on a company website, but why when BizIQ has website packages aimed at small, local companies for as little as $349 a month. No contracts and no hidden fees.
With virtually everyone searching for local businesses online, you can’t afford not to have an online presence.
Now that you’re not making that mistake. What’s next?
2. Professional Web Design is Important
Your site design should not be a reflection of your personal aesthetic. Your personal style should be separate from your business’ brand.
Your dog is cute and that crazy color combination is great if that’s what you like. But your customers don’t like that, so don’t put it on your business’ website.
A Stanford study found that 75% of consumers admit that they judge a business’ credibility based on their website design.
There is a psychology behind good design in regards to marketing and what draws people in versus keeps them away.
Websites are a showcase of your business. You can put your products on display and highlight what you offer.
So, how do you create a website aesthetic for your customers rather than for you?
- Provide enough information without crowding the site
- Be ready to adjust based on data and insights.
- Read up on elements of design and implement them.
Now that your site is visually appealing, let’s move on!
3. Your Website Accessibility Needs to On Point
Accessibility is a widespread problem that many small business owners are not even aware exists.
Many people don’t realize that accessibility requirements extend to your website.
Accessibility means ensuring everyone can access and navigate your site regardless of disabilities, impairments, or learning issues.
Okay, but how big of a deal is it?
Website accessibility lawsuits almost tripled from 2017 to 2018.
Beyond being a requirement, it’s just common sense.
You wouldn’t build a brick & mortar business that isn’t accessible, so why would you make an inaccessible website?
The most recent study shows that 3.8 million people in the U.S between the age of 21-64 were blind or had serious vision issues that made seeing difficult.
Website accessibility checklists by W3C or WebAim can help you, or you can hire a professional website developer like those at BizIQ to help you.
What’s My Next Step?
Now that you understand the importance of a well designed, accessible website for your small business, it’s time to take your knowledge further. For more website tips, check out our article on 10 website mistakes you need to avoid. And if you’re ready to take your site to the next level, click on the graphic next to this blog to schedule your free marketing analysis or click here to send us an email.
