Starting a business from scratch includes launching a website, as well.
You can use many different strategies and hacks to come up with top-notch features on it.
However, you can get lost along the way and create an unfunctional website.
Even though you might be an expert in your niche, web design takes some special skills.
Since we know that business rookies have a lot on their plates, they might use some extra help with their website.
That’s why we’ve selected five valuable tips to launch a user-friendly website applicable to every SMB.
- Define the purpose of the website
Before you start working on the development process, make sure to define the purpose of your website.
Its purpose and function will affect the design, structure, and content.
Most SMB-owners need a website as their stand on the online market. This is where every potential reader, user or customer will come to see what your business has to offer.
So, if you want your website to primarily have this representative function, give it a form of presentation.
Including one or more explainer videos on your homepage is a smart thing to do.
On the other hand, some business owners use their website as a selling platform.
In that case, focus on detailed product descriptions, provide your customers’ reviews, and ensure a smooth flow to the checkout page.
- Determine your target audience
When you’ve set the purpose of your website, you need to determine your target audience.
Tons of content have been written about this topic.
In a nutshell, every small business should focus on a certain group at the beginning.
For instance, a website whose purpose is to sell medical alert systems should focus on older generations.
On the other hand, a new app-developing agency should direct their website toward younger generations.
Apart from the age of potential customers, take into account their social status and income.
When you put all these elements on paper, you’ll have your persona, i.e. the imaginary average customers.
In line with that, you can start designing your website and creating its content strategy.
- Analyze the competition
During the website development process, new business owners should follow what their rivals are doing.
For starters, you can type some relevant keywords for your niche and adapt the location on Google.
This will give you an insight into the most popular ventures that you’ll be competing with.
Visit their websites, check out the functionality of various features there, and write down the things you like.
If possible, try to make some minor purchases via those websites to check their usability.
Apart from that, you can visit those businesses on social media. Pay attention to their posts, links that they share, and how they engage with their audience.
All this intel will help you understand how to find your place under the online sun.
And if you want to go the extra mile, you can use some of these competitor analysis tools to learn more about your rivals.
- Decide what platform to use
Every new business owner has the same dilemma – to use a website builder or to hire a web designer.
There’s no universal answer to that question but there are some general tips that can help people to make this decision.
If you need a simple, informative website that’s only going to present your business, a website builder is a fine option.
They usually offer some free templates and features, some elements need to be paid.
Also, when you opt for a website builder, you don’t have to bother with hosting, SEO, and other things.
The provider who runs the website builder usually takes care of these things, as well.
In some builders, these features are automatically sorted out.
On the other hand, some business owners know at the beginning of their quest that they need more website functions.
In that case, it’s better to find a reliable web designer and start working with that professional.
In such a collaboration, it’s possible to make your original ideas work on the website. That’s not the case with website builders, which are closed-form patterns.
What’s more, think about launching a mobile app together with your business website.
For instance, the designers renowned for their custom web application development in Houston claim that business owners can save a cent or two that way.
So, if you need a more complex website as you’re starting your business, think about getting an app within the same package, as well.
- Stay simple but useful
Every small business website needs to meet at least one basic UX-principle – it has to be simple but useful to its visitors.
Since this is a broad definition, let’s try to explain it in detail.
For starters, avoid packing your website with too many sections. The homepage, the About Us section, your services, and the blog should do for the beginning of your business story. This is valid for those business owners who need more complex websites, as well.
The complexity can reflex itself in ample visuals and an abundance of details about your products and services.
However, cramming your website with dozens of different elements will curb the conversion rates.
E-commerce websites are exceptions since they need to have many elements. But there are special CRMs that can meet all these demands while delivering a high level of usability.
Conclusion
Modern small businesses can put their foot on the global market the same moment they’re launched.
Once you start a website, you become a global player.
That’s why this website needs to be a unique but practical place. When it comes to its design, keep it straightforward and simple to use.
But when it comes to content and business info, leave nothing to chance and give your visitors all the possible information.
Also, make sure to decide who the website is for and why you’re launching it in the first place.
When you analyze the competitors, you can decide whether to launch a mobile app, as well.
SMB-owners who think about all these features should launch a functional and successful website.
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Author Byline: Liam Collins is a tech pundit and Web enthusiast working at TuiSpace.com. He spends most of his time reading and writing about the current affairs in the world of information technology. When he isn’t working, he likes going for long bike rides and walks in nature.
