If you’re a local business owner, you already know how important your website is. It’s often the first impression people get of your company. And let me tell you, first impressions stick. Whether you run a boutique in Auburn, a home service business in Kent, or a coffee shop in Seattle, your website should help people trust you, find you, and contact you fast.
Here are the five things we always recommend for small business websites if you want them to work hard for you, not just sit there collecting digital dust.
Clear Calls to Action: Tell Visitors What to Do Next
When someone lands on your site, what do you want them to do? Call you? Schedule a consultation? Fill out a form?
Don’t make them guess.
A strong call to action is like a helpful guide pointing them in the right direction, guiding customers through a conversion-focused online experience. It could be a “Book Now” button, a “Get a Free Quote” form, or even a “Call Today” banner. Whatever it is, it should be easy to see and clear in what it offers.
Without a CTA, visitors wander around without knowing what to do next. And chances are, they bounce. That means fewer leads, fewer sales, and less business for you.
If you’re not sure where to put your CTA, start with your homepage and contact page. Make it visible above the fold, before someone starts scrolling. Repeat it near the bottom, too. You want to catch them whether they’re skimming or reading every word.
We help small businesses create websites that guide visitors toward action. Because confusion costs you money. Clarity drives results.
Mobile-Friendly Design: Your Website Should Look Great on a Phone
Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re probably losing business.
A mobile-friendly site adapts to smaller screens, loads quickly, and lets people tap instead of pinch and zoom. If your menu is tiny or your phone number isn’t clickable, it might be time for an update.
Mobile visitors have zero patience for clunky design. Think about the last time you tried to use a website that didn’t work well on your phone. Did you stay? Probably not.
Google agrees. Mobile usability is a key factor in search rankings. So, not only does a mobile-friendly website help your visitors, but it also helps your business show up in search results.
I test every site I build on real phones, not just simulators. I want your customers to have a smooth, stress-free experience no matter how they find you.
Contact Info & Trust Signals: Build Confidence Quickly
You’d be surprised how many small business websites make it hard to get in touch. Or worse, they skip contact info altogether. That’s like opening a store with no sign and no way for customers to knock.
Your phone number, email, and address (if applicable) should be easy to find. Place them in the header or footer, and add a dedicated contact page with a simple form.
Now let’s talk trust. People want to know who they’re doing business with. Add a few quick trust signals like:
- Real customer testimonials
- “As seen in” or “Certified by” logos
- Photos of your team or office
These small details can make a big emotional difference. They help people feel comfortable reaching out.
If your site feels anonymous or outdated, it’s working against you. A personal, transparent design invites connection. That’s something we build into every project at Blaser Consulting.
SEO Basics: Help People Find You on Google
SEO doesn’t have to be mysterious. It just means setting up your site so that search engines can understand what you do, where you are, and why it matters.
For small business websites, that starts with keyword-rich page titles, clear headings, and relevant content. If you run a dog grooming service in Tacoma, those words should appear in your homepage text, image descriptions, and possibly your URL.
Don’t forget about local SEO. Claiming your Google Business Profile, getting local reviews, and embedding a map on your site can all help you show up when someone searches “[your service] near me.”
There’s a lot more to SEO than just keywords, but the basics go a long way. A site that ranks well brings you more traffic, more calls, and more chances to turn visitors into paying customers.
Want help figuring out where your site stands? We offer free consultations to local businesses who want to show up better in search.
Fast, Secure Hosting: Don’t Let Your Website Fall Asleep at the Wheel
Web hosting might sound boring, but it’s one of the most important decisions you can make. A slow site frustrates visitors. An unsecured one scares them away.
Your site should load in under 3 seconds. Any longer, and people start clicking away. If your hosting is sluggish or unreliable, even the best-designed site can fail to deliver.
Security matters too. An SSL certificate (the little padlock in the browser bar) indicates to visitors that their data is secure. It also affects your search ranking.
We help clients choose fast, secure hosting and set up proper SSL encryption. We also monitor for downtime and performance issues. Because your business deserves a site that works as hard as you do.
Commonly Asked Questions About Small Business Websites
How much should a small business website cost?
It depends on what you need, but expect to invest between $1,500 and $5,000 for a custom site that works well and looks professional.
Can I build my own site?
Sure, but it may not deliver the results you’re looking for. A DIY site is better than nothing, but a professionally built one can help you grow faster.
How long does it take to build a small business website?
Most websites we build take 3 to 6 weeks from start to finish. Timelines vary based on features and content.
What if I already have a website but it’s not working?
That’s common. We offer website audits and redesigns that improve what you have without starting over from scratch.
Will I be able to edit my website after it’s built?
Yes. We use platforms like WordPress that let you make simple updates. We also offer training and support if you need help.
Ready to Build a Better Website?
Your website isn’t just a box to check off. It’s your best marketing tool when done right. I specialize in helping small businesses build websites that are fast, functional, and focused on results.
If you’re tired of guessing what works, or frustrated with a site that doesn’t convert, let’s talk.
📞 Call us at (206) 249 9134
🌐 Or schedule a phone consultation
Don’t settle for a “good enough” website. Let’s build something that gets you noticed, gets you leads, and helps your business grow.