Starting a small business takes a lot of hard work and patience, and no matter the nature of your company, having a successful online presence can make or break your sales. Not only do you need to create ads and profiles for social media, you’ll need to think about making a gorgeous website that will attract customers and keep them coming back.

The key is to think hard about what you want your website to do for you. Doing some research ahead of time will allow you to be knowledgeable about creating a successful online presence, which will help you get your ideas across in a manageable way to your designer.

Here are a few tips on how to make a great website for your business.

Look into e-commerce

E-commerce is earning money for your business through online sales, and it can be done in a variety of ways. Many small business owners are finding great success with online stores, which you can set up on your own website or through a platform such as Shopify. If your business doesn’t already include an online store, consider creating one to help boost business.

Check out your competitors

It’s a good idea to look at different websites altogether, not just those you’re in competition with. Get a feel for their layouts and designs, and take notes of what works. Not all websites are easy to navigate, so learn from the mistakes of others before creating a design for your own business. 

Think mobile

These days, consumers are so on the move that having a mobile app with great functionality is basically a must. Mobile users account for millions of customers who might not take the time to give your business attention if they can’t access it from their phones, so do some research into creating an app that will work for your company.

Make a decision on content

Content is the main reason customers will come to your site, so it should be easy to navigate and understand. You’ll also need to make a decision about whether or not to make all of your content free or paid. Many successful sites have a mixture to maximize the amount of customers they draw in and keep. Also, while ad space is a great way to monetize your site, many customers will leave if they feel overwhelmed with advertisements that make a site hard to navigate.

Splurge a little

You might decide to go with a free or inexpensive site host such as WordPress rather than a costlier company to keep your budget in check. However, don’t be afraid to splurge on hiring an experienced designer who can help you make the most of your space. These pros have invaluable tips on how to get noticed and how to make sure customers will keep coming back. They can also help you learn about SEO, which will allow you to make smarter decisions regarding web traffic.

Creating a great website starts with your ideas, so do your homework and find out how to make the site work for your specific needs. Don’t be afraid to ask your customers for their input, either; they may have suggestions that will help you grow your business with just a few small changes.

Are you looking for a great website for your business, or do you need an expert’s eye to improve your current one? Contact the Entraspark team today.