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Do's & Don'ts for Small Business Website
Almost every small business has a website. But, not all small businesses have websites that are effective. In order to make sure your website is doing its job, there are a few dos and don’ts you should keep in mind. Today, we’re going to be discussing the do’s and don’ts of small business websites. So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been running your business for years, make sure to read on!

1. Do make sure your website is easy to navigate
One of the most important things to keep in mind when creating or updating your website is that it is easy to navigate. This means ensuring that the layout is simple and that users can find what they are looking for quickly and easily. You may want to consider using a navigation bar at the top of the page and including clear labels for each section. You should also make sure all of your links work properly and lead to the correct pages.
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2. DON'T forget to include important information like your address and phone #
Don't forget to include important information like your address and phone number on your website. This will help your customers find you easily and will also make it easier for them to get in touch with you if they need to. You may also want to consider adding a contact form to your website so that customers can easily send you a message.

3. Do make sure your website is mobile-friendly
In today's world, it's essential that your website be mobile-friendly. This means that it will look good and be easy to use on devices like smartphones and tablets. If your website isn't currently mobile-friendly, you may want to consider redesigning it or using a responsive template. You can also use tools like Google's Mobile-Friendly Test to check how your website looks on different devices.

4. Don't make your website too cluttered or busy
When creating or updating your website, don't make it too cluttered or busy. This will only make it difficult for users to navigate and will likely lead to them leaving your site. You may want to consider using simple fonts and colours and avoiding too many animations or special effectsDo showcase customer testimonials and reviews on your website.

5. DO showcase customer testimonials and reviews on your website
If you're looking to improve your website, one of the best things you can do is showcase customer testimonials and reviews. This will help show potential customers that you're an reputable business and that they can trust you. You can either add a section on your website specifically for testimonials and reviews or include them in your blog or news section.

6. Don't forget to include and 'About Us' page with information about your company
This will help your customers learn more about you and will also show them that you're a credible business. You may want to include photos of your team, your office, or your products. You can also include a brief history, mission statement, values of your company or highlights from your past projects.

7. Do use images and videos to break up text and add interest
Images and videos can be a great way to break up text and add interest to your website. They can also help to explain things more clearly and can make your website more visually appealing. You may want to consider using images and videos on your homepage, About Us page, and blog posts. You can find free images and videos online or you can purchase stock photos and videos. Just be sure to use high-quality images and videos that are relevant to your business.
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8. Don't use cheesy stock photos - be creative and take your own photos!
One of the best ways to make your website stand out is to use original photos that are relevant to your business. This can be a great way to show your customers who you are and what you do. You may want to consider taking photos of your team, your office, or your products. You can also take scenic photos of your area or city. Just be sure to use high-quality images that are taken in good lighting.
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9. Do update your website regularly with fresh content
Make sure to regularly update your website with fresh content to keep your visitors engaged. This could include blog posts, photos, videos, or news about your company. You can also use this opportunity to promote any special offers or new products you may have. By keeping your website updated, you'll ensure that people always have something new to see and will be more likely to return in the future.

10. Don't neglect the importance of search engine optimisation
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the ranking of a website on search engines like Google and Yahoo. By optimizing your website, you can ensure that your website will show up higher in the search results when people search for related terms. This can be a great way to increase traffic to your site and can help you to attract more customers.
There are a number of things you can do to optimize your website, including optimizing your titles, descriptions, and keywords. You can also use social media to promote your website and build links back to it. By doing regular SEO audits and making changes based on the results, you can ensure that your website is always performing at its best.

11. Do have a professional logo and branding
A professional logo and branding can help to give your website a more polished and professional look. This can help to attract more customers and make your business appear more credible. There are a number of companies that offer logo and branding design services, so be sure to shop around to find the best deal. By having a well-designed logo and branding, you'll be able to make a great first impression on your visitors.

12. Don’t use too many fonts or colours on your website
Using too many fonts or colours on your website can make your website look cluttered and unprofessional. It can be difficult for visitors to read or understand what you're trying to say when there are too many distractions. Try to stick to two or three fonts max and use one primary and two complementary colours max that look good together. This will help to make your website look clean and organized.
A well-designed website should be easy to navigate, full of relevant information, mobile friendly, uncluttered yet interesting, with customer testimonials prominently displayed. It should also be updated regularly with new content and use search engine optimization techniques to ensure potential customers can easily find it. And finally, don’t forget the importance of having a professional logo and branding. At Walden, we have a team of experts who can help turn your vision for an amazing website into reality – contact us today to get started!
FAQs
How important is a website for a small business?
A website is important for a small business because it can be used to attract new customers and promote products or services. A well-designed website can also help to make a business appear more credible and professional. By using SEO techniques, a small business can ensure that its website will show up higher in the search results when people search for related terms.
How can a small business website stand out from the competition?
One way to make a small business website stand out from the competition is to make it mobile friendly. More and more people are using their smartphones and tablets to access the internet, so it's important to make sure your website is optimized for these devices. You can also make your website stand out by using creative designs and interesting content. Be sure to update your website regularly with new content to keep visitors engaged. You can also use social media to promote your website and build links back to it. By using SEO techniques, you can ensure that your website will show up higher in the search results when people search for related terms.