Web Design Essentials for Small Business

There was a time, not so long ago, that if you were running a small business you relied on word of mouth and perhaps some advertising, maybe in the local newspaper similar to promote your services.

And while word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful ways to grow your business, these days a website presence is essential.

Whatever your business is - if you're a florist on the high street, a veterinary clinic in the suburbs, a plumber, a panel shop or a wholesaler of electrical good, customers for your products and services are looking on the internet.

And if you're no there, it's your competitors which will pick up the business.

If you haven't got a web presence you may be thinking "It's all too hard." Or "Where do I start?"

Well, it's not hard - and I'll give you some ideas on the 'where to start' question later.

Here's some simple things you must incorporate in your web design to be successful - that is, it will increase your revenues.

1.Your web site should simply and clearly state what you do. Visitors - your potential customers - to your site will leave very quickly if they can't find what they want or see what you do. Clear visuals are more important than a 'creative' design.

2.It should indicate the benefits of doing business with you. What do you offer that your competitors don't? Customers want to know why they should do business with a particular supplier and here's your chance to show the value of what you provide.

3.It should show your potential customers just how easy it is to do business with you. How easy are you to contact ? How soon will products be delivered ? How easy is it to buy your products or services ? These and other such elements should be made very clear on the website.

4.It should have elements which enable you to build trust with potential customers. The key to success - in any business today - is whether there is trust between customer and supplier. Build trust by building a relationship with your potential customers. The way your web site design is set up, you can easily do this by offering a monthly newsletter, a free tip sheet, offering free advice - they key here is 'give something of value' - and the trust starts to build. If you're a plumber, give them water saving tips, if you're running the local veterinary clinic, how about tips on the best food for a healthy dog. Then if you've captured their details - because they've asked for information from you - you keep in touch with them - and build the relationship.

5.Your website should be updated regularly. Every shop owner knows they have to change the shop window, and do it regularly. It's the same with your website. You want your customers to be regular visitors and when they see change they will want to come again. Updating your website shows them that you are pro-active, that you want to give them value when they visit - and that's all part of building the relationship.

A successful web design puts value on your bottom line - it will increase your profits. And these days, the cost of a professionally designed and effective web site, including set up will be far more cost-effective than an advertising campaign. As for the word-of-mouth - the website will do the talking for you 24/7, if you go about it the right way.

Graham Moore

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