5 Simple Things Every Small Business Website Should Have (But Many Don’t)
If you're like most small business owners, your website was something you had to set up... and then promptly forgot about. Between managing your business, answering customer questions, and trying to keep up with social media, who has time to think about their website?
But here’s the truth: your website is always working—whether you are or not. It's your 24/7 storefront, salesperson, and customer service rep. And yet, so many small business websites are missing a few key elements that could make a big difference.
Here are five simple things your site should have (but probably doesn’t):
1. A Clear, Compelling Headline Right at the Top
You have about 3 seconds to grab someone’s attention when they land on your homepage. If your headline is vague, outdated, or buried under a big image that says nothing… people bounce.
What it should do:
Tell people exactly what you do, who you help, and what makes you different.
✅ Bonus tip: A subheading that adds detail or a call-to-action ("Schedule your free consult today") can make this even more effective.
2. Obvious, Clickable Calls-to-Action
"Contact us" in a menu bar isn’t enough. Your website should guide visitors to take the next step—whether that’s booking a call, signing up for a newsletter, or requesting a quote.
What it should do:
Make the next step crystal clear and easy to do from every page.
✅ Use buttons that stand out. Make them say things like “Let’s Talk” or “Get a Free Estimate”—something more engaging than “Submit.”
3. A Real “About” Page That Builds Trust
Too many “About” pages are either nonexistent or just a generic blurb. People do business with people, especially in the small business world. Your story, values, and personality matter more than you think.
What it should do:
Share who you are, why you started, and what makes you care about your work. Throw in a photo of your team—or just you. Real faces build trust.
✅ This is also a great spot to casually highlight credentials, awards, or even a quick customer testimonial.
4. Mobile-Friendly, Fast-Loading Design
We know… this one’s not sexy. But it’s huge. Over half of web traffic comes from phones, and if your site’s slow or clunky, most people won’t stick around.
What it should do:
Load quickly and look great on any device. No pinching, zooming, or clicking on tiny links.
✅ Use a tool like Google’s PageSpeed Insights or just check your site on your own phone. If it’s frustrating to navigate, it’s time for a cleanup.
5. Basic SEO—Done Right
You don’t need to be an SEO wizard. But if your site doesn’t mention what you do and where you do it (like “plumber in Fredericksburg, VA”), Google won’t know who to send your way.
What it should do:
Include keywords your ideal customer might actually type into Google, especially in your homepage title, meta description, and throughout your content.
✅ Think simple and specific: “custom cakes in Richmond VA” beats “sweet creations for any occasion.”
Ready to Fix Up Your Site Without the Headache?
At MarketNoodle, we specialize in done-for-you marketing for small businesses—which means we handle all of this (and more), so you can focus on running your business. Whether you need a full website makeover or just a few smart tweaks, we’re here to help.
Let’s make your website work for you—not against you.
👉 Contact us today for a free website checkup.