subject: How To Make A Website For A Local Business [print this page] There's a big difference in the way one would make a website if it is made for a local business or an internet-based business. A local business isn't going to have the e-commerce aspect, which means there is no need for a shopping cart or anything like that. It is strictly informative, which will allow site visitors to learn a lot about the business before they go into the storefront.
The rules in terms of web design are the same. The rules to make a website are the same no matter what it's being used for. It needs to be eye-catching and the content needs to be well-written, even if it means hiring a content writer to get the proper words on the page. Graphics need to be related to the industry and not over power the rest of the page.
Site visitors need to know what the business is about within seconds of landing on the page. Graphics can assist with this. As soon as someone sees a cupcake, they know it's a bakery. As soon as someone sees a dog, they know it's going to be about pets. These clues can cut down on the amount of text within the page.
A lot of information should be presented on the website. This can be done by breaking all of the information into various tabs. The history of the company, the types of products or services, examples with photos, pricing and a contact page should all be included. The more a person can learn about the company before going to it, the better.
Providing a lot of information on the website can also eliminate a lot of phone calls and emails. People are curious by nature. It's why they are visiting a website to begin with - they are curious. When they can get all their questions answered by navigating through the website, they will be happier. It also makes it easier on the business by not having to man phones and email all the time.
Using past phone calls and emails can be a way of deciding what information to include on the website. If people are constantly asking where the place is located, the address should be provided on the website. It should also be taken a step further, however. A map of how to get to the location should also be included.
Photos of the products provided at the local business or photos of previous work completed should be placed on the website. This will allow potential customers to learn a lot about the business. Many times, these photos can help make the sale before a person even goes into the local business. This way, more people walking into the business are making a purchase instead of just looking around at what their options are.
Websites must be designed in such a way that they are informative. The website's main purpose is to help a company become visible within the search engines. Since so many people are using Google and other search engines to find a local business, every business needs a website. But they need to be informative upon arrival, otherwise they will move on to a different website - most likely a competitor's website, which isn't going to help business at all.
