Beyond the Basics: 5 Must-Have Pages for Every Small Business Website
So, you're ready to launch your small business online – exciting! You know you need a website, but with so many possibilities, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. What pages do you really need? Do you just slap everything onto the homepage? (Spoiler: please don't!)
Building a website isn't just about looking pretty; it's about guiding your visitors, building trust, and turning them into customers. Think of your website as your digital storefront, welcoming visitors and helping them find exactly what they're looking for.
To get you started on the right foot, let's explore the 5 essential pages every small business website needs to make a powerful and effective online impact.
1. The Homepage: Your Digital Front Door
This is the first impression, the grand welcome mat of your online space. Your homepage isn't just a place to exist; it's a dynamic hub designed to quickly tell visitors:
Who you are: What's your business all about?
What you do: What problems do you solve?
Who you serve: Who is your ideal customer?
What to do next: Guide them to your most important content.
Purpose: To grab attention, clearly communicate your value proposition, and direct visitors to deeper, more specific information on your site. It should feature a strong, clear headline, compelling imagery, and obvious navigation.
2. The About Page: Your Story & Why You're the Best Choice
Beyond just a dry biography, your About page is where you build trust and connection. This is where your personality (and unique story!) can really shine. People want to know the human behind the business.
Purpose: To share your brand story, mission, and values. It builds credibility by highlighting your experience, passion, and what makes you unique. It answers the crucial question: "Why should I trust and work with you?" Don't be afraid to be authentic here!
3. The Services/Products Page: What You Offer, Clearly Defined
This is where you lay out exactly what you sell. Whether it's web design packages, handmade goods, or consulting hours, make it easy for visitors to understand your offerings. Avoid jargon and focus on the benefits to your client.
Purpose: To detail your services or products, explain their benefits, and clarify how they solve your customer's problems. Organize your offerings clearly, perhaps with pricing (even "starting from" figures or package details), and include calls-to-action to learn more or purchase.
4. The Contact Page: Make It Easy to Reach You
It sounds obvious, but a clear, accessible Contact page is non-negotiable. People who visit this page are often ready to take the next step, so make it effortless for them.
Purpose: To provide clear, multiple ways for potential clients to get in touch. Include a contact form, email address, phone number (if applicable), and even social media links. Consider adding your general availability or expected response times to manage expectations.
5. The Blog or Portfolio Page: Share Your Expertise & Showcase Your Work
This page serves a dual purpose, depending on your business model.
For Service-Based Businesses (like jvh.digital): A Portfolio page is paramount. It allows you to visually showcase your past projects, demonstrating your skills and quality of work. Seeing is believing, especially in design!
For Content-Driven or Authority Businesses: A Blog page is your platform to share insights, industry news, tips, and personal reflections. It positions you as an expert, drives organic search traffic (SEO), and provides valuable content for your audience.
Purpose: To build authority, generate organic traffic, and provide social proof of your capabilities. It gives visitors a reason to keep coming back and see what's new.
Overwhelmed by all these pages?
Getting your core online presence perfect doesn't have to be a headache. My 'Starter Site Launch' package focuses on getting these essential pages expertly built, so you can have a professional, effective website ready to impress. And, of course, we can always build and expand from there as your business grows!
Ready to launch your foundational website? Let's chat!
