Top 10 Features Every Small Business Website Needs
Having a strong online presence is no longer optional for small businesses—it’s a necessity. A well-designed small business website acts as your digital storefront, attracting customers, showcasing your products or services, and ultimately driving sales. But what exactly makes a small business website successful?
In this post, we’ll go over the top 10 must-have features your small business website needs to compete in today’s digital landscape. Whether you're building your website from scratch or improving an existing one, this checklist will ensure you’re on the right track.
1. Mobile-Friendly Design
With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices (Statista), having a mobile-responsive website is a must. A small business website should look great and function smoothly on smartphones and tablets.
A responsive design ensures that images resize correctly, text is easy to read, and navigation is simple. Google even prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search rankings, so if your site isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re missing out on potential customers.
2. Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)
Your website should guide visitors toward taking action—whether that’s making a purchase, booking an appointment, or signing up for a newsletter. Strong calls to action (CTAs) help direct users to the next step.
Some great CTA examples include:
“Get a Free Quote”
“Schedule a Call”
“Start Your Free Trial”
“Shop Now”
Make sure your CTAs stand out with bold colors, clear wording, and prominent placement.
3. Fast Loading Speed
No one likes a slow website. Studies show that 53% of users will leave a site if it takes longer than three seconds to load (Google). A fast-loading small business website improves user experience and boosts SEO rankings.
Tips to improve speed:
Optimize images and videos
Use a reliable hosting provider
Enable browser caching
Minimize the use of heavy scripts and plugins
4. SEO-Friendly Structure
Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical for driving organic traffic to your website. Your small business website needs to be optimized for search engines so potential customers can find you easily.
SEO best practices include:
Using relevant keywords (like “small business website”)
Writing clear and compelling meta descriptions
Using header tags (H1, H2, H3) properly
Optimizing images with alt text
Creating internal links to important pages
5. User-Friendly Navigation
Visitors should be able to find what they need on your website within seconds. Simple, intuitive navigation is key.
Best practices for easy navigation:
Keep the main menu concise (5-7 main categories)
Use a sticky navigation bar
Include a search function
Have clear labels for each page
An organized small business website makes it easy for users to browse your site, reducing frustration and increasing conversions.
6. Contact Information and Location
Potential customers need an easy way to get in touch with you. Your small business website should prominently display contact details, including:
Business phone number
Email address
Physical address (if applicable)
Social media links
Including a Google Maps integration on your contact page can also help customers find your business quickly.
7. High-Quality Content and Blog
Content is king when it comes to attracting and engaging visitors. Your small business website should include well-written, informative content that answers customer questions and builds trust.
Some content ideas include:
A blog with helpful industry tips
FAQs about your products/services
Case studies or testimonials
How-to guides and video tutorials
Regularly updated content not only keeps visitors engaged but also improves SEO rankings.
8. Social Media Integration
Your website should connect with your social media platforms to encourage engagement. Adding social media icons that link to your profiles makes it easy for visitors to follow and interact with your brand.
Consider embedding live social feeds, especially if you regularly post updates or promotions. This helps build a sense of community and keeps your website fresh with new content.
9. Secure Hosting and SSL Certificate
Website security is a top priority for both users and search engines. A secure small business website should have an SSL certificate, which encrypts data and protects customer information.
Signs of a secure site:
HTTPS in the URL
A padlock icon in the browser bar
No security warnings when visitors access your site
Google ranks secure websites higher, so having SSL protection also helps with SEO.
10. Easy-to-Use Website Builder
If you’re building your site yourself, having an easy-to-use platform is essential. A DIY website builder like the one from Wix or GoDaddy lets you create a professional-looking site without needing coding skills.
Features to look for in a DIY builder:
Drag-and-drop functionality
Customizable templates
SEO tools and integrations
E-commerce capabilities
A good small business website builder ensures you have all the necessary tools to get online quickly and effectively.
Final Thoughts
A successful small business website is more than just an online presence—it’s a tool for growth, customer engagement, and brand credibility. By incorporating these top 10 features, you’ll ensure your website stands out and delivers results.
If you’re ready to build or upgrade your small business website, check out Project Zero Marketing’s DIY Website Guide to get started today!
Do you already have a small business website? Let us know in the comments what features have helped your business the most!
