02 May 5 Must-Have Features for Today’s Business Websites

A well-designed business website is a necessity in today’s highly competitive market. However, planning new website features that align with your business and niche can be challenging. There is no one-size-fits-all solution but there are some essential, must-have features that you should consider including to make your business website a success.

5 proven features of websites for small businesses to ensure more conversions, sales, and a better overall experience for your online visitors.

Value Proposition

Before you build your business website or start to redesign one, think carefully about how you want to portray your brand. Consider the type of photos, graphics, font, colour schemes, etc. to create a cohesive identity that will subtly tell your visitors who you are and what differentiates your brand from others. The value proposition is a must-have feature. When you take the time to provide value to your consumers, they are more likely to trust you, return to you, and even send family and friends your way. Without it, your site may leave visitors puzzled and cause them to look for others that closely meet their expectations.

Content Management System (CMS)

If you wish to avoid constantly asking a professional web designer to manage or update your website, then it is highly recommended that you have a Content Management System (CMS). A CMS allows you to effectively manage and update your site on your own. Using a CMS, such as Magento, WordPress, etc. offers a wide range of benefits that are all game-changers. CMS stores all your website content in one secure place, assists in creating dynamic web pages and supports effortless collaboration. Furthermore, it allows for easy and quick updates and offers useful tools and plugins to make your business website as secure and effective as possible while also saving you both money and time.

Responsive Design

With over 60% of online users now using mobile devices, e.g. smartphones, tablets, etc., it’s extremely important that your business website works seamlessly across all devices. If your website doesn’t feature responsive design, you are missing out on customers and their business. Having a mobile-friendly, responsive design does not mean that your site can simply be accessed and browsed on a mobile device, it means that it has been designed for navigation and use on any computer no matter the screen size. People will be browsing your site on their tablets, smartphones, laptops, and computers. So, it is crucial that your website is responsive or mobile-friendly.

Calls-To-Action (CTAs)

Using strategically placed calls to action on your website is one of the best ways to improve its design. You can add CTAs in areas such as at the top right of your navigation, at the bottom of your website pages, and below sections that require action. But be careful not to make your website look too much like a sales pitch as it will turn visitors away.

Your CTAs should be:

• Easy to See: Be sure to have a clean, uncluttered website design so that visitors can easily see your call-to-action buttons.
• Self-Explanatory: Make sure that all your CTAs are self-explanatory so that your visitors don’t have to guess.
• Logical: Your calls to action should be the extensions of your value proposition. Understand your target audience and know when to ask for what.

Local SEO

Although technically not a website feature, Local SEO can prove to be extremely beneficial for small businesses. By prioritizing local SEO strategies, you can connect with customers in your area, increase foot traffic, build a local following, and boost sales. There are several ways to optimize your digital presence for local Search Engine Optimization. Here are some recommendations:

• Keep your URL structure keyword-rich, easy to understand, and complete.
• Keep local SEO in mind when writing your titles and meta descriptions. Don’t forget to include important keywords in both.

These and many other local SEO practices should be a part of your overall Search Engine Optimization plan.

Final Word

A website is important communication, marketing, and outreach tool for businesses. Whether it’s a website for a small business or a large enterprise, it offers an opportunity to create a first impression on customers. So, it is important that it has essential key features to help you stand out and offer a great overall experience to your potential customers. Unfortunately, many businesses don’t take advantage of these key elements. To stay competitive, it is highly recommended that you include the above-listed features in your business website. These must-have features will prove dynamic and effective for all your customers and visitors alike.

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