What makes a good small business website: 8 things customers look for

A good website for a small business isn't the one with the most animations. It's the one that answers a customer's questions in seconds and makes it easy to get in touch. Here are the eight things that matter most.

1. It says what you do, straight away

Someone landing on your site should know within a few seconds what you do and where. "Sourdough bakery on Ferry Street" beats "Welcome to our website" every time.

2. It works properly on phones

Most customers will find you on a phone. A mobile-friendly website with readable text, buttons big enough to tap, and nothing that needs zooming is essential.

3. It loads fast

A slow website loses visitors, especially on a weak mobile connection. Light pages and properly sized images make a big difference.

4. Prices are easy to find

Customers want to know what things cost before they call. Even a starting price or price range builds trust.

5. Opening hours and location are up to date

For a shop, cafe, gym or salon, the opening hours and address are often the main reason people visit your site.

6. One clear next step

Book a table, request a quote, order for tomorrow, call us. Every page should make the next step obvious.

7. It's written in plain language

Write the way you'd talk to a customer at the counter. No jargon, no long paragraphs about "solutions".

8. It can be found on Google

A good site has clear page titles, descriptions and headings that match what people actually search for, such as the kind of business you are and the area you serve.

Good doesn't have to mean expensive

Notice that none of these eight things needs a huge budget. A small, clear, fast website often beats an expensive one stuffed with features. That's how Elvo Works approaches every project: we build affordable, mobile-first websites for small businesses like bakeries, gyms, salons, cafes and repair shops, and every site is built around what your customers ask you most.