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What are the key web design issues for smaller businesses is a question that is constantly being asked.
In today’s market an effective website is a must have for businesses of all sizes and this includes smaller businesses. You are in competition with businesses that have significantly larger budgets than you do. That is why it is crucial to make sure that you focus on the key areas that you have to build in and can afford.
Let’s have a look at some of the key parts of web design and how to approach them.
A poor user experience can drive visitors away, costing businesses potential leads and sales. Many small businesses struggle with overly cluttered or confusing designs. Visitors will very quickly go somewhere else and never come back if they have a bad user experience.
Simplified navigation, fast loading times, and mobile-friendly layouts are essential. A website should guide users effortlessly to the information or services they seek. For instance, placing clear calls-to-action such as “Contact Us” or “Shop Now” buttons on prominent areas of the page can significantly enhance user engagement.
According to Statista “In the last quarter of 2023, mobile devices (excluding tablets) generated 58.67 percent of global website traffic”( Source: Statista)
This is a growing trend so having a mobile responsive website is a must have for all businesses.
Many smaller businesses fail to grasp the importance of catering for smartphones and tablets, leading to distorted layouts, difficult navigation, and a frustrating user experience. Responsive web design ensures that a website looks and functions well across all screen sizes, helping businesses capture mobile audiences effectively.
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is often an afterthought for smaller businesses, but it is crucial for driving organic traffic. Poorly optimised websites like those lacking proper keywords, meta descriptions, and optimised images and are less likely to appear in search engine results. Small businesses must also ensure their website is fast and secure, as both factors significantly impact search rankings.
Small businesses frequently operate on tight or limited budgets, making it challenging to invest in professional web design services. Many rely on free or low-cost website builders, which, while useful, can result in generic-looking websites with limited customisation.
Striking a balance between affordability and functionality is key. Businesses should prioritise essential features like intuitive design, fast performance, and scalability over unnecessary extras.
Another common issue is neglecting content quality. Outdated or poorly written content can harm credibility and fail to engage visitors. Smaller businesses often lack the time or expertise to create compelling, error-free copy and high-quality visuals.
Regular updates, clear messaging, and a tone that resonates with the target audience are essential for building trust and driving conversions.
Google also wants to see website who add relevant content on a regular basis.
This can be achieved by writing your own content that is relevant to your audience. You just need to make sure that you can easily add new content and have an easy-to-use CMS as part of your website design.
Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. Smaller businesses often overlook basic security features, such as SSL certificates or regular software updates, making them vulnerable to hacks and breaches. An insecure website can deter customers and damage a company’s reputation.
Finally, many small businesses don’t take advantage of analytics tools to monitor website performance. Without tracking visitor behaviour, bounce rates, and conversion rates, businesses cannot make data-driven decisions to improve their websites. Incorporating basic analytics tools, such as Google Analytics and Google Search Console can provide invaluable insights to guide design and marketing strategies.
Small businesses face several web design challenges, but addressing them can significantly boost their online presence and customer engagement.
This is where having a good web design partner can really help, especially one that can deliver a good web design that is affordable.
Say Web Design are a web designer based in Newquay and London. We are digital experts and can produce affordable high-quality websites for SME’s anywhere in the UK. Please get in touch if you need help developing your site.
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