Every local business website needs to cover some basic information, but too often, we miss something basic.
I just searched for some local businesses, and found many that were missing essential info. It’s easy to do, because you’re too close. You think everyone will know, you assume they can figure it out. But it doesn’t work that way. Lots of people don’t know. Maybe they found you through search, or they recently moved to town, or they just never knew about you before.
So here’s the checklist of basic info every small town business ought to include on their website.
- Full business name
- Business category, if it isn’t stated in the name
At the very top:
- Get in contact:
- Phone number
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Location:
- City and state
- Street address
- Map of your location, or link to an online map
- Come on in:
- Business hours
- Bonus: picture of your business from the street
- Buy something:
- Lines of business
- Specific brand names
Take time to check your site. You might be surprised at what’s missing.
And don’t bury these essentials in small type, or hard to find locations. Make them big, bold, obvious, and maybe even repeat them.
This article is part of the Small Biz 100, a series of 100 practical hands-on posts for small business people and solo entrepreneurs, whether in a small town, the big city, or in between. If you have questions you’d like us to address in this series, leave a comment or send us an email at becky@smallbizsurvival.com. This is a community project!
Photo by Becky McCray.
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elliotross says
January 26, 2009 at 5:35 pmI would add one further detail – any regional limitations that you serve.
Being in Ottawa Ontario, a plumber Ottawa Kanas does not do me much good.
If you ship nationally, or just across the county – say it clearly!
Becky McCray says
January 26, 2009 at 5:53 pmElliot, you are absolutely correct!
Debra says
January 27, 2009 at 12:25 amI can offer a lot on this subject. For starters, the saying, “If you Build it, They Will Come,” is a fallacy. There is much, much more to a Website and a Brick & Mortar. I have seen way too many of both close. I have years of experience in both – and will entertain questions. I can also provide DIRECTION to avoid mistakes.
Deb
Becky McCray says
January 27, 2009 at 3:49 amThanks for the offer, Deb.
Dane Carlson got inspired to write his own expanded list, Small Town Website Must Haves, suggesting a text description of your location and bonus points for a pic of the owner!
Debra says
January 27, 2009 at 8:19 pmNo problem Becky & Dane! Chris Moore and I have decided to ‘team up’ to provide more services for our precious small businesses. Chris and I will provide more info as we continue to develop. Both of us have a wealth of info to share. It’s up to all of us to ‘re-build’ the USA. But, that’s another story……
If you would like Chris and I to critque anything, please send us an email. Of course, we will also offer new insights. Planning is critical to success.
Best,
Debs
Debra says
January 27, 2009 at 8:31 pmBecky,
Chris and I do website designs. It is important to “ask for the sale,” too. The most important element is to clearly provide your services/products. The site must be “user-friendly.” No clutter. No “cheap photos, clip art,” etc. Also, folks don’t like to have to use their scroll bar. So, it is important that the web page width/length be set up “user friendly.”
Hope this helps!
Debs