6 Basics Every Business Website Needs

One of the most important pieces of marketing every business needs is a website. 

It's typically the first thing someone will look up when they want to learn more about you, whether they hear about your business from a friend, discover you through an ad or social media, or are simply doing a search for a product or service like the one(s) you offer. 

But these days, especially with social media I find many businesses ignore their website. So let's talk about why it's important for every business to have a website and the ​very ​basics every business website needs.

First, let's talk about why it's so important. As I already mentioned, it's one of the first places people will look to to learn more information about your products, services, and you as a brand. So, without a website, people may assume your business lacks legitimacy, or they may not get the information they are hoping to find and you could miss out on business opportunities.

Having a website that looks good, is easy to navigate, and communicates valuable information in a way that shows the brand's personality and resonates with the reader:

• Gives your business credibility
• Generates leads
• Is a 24/7 source of information and updates
• An easy way to provide customer service
• Create organic traffic and leads, 

So, at the bare minimum, what does your website need? Let's dive in.

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1. A Clearly Written and Organized Homepage

Your homepage is the #1 most visited page on your website, and it's usually where you'll make your first impression. So it's importance cannot be overstated. A strong homepage:

• Is easy to read
• Has a clear and strong headline.
• A well-stated Unique Selling Proposition that says who you are, what you can do for your customers/clients and how, and what you'll help them achieve.
• Creates trust and relatability
• Shows what makes you legit - this can be in the form of clients you've worked with, endorsements, special awards and certifications received, or links to your social media accounts.
• States your mission.
• Has a clear call to action.
• Shows people how to get in touch with you.

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2. Professional and Personable About Page

About pages are one of my favorites to write. It's where we can dig into your story, let your potential customers and clients really get to know you, and share "why" you're here doing what you do and offering what you offer.

This is the second most important page after your website, especially in today's world. There are different ways to go about writing your About Page, but no matter the format, they should:

• Be professional and personable 
• State what makes you different
• Be authentic and genuine in tone so that you are relatable to your target audience
• Tell your story clearly and specifically
• State your mission
• Share your values
• Have personality
• Be interesting
• Be easy to read
• Have a Call to Action 

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3. Benefits Driven Product/Service Descriptions

People need to know what exactly you're offering and how you're going to provide a solution to their problems. So your product or service descriptions should:

• Be clear and specific
• Tell a story
• Personally address your target audiences needs, desires, and pain points
• Turn features into benefits - don't just tell us all the cool features, tell us why the matter and how they'll change our lives
• Valuable information that leaves your visitor feeling empowered and educated
• Easy to read

4. Contact Page

People need to know how to get in touch with you!

Make clear any information they should include in their message, your response time, and of course how to get in touch with you.
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5. Email Newsletter Sign-Up Form

Email marketing generates the highest ROI of any marketing channel you may use, so however you may feel about your own inbox, email is absolutely necessary.

But skip the generic and vague, "Sign-up for our newsletter for updates!" You need to make people want to hand over their personal contact information. You need to make it worth their while. How? You'll need to:

• Keep it short and sweet
• Speak with your brand's personality
• Offer something of value in exchange for their email address (i.e., welcome discount or free download)

​And make sure that you set up an automated Welcome sequence that helps new customers get to know you better and why they should buy from you.
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6. FAQ Page

I always find it helpful to include an FAQ page, but you may decide it's not needed at this time. However...

If you provide a service, you can include information on what it's like to work with you, how you determine your rates (if applicable), common questions related to your services, and answers to common confusions.

If you sell products, this is a good place to clear up common confusions and issues that may come up, address shipping rates and timing, return policy, questions about ingredients and materials and other concerns your customers usually have or information you anticipate will be helpful.

Make sure your FAQ page is well-organized and easy to navigate.


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And if you'd like help making sure your website copy is clear, persuasive, and personable, feel free to reach out. I would love to work with you!