One of the reasons many small business website owners do not achieve the level of online success ava...

1. 8 Powerful Web Design Tips For Small Business Owners
One of the reasons many small business website owners do not achieve the level of online success
available to them is because they failed to employ the right strategy for their website design. There
are some things small business websites must inherently be about in order to compel site visitors to
become new clients and customers. Even if you already have a website established and are
struggling to make it work, keep reading to get the tips that can make all the difference between
your online failure and success.
See Through the Eyes of Your Potential Customers
This is a secret of larger firms that many small businesses have yet to master. Notice that big brands
tend to have huge budgets for market research. You do not have to spend as much on gathering
information about your potential customers, but having a deep understanding of your target market
is powerful and shows through in every part of your business. Your website should be about the
people you are seeking to serve. Treat your website as a gift you give to potential customers. Instead
of just listing product or service features, speak to them from their own point of view by discussing
how doing business with you can benefit them.
Relate to Your Target Audience
Some small business owners are very passionate about the work they do. This is a good thing, but it
is not good to try and communicate with online customers using industry lingo and highly technical
terms that are likely to be confusing to them. It is vital that the content on your site be crafted to
speak the language your customers use. Make it easy for them to understand the message you want
to relay.
Express Meaning with More than Words
One major mistake that many small businesses make on their websites is loading pages with text and
leaving out the visual aids. Images express more than words can and they speak everyone's
language. They can enhance the experience website visitors get, leaving a lasting impression upon
them. Consider the fact that the popularity of sites like YouTube and other websites where video is
included come from how many online audiences enjoy receiving visual information.

2. Remember the Beauty of Simplicity
Loading websites with fancy flashing features is
not a good idea. It is not very cost effective and
does not increase audience enjoyment. Often,
such extras make a webpage load slower.
People usually visit websites with a good idea
about the type of information they are seeking
to find. Too many distractions and delays can
frustrate them and chase them away, sending
them off to another website where the
information is presented elegantly and straight
forward.
Be Cost Efficient
Some small business have a very tight budget
and are worried about investing too much into
their website. Others have a huge budget for
web design and end up overdoing it. Take a
middle ground by not being too tight with
website expenditures nor to extravagant. As
mentioned before, website visitors often do not
enjoy the fancy extras, but neither can they
appreciate an apparently cheap production. A
very nice lead-pulling website can be had
without over or under spending.
Be Considerate of Their Time
Several studies over the reading behavior of online audiences show that most people scan webpages
instead of reading them thoroughly. It is, therefore, important to get straight to the point. Break up
text into several subheadings, use bullet points, and bold important points. This makes it easier for
site visitors to scan and still get the message. If they have to do an in-depth reading just to find the
information they want, you might never get to do business with them.
Don't Shy Away from the Call-to-Action
The call-to-action is very important, but some small business owners shy away from it, afraid to close
the sale. This fear is common and has something to do with people's dislike of pushy salesmen and
spam. However, having a clear call-to-action actually guides the customers on what to do next and is
received gracefully, compelling more people to do business with you. The key is to make it both
strong and tasteful.
Let Them Get to Know You
Personality branding is important online, ergo the popularity of social media and the power it has in
bring business new customers. People want to know who it is they are doing business with. Make
sure your site includes and About Us page. Make it easy for visitors to connect with you through

3. social media directly from your website. Be real with them about who you are and they will reward
you by being loyal customers.
The author Sean Coyne holds a MBA focused on information and is the founder of Strongsville Ohio
webdesign company Coyne Enterprises.
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Have