That being said, having a bad website could be just as bad, if not worse, than not having one at all. What could be worse than not having visibility?

Well, fellow start-ups and small business entrepreneurs – with a poor website, you run the risk of tarnishing your company’s reputation before it even has a chance to take off.

Think of your website as being your small business’s first introduction to the public. It’s important to have a website that properly reflects who you are as a startup to attract customers.

Some common mistakes small business websites make are not obvious to owners who don’t have web knowledge or the budget to consult with a web developer. So how do you get a better business website?

With the internet constantly giving us access to information with immediacy, users expect no less from a website. If something doesn’t click with users at first glance, you can bet your website is the problem.

Here are 6 possible reasons why your small business website sends customers running for the hills along with suggestions on how to make your website a better small business website:

1. Confusing Domain Name

For starters, when creating a small business website, choose a URL relevant to your business. Having a domain name that includes the company name and maybe (as an added bonus), your business’s location, will increase your visibility online. For example a plumbing business called King Plumbers located in Mississauga may want to use the following domain name:

www.kingplumbers.com/misssissauga

When customers are trying to recall or search your business using Google’s search engine, you want to ensure your business shows up in the first result page. If customers are searching for your products or services within close parameters, specifying your location will also make it easier for your website to be seen and perceived as the most relevant link to the customer’s needs.

Customers feel more inclined to trust your website with a professional domain.

2. Unclear Objective

A good small business website should reflect your business goals and prompt visitors to act. Whether your objective is to get your customer to subscribe, purchase or visit your location, it needs to be clear.

Before creating your website, have an outline of your website’s overall message and ask yourself, what do I want my website to say? An easy breakdown of what you do or what you have to offer and why it’s needed will provide a direct answer/solution for customers.

3. Wrong Targeting

Along with your objective, you should also consider who your message is going to appeal to. Understanding your demographic is key to having a successful website.

If you’re providing a plumbing service, you know your website should be marketed towards homeowners. Homeowners can range from any male or female in their mid-thirties and onward. An audience like this, is more likely seek out informative, professional and easy-to-navigate websites in order to feel confident in their decision-making.

4. Too Flashy

Some businesses make the common mistake of “doing too much” with their website, assuming the flashier your site, the more attention it will retain. This, could not be farther from the truth. Complicated and flashy aesthetics can take away from the user’s experience.

It’s best to keep things simple and straightforward. Use clear fonts, have a standard navigation bar with around 4-5 pages and be sure to have a cohesive colour scheme and layout. Customers appreciate an easy-to-use website.

5. Wordy Content

Similar to having flashy designs, you do not want to overwhelm visitors with fancy verbiage. Unless it suits the scheme of your website, refrain from using flowery language.

Think of it this way – you have 7 seconds to grab your visitor’s attention (and that’s being generous). If they can barely get past the first sentence, you’ve already sent them off to look elsewhere. Be clear and concise with your content. You want your customers to be able to easily regurgitate what your website has to offer.

6. Doesn’t Work on Mobile (AKA “Non-Responsive”)

With Americans spending more time on their mobile device than on their desktops, it’s necessary for your website to be mobile-friendly. With a responsive design automatically adjusting to your smartphone or tablet, you’ve opened your small business up to more potential buyers.

A non-responsive site becomes a hindrance to completing a transaction and makes it difficult for users to navigate your website. If something as simple as finding the contact information on your website takes more time than necessary, customers will immediately lose interest and look elsewhere.

What I Recomend: Ask a friend. “Hey, can you take a look at my website real quick?” That will help you get a better and more optimized small business website. If your friend’s quality check mentions any of the pointers above, do an edit before handing out those business cards!