Websites6 min read

What a small business website actually needs

A good small business website isn't big or fancy. It does a few jobs well: it loads quickly on a phone, says what you do in the first few seconds, and makes it obvious how to contact you. Use this list to check yours.

The 10-minute check

Loads in a few seconds on your phone, on mobile data
The top of the home page says what you do and who it's for
A call, text, or request button is visible without scrolling
Phone number and email are real text that can be tapped, not an image
Services listed in plain language, with starting prices or a clear next step
Real photos of your work or team
Padlock in the browser (HTTPS) and no browser security warnings
Business name, address or service area, and hours match your Google profile
You can edit the content yourself, or know exactly who can

Step by step

Look at it on your phone
Most local customers will find you on a phone. Open your site on yours, away from Wi-Fi. If text is tiny, buttons are hard to tap, or it takes more than a few seconds to load, that's your first fix.
Do the 5-second test
Show the home page to someone for five seconds, then ask what the business does and what to do next. If they can't tell you, the headline and main button need work.
Make contacting you effortless
One clear action beats five. Choose the main thing you want, such as a call, an estimate request, or a booking, and put it at the top of every page.
Check who owns what
Your domain name, hosting, and website login should all be in your name, with credentials you control. Many owners discover too late that a past web designer holds them.
Keep it updated
Old hours, expired offers, and a copyright year from years ago quietly tell visitors that nobody's minding the store. Set a quarterly reminder to review it.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using a template with placeholder text or photos still in place
Hiding your phone number behind a contact form
Letting the domain or hosting renew on someone else's account
Adding features, such as sliders and pop-ups, that slow the site down

Common questions

Do I need a new website or can mine be fixed?

Often a refresh is enough: clearer wording, a faster layout, and better photos. If the site can't be edited by you or doesn't work on phones, a rebuild usually costs less than patching it.

Is a free website builder good enough?

It can be a fine start for a very small business. The tradeoffs are limited control, slower pages, and headaches moving later. Make sure you own your domain either way.