Websites for SMBs: a competitive advantage

Kevin Larsen
Last Updated
December 23, 2023

Why a website is essential for small businesses

The homepage is a vital tool to attract new customers, establish a professional reputation, and increase sales. Without a website, small businesses run the risk of being overlooked by younger and new customers.

As a small business, you don't necessarily have the resources to hire a sales team that maintains contact and hunts for leads and new customers. There is, after all, a limit to how many coffee meetings a buzy entrepreneur gets to perform during a work week.

We are talking about competitiveness

The landscape is changing. Where once word-of-mouth and ads in the local newspaper were enough to keep the enterprise busy, we now see that things are moving.

Potential new customers often search for services based on location, and without a website it becomes almost impossible for them to find your business. A website is your best opportunity to reach those customers.

We constantly come across websites that are outdated, not adapted to mobiles, or companies that do not have a website at all - this can give a clear negative signal to both customers and partners. Does your company really need a website?

Show that you are available and open for business

What should the website contain?

First Impressions

The home page is often the first meeting potential customers have with your company. Use this opportunity to show who you are, what you offer, and why the customer should choose you above all others.

Small businesses should be able to refer to completed projects, references or customer feedback. It can feel risky for a customer to use a small player, and thus you need to build trust and confidence.

Important elements for a home page

  • Communication: Include “contact us” pages or chat solutions for easy communication.
  • Information: Set up FAQ sections to answer frequently asked questions and reduce customer uncertainty.
  • References: Show past work through reference texts and image galleries to build trust.
  • images: Use photos and graphics to create the right impression of the company.
  • Testimonials: The use of positive reviews tells customers that you can deliver.

“Social proof” substantiates that you are a serious business that can deliver

Reduced friction

The website allows you to answer the customer's questions and concerns even before contact is established. Make available information that would normally go over mail, make documents downloadable, and save everyone time.

The more steps the customer has to go through, the more likely it is that the customer will choose a different direction. Especially in B2B, it is preferable to be able to find the information you need quickly to make an assessment, rather than having to send an email and wait for a response.

The marketing toolset

The home page is the foundation for digital marketing. It can be used to advertise offers, job announcements, events, and new products, as well as collect customer information.

Make sure your homepage is attractive and functional, especially for visitors from ads. If the landing pages are not in good condition when visitors show up,  you'll have spent money on people who are not going to follow up on the offer.

Cost-effective website development

Although many small businesses see price as a hindrance, it is possible to get far on a budget. Going from no website to a simple one-pager makes a big difference.

The most important thing is to start with something, which over time you can build up to become a great tool across your business, and which can be scaled up to meet future demads.

Visibility on Google and other search engines

Becoming visible and ranking in search engines can take time, typically 3-6 months before seeing results of SEO work. The age of your domain also has a part to say, so the earlier you start ranking the better.

However, with a little extra initial effort you can make your website become a dedicated seller. Read our little SEO guide here.

Local SEO allows people to find you when you are in the same area, municipality or county

Google Business Profile

For small businesses, it's a good idea to set up the Google Business profile as a complement to the homepage. It allows you to land more hits on local searches when customers search for the services or products you deliver in their area or on Google Maps.

The profile can be set up at Google, via this link.

Attribution

Storyset, freepik

Vector juice, freepik

PCH.vector, freepik

artikler innen

5 nyttige verktøy for digital markedsføring
Guides
Digital Marketing
Web Analytics
SEO

5 nyttige verktøy for digital markedsføring

Vi utforsker fem nyttige verktøy for digital markedsføring: Meta Business Suite, ChatGPT, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, og Canva
LES MER
We have developed the new website for Alten Lodge
Web Development
Customer Cases

We have developed the new website for Alten Lodge

Alten Lodge wanted to update its website to improve the impression among potential guests.
LES MER
Landing pages: a valuable investment
Web Development
Digital Marketing

Landing pages: a valuable investment

In the digital battlefield, business websites has become crucial to attracting and engaging new customers, but high website traffic is only half the battle.
LES MER
Websites for SMBs: a competitive advantage
Digital Marketing
Web Development

Websites for SMBs: a competitive advantage

The landscape is changing. Without a website, small businesses run the risk of being overlooked by younger and new customers.
LES MER
Web design with Figma: a bright start to the design phase
Web Development

Web design with Figma: a bright start to the design phase

Imagine a tool that transforms the traditional design process into a playful, collaborative and exploratory experience. This is where Figma steps in, as a game-changer in web design.
LES MER
“The 2024 State of the Website” report is out, what insights can we extract for the future?
Web Development
News

“The 2024 State of the Website” report is out, what insights can we extract for the future?

Webflow's “The 2024 State of the Website” report reveals that modern businesses face significant challenges in developing, maintaining and owning their websites effectively.
LES MER
Alle artikler

Gain control of your marketing

Digital marketing tailored to your needs

Grazie! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.