Every website needs some essential pages to serve its visitors effectively. If you’re setting up a new website for your small business or revamping an existing one, consider these five must-have pages, plus three additional recommended ones.
**Homepage**
Think of your homepage as the reception area of your website. It’s the first thing people see, so it needs to make a great impression. Research from the Neilsen Norman Group shows that you have less than 10 seconds to capture your visitors’ attention. Clearly state what your business is about, and keep your content concise and engaging to encourage further exploration of your site.
**About Us**
People like to know who they’re doing business with. Your About Us page should share some background about your business, its ethos, and its goals. Avoid making it too long or dull. Show the human side of your company with pictures of your team at work. This helps build a connection with potential customers.
**Products / Services**
Whether you offer products, services, or both, dedicate a page to listing them clearly and in an organized manner. If you have a wide range of offerings, consider categorizing them and providing links to detailed pages for each category. Use images to showcase your products and be clear in your descriptions to help optimize your site for search engines.
**Contact**
Your website should make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you. Provide essential contact information, like your email address, phone number, and physical address. Encourage visitors to connect with you on social media. If your business has a physical location, include directions and a map, and don’t forget to add your hours of operation.
**Testimonials**
A testimonials page is a great way for your small business to build credibility. Include names and company affiliations to give testimonials more authenticity. Video testimonials are highly effective, but text testimonials work too. If you haven’t collected any testimonials yet, reach out to satisfied customers shortly after delivering your product or service.
Once you’ve nailed the five essential pages, here are three more to consider adding over time:
**FAQs**
An FAQ page can save you time by addressing common questions upfront and can help ease customer concerns. Present your questions positively and answer them honestly to build trust.
**Appointment Scheduling**
If your business relies on appointments (like salons or repair services), consider adding an appointment scheduling page. Many apps are available that allow customers to book appointments online, making it convenient for them and potentially increasing your bookings.
**Blog**
A blog can establish your business as knowledgeable and up-to-date in your field. Regularly updated content can also boost your site’s SEO, helping it rank higher in search engine results.
