“Before I speak, I have something important to say.”
Groucho Marx

Don’t you just love the small business website designs that have so many things going on that you become confused as to what it is they are actually selling? Often times, this leads to loss of business.

Your home page is the window to your business. So, you need to think about it as though you were window shopping and wondering if you would like to enter this store. (I am referring to all small business websites here and not just e-commerce web designs) So…What do you need to know to make the decision to walk in or not? Here are some points to consider:

1. Well, typically when I am shopping, I look to see if there is anything in that window that I am interested in at all.
Small Business web design translation: Your products/Services need to be prominently displayed and large enough to catch the eye.

2. I also want to know if I do like the stuff, can I afford it??
Small business web design Translation: Home page should offer some idea of the cost of your products/services even if it is a starting point.

3. Ok, so now I am interested in knowing more and now I am wondering if anyone else has used this product/service and what they thought of it.
Small business web design translation: Even a couple testimonials on the home page of a small business website with clear definition of the product/service that they used is helpful.

4. Now I am thinking that I like what I see but am not sure if it will fit my purposes. So I want to go in and take a look at the store and talk to someone.
Small business web design translation: There should be a clear and obvious tab for “About the Company” and a clear and obvious email address and phone number on the website home page. Because using a “Contact” tab can be just too much clicking around for some users.

This is the first in a series of design articles aimed at helping the small business owner understand the importance of first impressions on the internet. I hope that you find it useful.