To those outside of the online marketing industry, all websites can seem pretty similar. In fact, it might even look as if building a page for one organization is essentially the same as creating a layout for another. Those of us who make our living in this business know better. We know that small business web design really is different, even if casual viewers don’t necessarily pick up on the subtleties.
Why do small business web designs have to be different from the work done for bigger groups and organizations? Here are just a few of the most important distinctions…
With Small Business Web Design You Can’t Assume Anything
When someone visits the website of an internationally-known company, they know what to expect. They are already familiar with the products, services, and company culture. However, most small businesses start out as a blank slate in customers’ minds. So, it’s important to establish right away what the business is all about, who it’s for, and how it’s different from all the competitors out there.
Small Business Websites Are Built for Specific Markets
Speaking of the competition, there is lots of it on the internet. Since most small businesses can’t afford to market to everyone (and wouldn’t be a good fit for most buyers anyway), their pages and messaging need to be tailored directly to a certain type of buyer. In other words, they have to be more focused than the websites for larger businesses and organizations need to be.
Small Business Websites Have To Be Well-Organized
Usually, when someone lands on a small business website, it’s not because they are simply curious. Typically, the customer will have a specific question, need, or solution in mind. For that reason, small business websites need to be very well organized, so first time visitors can find what they are looking for very quickly. Otherwise, they might be tempted to go back to Google and check out a different result.
You Can Be More Creative With Small Business Web Design
In a lot of ways, big organizations are very restricted in terms of what they can do creatively. Most have established brands, logos, style sheets, and histories. They also have marketing plans that go out months or years into the future. Smaller businesses can be a lot more creative and flexible, making up their campaigns as they go along. That tends to make them a little less stiff, and more engaging to buyers.
Small business web design isn’t just different, it’s often better. If your creative team doesn’t see things that way, or isn’t delivering the kinds of results you hoped for, then maybe it’s time to make a change. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and see what we can do to take your website and online marketing campaigns to the next level!