When thinking about the web design for a local business website, there are plenty of options that the web designers and the business can consider for the home page, and then opt for which will be included, and which will be excluded. However, multiple web design features are considered essential on a home page and any local business website that does not have them, could be hindered in pursuit of its objectives.
For this reason. we want to highlight to you 15 core web design elements that you must include in the web design of your home page if you are a local business, so that your website is successful, rather than compromised.
Telephone Number: You need to give visitors a chance to contact you directly when they land on your home page, and the easiest way to do so is by calling you via telephone so provide your telephone number in a prominent position.
Logo / Branding: Your business should have unique branding, and this is displayed on your home using your logo and other branding elements such as colours and fonts.
Main Menu: User experience is enhanced if they have a means of navigating through your website easily. This is done most effectively by having a simple menu on, not just your home page, but all inner pages too.
Heading Or Tagline: Your branding and your uniqueness are further enhanced if your home page includes your tagline or USP so that visitors immediately have an indication of what sets your business apart from others.
Text Blocks: Any text on your home page should not be one long paragraph but instead be broken down into small, easy to read blocks.
High-Quality Images: It should go without saying that all images you publish on your website must be clear and sharp, especially those which appear on your home page.
Call To Action: Your home page should have at least one or two calls to action so your visitors know exactly what to do should they wish to proceed through your website or sales funnel.
Products Or Services: Having references to your products or services via images or videos on your home page is always recommended.
Testimonials / Social Proof: In today’s world of online business and eCommerce you must give social proof to boost the trust and credibility of your company and its brand.
Opt-In Or Newsletter Sign Up Form: Gaining a prospect’s email address is a key component of your digital marketing so your home page should have at least one place where that can be achieved.
Quality Content: Whatever form the content on your home page takes, here, more than on any other page on your site, it must be premium quality, relevant to your business and worthy of being front and centre on your website.
Social Media Buttons: Your home page should have buttons in the footer or sidebar to all your social media pages so that visitors have a chance to visit them and enjoy what content you are posting there.
Contact Information: It always boosts trust if you include your full contact details such as your business address, plus it gives visitors another means of contacting you.
Links To Other Main Pages (About Us/ Contact Us): These should be placed in your main menu or your footer, and ideally in both so that visitors can easily click through to them.
Footer Menu Including Links To Privacy Policy And Terms & Conditions: Every website needs to have a privacy policy and terms and conditions, and the norm is to include links to these in your footer menu.