Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. Make it count with these five essential features that every successful business website must have.
1. Clear Value Proposition
Within seconds of landing on your website, visitors should understand exactly what you do and why they should choose you. Your value proposition should be prominently displayed, usually in your hero section, and answer the question: “What’s in it for me?”
Pro Tip: Use a clear headline that states what you do, followed by a subheadline that explains the benefit to your customer.
2. Mobile-Responsive Design
Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website doesn’t look and function perfectly on smartphones and tablets, you’re losing more than half your potential customers. Google also prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search results.
A responsive design automatically adjusts to any screen size, ensuring your content is readable and your navigation is usable whether someone visits on a phone, tablet, or desktop computer.
3. Fast Loading Speed
Speed kills – slow loading speed kills conversions, that is. Studies show that 40% of users abandon a website that takes more than 3 seconds to load. Every additional second of load time can reduce conversions by up to 7%.
Fast websites also rank better in Google search results. This is where static websites really shine – they load almost instantly because there’s no database to query or complex server processing required.
“A 1-second delay in page response can result in a 7% reduction in conversions.” - Kissmetrics
4. Easy Contact Methods
Make it ridiculously easy for potential customers to get in touch with you. This means having multiple contact options clearly visible throughout your site:
- Contact form: Simple, with only essential fields
- Phone number: Clickable on mobile devices
- Email address: Professional domain email
- Physical address: If you have a location customers visit
- Business hours: When customers can reach you
Consider adding a contact section to your header or footer so it’s visible on every page.
5. Trust Signals and Social Proof
People buy from businesses they trust. Your website needs to establish credibility and show that other people have had positive experiences with your business. Include:
- Customer testimonials: Real quotes from satisfied customers
- Reviews and ratings: From Google, Yelp, or industry platforms
- Case studies: Detailed examples of your successful work
- Certifications and awards: Industry recognition you’ve received
- About page: Your story, team photos, and company values
Bonus Features to Consider
While the five features above are essential, here are some additional elements that can enhance your website’s effectiveness:
- Search functionality: If you have lots of content or products
- Blog or resources section: To demonstrate expertise and improve SEO
- FAQ section: To address common customer questions
- Live chat: For immediate customer support
- Newsletter signup: To build your email list
Getting It Right From the Start
Building a website with all these essential features might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At ASD Website, we include all five essential features in every $250 static website we build:
- Clear, compelling messaging that communicates your value
- Fully responsive design that works on all devices
- Lightning-fast loading speeds
- Professional contact forms and clear contact information
- Sections for testimonials and trust-building content
Ready for a Website That Converts?
Don’t let a poorly designed website cost you customers. Get a professional website with all the essential features your business needs.