How to Build a Business Website That Drives Traffic and Converts Visitors
Creating a website for your business is one of the most crucial steps in establishing your online presence. Whether you’re launching a brand-new site or revamping an existing one, ensuring it’s designed for success from the start is key. In this post, I’ll walk through the essential first steps, common mistakes to avoid, and top strategies to make your website a high-performing asset for your business.
The First Three Steps in Building a Website
Before you even start designing your site, there are three foundational steps every business owner should take:
1. Define Your Audience and Goals
Your website should align with your business objectives and the needs of your target audience. Take the time to clearly outline:
- Who your ideal customers are
- What actions you want them to take on your site (buy a product, request a quote, book a call, etc.)
- How your website will support your business growth
A well-defined strategy ensures that when you move into the design phase, everything—from layout to content—will serve a clear purpose.
2. Secure Your Domain and Hosting
Choosing the right domain name and hosting provider is essential. Your domain should be easy to remember and ideally use a .com extension for credibility. When selecting a hosting provider, look for:
- Scalability – Can the hosting handle increased traffic as your business grows?
- Security – Does it offer SSL certificates and security features?
- Customer Support – Do they provide responsive support if something goes wrong?
3. Outline Your Website’s Structure and Content
Before you start designing, map out the key pages your site will need. I like to browse competitors’ websites to find things I like and dislike. This helps me create initial wireframes and get inspiration for a layout that is both functional and visually appealing.
Common Mistakes Small Businesses Make When Building a Website (and How to Avoid Them)
Even with the best intentions, many small businesses fall into common website pitfalls. Here are some mistakes I see often—and how you can avoid them:
1. Not Using a .com Domain
Your domain name should always be a .com if possible. Other extensions (.net, .biz, .info) often don’t convey the same level of trust with users and can make your business appear less established.
2. Ignoring SEO Best Practices
SEO is a long-term investment in your website’s visibility. If you don’t optimize your site from the beginning, you could struggle to rank in search engines. A few must-dos include:
- Optimizing page titles and meta descriptions
- Using relevant keywords naturally throughout your site
- Setting up Google Search Console and indexing your site
3. Failing to Prioritize Mobile-Friendliness
Over 60% of online searches happen on mobile, so your website must provide a seamless experience on smartphones and tablets. Ensure:
- Your site design properly translates to mobile screens
- Buttons, text, and images are sized correctly for smaller devices
- Navigation remains simple and easy to use
How Important is SEO for a New Business Website?
SEO isn’t optional—it’s essential for driving organic traffic. Without proper SEO, your website might not even be discoverable by potential customers.
Here are the top SEO strategies to implement from the start:
1. Set Up Google Search Console Immediately
Google can take time to index new sites. To speed up the process, use Google Search Console to submit your sitemap and track how your site appears in search results.
2. Use a Proper URL Structure
A well-structured URL helps Google index your site efficiently. For example:
- Service-based businesses:
www.example.com/services/(Main services page)www.example.com/services/service-type/(Individual service pages)
- Location-based businesses:
www.example.com/locations/city-name/(For targeting specific cities)
This format keeps your website organized and makes it easier for Google (and users) to navigate.
3. Optimize Your Page Titles and Headlines
Every page should have a properly formatted title tag (H1) and supporting headlines (H2, H3). These should include relevant keywords without being spammy.
Best Website Builders for Non-Tech-Savvy Business Owners
If you don’t have technical expertise, choosing the right website builder is crucial. My top recommendation is WordPress, as it offers:
- Pre-built themes that look professional right out of the box
- A vast library of plugins to extend functionality
- Full control over your website (so you’re not locked into a platform)
Pro Tip: Make sure you have full access to your website. I’ve seen businesses lose control of their site because a developer handled everything and didn’t give them login credentials. Always ensure you have editing access!
How to Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly and Optimized for Conversions
To maximize performance, your site needs to function flawlessly on all devices. Here’s how to ensure it’s mobile-friendly and optimized for conversions:
1. Adapt Your Design for Mobile Screens
The mobile version of your site may need slight adjustments compared to the desktop version. A few things to check:
- Text size should be readable without zooming
- Navigation menus should be easy to use on small screens
- Buttons should be large enough to tap without difficulty
2. Use Google PageSpeed Insights
Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool will analyze your website and provide recommendations for improving performance on both desktop and mobile. This tool highlights issues like slow load times, unoptimized images, or unnecessary code.
Final Thoughts
Your website is the foundation of your online presence. By setting it up with the right structure, SEO strategies, and mobile-friendly design, you’ll position your business for long-term success.
If you’re launching or revamping your website and need help with SEO, design, or marketing strategy, let’s connect!
