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What’s the easiest way to build a website?

Black male sat at a desk building a website online with Go Sitebuilder

Whether you’re starting a new business or simply have a hobby you’re passionate about, a website is an excellent way to share it with the world. But, when it comes to actually build a website, the options can seem a little bit daunting. If you’re looking for the easiest way to build a website, this article is for you.

Here are 4 different ways to get your website up and running – starting with the most difficult:

4. Most difficult: Doing it the old-fashioned way

Let’s begin with the most time-intensive option on our list: doing it all yourself by hand. This option will be almost exclusively reserved for the technically minded among us, but – put simply – anyone can build a website using HTML and CSS code. In fact, just by writing a couple of lines of text in a text document, you can technically build a functioning website. But if you’d prefer an option which doesn’t require learning to code, read on…

3. Slightly less difficult: Install a Content Management System and use a theme

A content management system, or CMS, is essentially a piece of software you can install on your own website which allows you to build a website more easily. WordPress is perhaps the most popular example, offering countless themes which can get you started quite quickly. That said, actually finding a theme which is suitable for your needs can take time, and you’ll find that your website may look similar to many others. A CMS is certainly fast, but they often require updates and the majority rely on third-party plug-ins to provide enough functionality.

2. Getting easier: Work with a dedicated web designer

If you want to go to the other extreme and have a completely hands-off website building experience, you can find a web designer or developer. There are many freelancers out there who will be able to help, but you’ll need to be very detailed about what it is you want. Your brief will need to be quite precise so that the designer can make your vision come to life, which can be quite time-consuming. Also, because you’re hiring a real person to help, this can also be a quite expensive option.

1. The easiest way to do it: Use a do-it-yourself website builder

Now we arrive at what is perhaps the easiest option for those who want a unique website which is also simple to build. Using a website builder, you don’t have to worry about writing a single line of code or browsing through endless themes. You can simply drag and drop the text and images you want on your website and make things look exactly how you want them. With a website builder, your site can be launched in a matter of hours – and it’ll look great, too. You’ll have complete control over your content, time and expenses.

Now that you know just how easy it can be to create your own website, why not give it a go yourself? In fact, with Go Sitebuilder’s free trial, you can discover the ease of building a website without spending a penny.

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Checklist: Starting your own website as a small business

Small business owner building a Go Sitebuilder website

Are you a small business looking to launch your first website? There are quite a few things to remember when creating one, so we’ve put together a helpful checklist so you don’t forget anything!

1. Choose a domain name

One of the most important things for you to consider when setting up your website is a domain name – the digital address that people will use to connect to your website. If possible, you want it to be an exact match of your company name but one that isn’t too long. People like to access short domain names, so if you have a long company name, opt for an abbreviation. However, make sure it’s recognisable – as a small business you will want to ensure your dedicated customer base is able to find you on the internet.

To help with getting you set up with your website when you purchase a website subscription with GoSiteBuilder, we’ll provide you with a free domain name.

2. Choose your business email addresses

For businesses, choosing a domain name and email addresses often go hand-in-hand. Business email addresses can range from sales emails to customer service emails. It is important to think about using multiple email addresses so relevant customer queries are sorted from the start and find their way to the right person in your business. This will save you business time and make everyone’s life easier. If a business email is something you don’t have yet, with our subscriptions, you can choose up to five custom email addresses.

3. Create your website header

It’s likely you will want to start constructing your site by creating a website header. This usually consists of a few elements. Add your company logo – most brands opt to have it in the top left of every page on their website. Make sure it’s clickable too, site users like to be able to click on logos to link them back to the homepage. Along with your logo, you’ll want to make sure you’re incorporating a main navigation. This usually includes links that will take you to specific pages, such as ‘shop now’, ‘contact us’ and more. The header is also a great way to introduce your brand. Including taglines, imagery and brand colours will really make it pop. And, most importantly, don’t forget to include a clear and concise call to action (CTA).

4. Build more content with pages

As a small business, you are going to need to start building a range of content to build trust with your potential new customers and ensure you climb search engine result rankings.

Here are some pages you should consider adding to your new website:

  • About us page – Tell people your vision, your mission, and why they should engage with your brand.
  • Contact us page – Create an easy way for your customers to reach you. Add your email address and a contact form. If you have brick and mortar location, you can highlight this by adding a map which can include your exact location and opening hours, too!
  • Testimonials/reviews – People trust the opinions of other people, not brands. Therefore, displaying reviews from real people is a great way of showing users that you are a trusted brand.
  • Blogs – About anything that is relevant to your brand. If you can become a trusted voice in that industry, then people will continue to come back to you for more technical reading.

For more information on what pages you need on your website, head over to our blog and make sure your business is covered.

If you’re still unsure where to start with your website, drop us some questions at marketing@gositebuilder.com or simply get started with a free trial and use the live chat option to talk to our friendly customer success team.

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How do I make an events website?

Male smiling at a business event

If you’re looking to make an events website, there are various considerations you should bear in mind when designing your site, to achieve the highest outcomes.

Set goals

As always, think about what you want to achieve from your events website and your purpose or role in the process. One of our favourite ways to do this is by creating a list and answering a few simple questions. Are you selling external events organised by other parties, are you an events organiser who deals with every single aspect of putting an event together, or are you promoting one major event? These answers will define what you should include in your site and how it will all be put together.

Write clear descriptions

If you’re hosting or selling events on your website, it’s essential to include clear, concise and compelling descriptions of what each event is all about. This should essentially cover what the event is, where and when it will take place, who will be speaking or featuring at the event, and what you can expect to gain from attending. Each description should tell a story and provide more insight into your event theme or brand personality.
An FAQ section can also prove handy for all of those commonly-asked questions that event attendees might have.

Choose the right style

The style, layout and design of your events website will be dictated by the kinds of events you feature or host. If your site focuses on children’s party events, then you can use fun, colourful and informal design techniques, whereas organisers of corporate events will need to exude a more formal and professional image with more neutral choices of colours and styles. When designing your website, bear in mind that many viewers will be looking at it on a range of devices, especially smartphones, so incorporate responsive design into the site for easy viewing and navigation – remember, all Go Sitebuilder websites are instantly responsive.

Be visual

An events website without of any visuals will struggle to sell itself, so make sure yours includes images or multimedia of anything relevant to your events. You might wish to feature photos of previous events that have taken place, or even add videos so viewers can get a taste of what to expect and further increase their engagement. Testimonials from previous event-goers also help to strengthen the credibility of your brand.

Use clear calls to action (CTAs)

Crucially, every event you feature on your site should include a call to action. So, if customers want to find out more information or even book or register their place, your site should have easy functions that enable this to happen. Include visual buttons such as ‘book now’, ‘register your place’ or ‘find out more’ throughout your site so that the call to action is clear.

Now you know the basics of getting your events website set up for success, why not start creating your site with Go Sitebuilder today. Get started for free – no technical knowledge and no credit card required!

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How to make a physiotherapy website

How to make a physiotherapy website

As a physiotherapist, your website should not only showcase your services, but it should exude reassurance and professionalism. Here are some aspects to think about when creating your website to evoke the right kind of image.

Colour choices

We associate colours with certain images, feelings or characteristics, so use this to your advantage on your physiotherapy website. Warm, soothing tones such as green and blue are especially ideal for use on a physiotherapy website, while a bold colour such as red is also a good choice to invoke a sense of energy and wellbeing. Think about how you use the different colours in the text, layout and your images to create the right kind of vibe.

Professional fonts

The font that you choose for your text will also speak volumes, so pick one that has a professional feel to it. For instance, many medical-related websites make use of a sans serif type of font, as this looks clean and professional. It’s also easy to read, making it ideal if you need to include a lot of text to explain your physiotherapy services.

Simple design

Keep the design elements of your site simple, so that it emits a clinical feel and is easy to navigate. Including an image of yourself creates a personal touch, while additional photos relating to your services can help to set the tone. This could be as simple as uploading a decent stock photo of a therapist’s hands massaging a client’s back. It’s also important to have an obvious way for people to get in touch, so make sure you have a telephone number or contact form in a clear location on your website.

Content

Think about who your target audience is and adapt your content accordingly. Don’t assume that everyone automatically knows what physiotherapy services are and how they can benefit from them, so keep jargon or complicated terminology to a minimum. If you’re unsure, you’re not alone, creating buyer personas will avoid any confusion! You might have heard of them before, perhaps you know what they are, or maybe you’re scratching your head. Whatever your knowledge, don’t worry – we’ve broken it down within our free beginners guide eBook. Provide a brief introduction to the services you offer and how they work. You might wish to feature an FAQ section for popular questions that clients may have. A testimonial page with reviews from previous satisfied clients can also help to sell your services and provide reassurance.

Your story

Anyone seeking the services of a physiotherapist will want to ensure they’re in safe and capable hands, so detail relevant information about yourself, including your professional qualifications and industry accreditations. Include a phone number, email address or contact form on your site so clients can easily get in touch to make an appointment or find out more about your services.

Local SEO

Your target audience is likely to be based locally, so include information on your website that helps to get you ranked higher in local searches. Incorporate keywords into your text that include the name of your location, such as ‘if you’re looking for physiotherapy services in x location‘, or ‘our x-location physiotherapists’, to boost your local search ranking. In your contacts section, add a Google map so that clients can easily see where you are based.

If you’re new to SEO, check out our beginners guide to SEO – it’s not as difficult as you might think!

We hope this article helps any physiotherapists looking to get their business online or any physiotherapy businesses who are looking for tips to update their existing website. If you’re still looking for the right website builder, check out Go Sitebuilder where you can sign up for a free trial and see just how easy it is to get your physiotherapy website online.

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Starting a hypnotherapy business

Starting a hypnotherapy business

Hypnotherapy is a life-changing form of therapy. It uses specialised techniques to help patients find the root of their anxieties and curb any unwanted impulses. If you want to start a hypnotherapy business as a guiding light to clients, then these are some pointers you should consider.

Draw attention to specific practices

People will have certain grievances that they want help with. Some of the most common issues include weight loss, smoking and sleep. Don’t just offer hypnotherapy as an umbrella practice. Talk about all the issues people might want help to demonstrate the specifics of your capabilities. If you focus on a particular specialism, for example, smoking addiction, you need to explain all the ways you can support an individual.

Gather testimonials

When you initially open your business, the most basic signs of your professionalism will be your credentials. But as you help more patients, you’ll have success stories to tell. As such, you’ll want to start gathering customer testimonials in which patients describe how their lives have been enriched by your treatment. Positive feedback can be what makes you stand out of the crowd, especially if you have competitors offering very similar services.

Offer discounts

Like any good business, everyone loves a bargain, so don’t be afraid to offer discounts. Encourage your existing client base to recommend other people to come to your practice by offering discounted sessions and free content. When your business is in its early stages, word of mouth is going to be the most powerful tool in getting your name out there.

Establish an online presence

Any business that wants to make a name for itself is expected to have some online presence. The best way to do so is with keywords relating specifically to your business that will improve your rankings in the search engines and of course, using the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so that audiences will get the message not just of what you’re offering, but who you are. This is an opportunity to build up your brand identity and separate yourself from the competition.

Establish yourself within the medical community

Wherever your practice is based, there will be healthcare professionals located near you. You should look at making yourself known to them. Imagine a patient checking out a medical directory and running across your name, then talking to the community and finding more positive information about you and your services.

If you’re looking for more inspiration on starting a hypnotherapy business check out our case study with Polly Evans, and see how she’s making her hypnotherapy business a success with Go Sitebuilder.


Since its humble beginnings, Go Sitebuilder has built up a dedicated following to benefit many up-and-coming entrepreneurs. If you want your own website and online presence, start your free trial – there’s no credit card required!

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A guide to website sections

Website building entrepreneur

With sections, it’s easier than ever to create your own website. But what is a section? And what are all the different sections for? In short, a section is a pre-made building block, and you can use them in any combination to create your website. They’re all customisable, so you still have the freedom to make your website your own, but we’ve done some of the legwork for you! To make things even simpler, we’ve created a guide to the different types of sections we offer:

Hero

Hero section

The hero section is just as important as it sounds! It’s generally the biggest, most impactful thing people will see when they first enter your website, so it should contain key information, such as your company name, a short strapline and the most relevant call-to-action buttons, such as ‘Shop now’ or ‘Contact’.

Image and text

Image and text

This one does what it says on the tin – it allows you to add an image/text combination. This is great for when you want to show an image of what you’re writing about, or just for keeping a page visually engaging. If it’s the latter you’re aiming for and you don’t have a specific image in mind, this is a great place to make use of our stock image library.

Text

Text

This category covers many types of text, from paragraphs to headers and more, allowing you to really add personality to your website. Whenever you want to add some text by itself, this is the section you’ll need. You can customise it completely, from font to layout, and – most importantly – content! Take a look at guides like this for more advice on creating great content. 

Image

As with the text section, this is for when you want to add an image by itself. This could be a photo of your products on your homepage, a photo of you on the ‘About’ page or a (relevant) stock image to break things up. Studies show that images are a great way to keep things engaging, so image sections will allow you to do just that.

Gallery and slideshow

Gallery and slideshow

Especially good for showing off products or behind-the-scenes action, we have a range of different gallery and slideshow sections, so you can choose your favourite eye-catching display format.

Form

A great way to keep people updated and engaged is to create a mailing list. Putting a simple signup form on every page will allow them to add their email address in seconds. You can also add a larger form, allowing people to contact you with questions.

Contact

Contact map

You can provide as much or as little information as you like with a contact section. If you have a bricks-and-mortar location, the map feature will help people to find you, while email address, phone number and an additional contact form can all provide easy ways for people to get in touch.

Promotional

Highlight your store, products or special offers with promotional sections placed anywhere on your website. This is a great way to grab people’s attention while they’re browsing!

Social

Social media and a website are best when used together. Make sure people can find your social media easily with social sections. You can also use this to link to reviews on sites like Yelp.

Page title

As you might guess, this section lets you name each page. It almost always makes sense to have this at or near the top of your website. You can easily customise the fonts and colours here to go with the rest of your website and branding.

Video and audio

Video and audio

Using video on a landing page can increase conversion rates by a massive 80%. Easily include videos, with or without an introduction. If you have a YouTube channel, you can include your latest videos, or you can include a video of your products in action to show them off in your store.

Files

Anything people need to download from your website, from forms to instruction guides, can be included in this style of section. You can either put it right after the mention of a file or throughout the website to encourage people to access it.

Embed

If you have any code you want to include to add custom features or third-party services (like SoundCloud or booking forms) to your website, this is the section you can use. As with other sections, it can be placed wherever you want. The possibilities are endless!

Logos

Logos

Include logos anywhere on your website to show off partnerships, products you use or companies you’ve worked with. This is a great way to build trust!

Store

If you have an online store on your website, sales-boosting sections can make all the difference. Featured products and ‘basket’ sections are a great way to get people engaged and to turn visitors into customers! It’s often a good idea to place these at the top for easy access, but you can experiment with different placements and see what works best for you.

PayPal

Our PayPal sections make it really easy for your customers to purchase from your store. With different design options, you can make these sections fit in with your website’s overall look.

Blog

Feature your latest blog posts anywhere on your website to capture people’s attention while they browse, so they never miss an update.

So there you have it: a guide to all the sections you need to create your perfect website! We’re always listening to feedback and adding exciting new things to our website builder, so we’ll be sure to keep this guide updated as this happens. If you haven’t created your website yet, why not try a free trial? Happy sitebuilding!

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How to make your side hustle work

Side hustle small business

What is a side hustle?

You may have heard this phrase making the rounds lately – unsurprisingly, as more and more people are starting side hustles. If so, you’d be forgiven for not knowing exactly what it is! In reality, it’s pretty simple: any business running alongside a job or main business counts as a side hustle. 

For some people, a side hustle can be a useful supplement to a main role, while for others a conventional job may actually end up coming second. For these people, the side hustle might be their passion, and the thing they spend most of their time doing, but a more ‘traditional’ job might be what allows them to pay the bills – even just a few days a week.

How do you make a side hustle successful?

Just like the time-old question of ‘what makes a business successful?’, there’s no easy answer to this one. Generally speaking, the amount of time you put into anything will be reflected by how much you get out of it. This might be totally fine by you! This is the beauty of a side hustle: it can be as big – or as small – a part of life as you want it to be. 

Once you’ve decided how much you want to get out of your side hustle, however, there are a few things you can do to maximise your chances of success (and of being able to continue hustling):

Test it out
Before you do much at all, it’s a good idea to test your idea out on friends and family. Even business masterminds like Richard Branson sometimes need a fresh pair of eyes to make them see their idea differently! You’re already working, so you don’t want to waste any of your valuable spare time on something inherently flawed. Letting other people try out your product will give them a chance to give you feedback in a non-pressured environment, so you can iron out any kinks early on and save yourself time in the future.

Don’t give up (on) your day job
You’re starting a side hustle for a reason, so make sure it stays just that – at least for now. Don’t stop putting any effort into your day job, even if your priorities have shifted. Your reasons for doing this alongside your job still stand, whether they’re financial or personal, so you definitely don’t want to alienate your employers or start delivering sub-par work; this will benefit nobody! Be respectful of your employers and colleagues, as well as the importance of what your job gives you, and work on your side hustle when you can.

Don’t forget your own wellbeing
We’re big believers in work-life balance and the importance of not letting your work ruin your life – whatever it may be. There’s a real danger of becoming overworked when you have a side hustle, so it’s more important than ever to set parameters around your working patterns. Use the time you have wisely, but don’t feel you have to spend every spare minute working on it, or you’ll likely burn out. If you burn out, you’re less likely to be able to maintain your side hustle anyway, so it would all be for nothing!

Invest in the important things
Just as it’s important to take care of your wellbeing, it’s also important to take care of your bank account. It’s unwise to pour all your money from one job straight into another! Think about what will help you the most, and spend your money there. Is it a website, for visibility and legitimacy? Is it a physical workspace? Whatever it is, make sure it’s worthy of your hard-earned money!

Get the tools you need
Some of the things you invest in should make your life easier and give you the best chance of success. Technology can be essential for side hustlers: a website, for example, will give you a way to share your products with the world. A website with an online store included will let you make sales straight away, while an included domain name and email address will take you right from hobbyist to professional in one fell swoop! Try to find as many all-in-one solutions as you can: this will save you time and money. Another thing to look out for is how well tools and apps will fit in with your busy schedule. Many business tools are available as mobile apps, which can be really helpful if you’re frequently on the go.

Make sure it’s something you enjoy
Many of us can find it hard to motivate ourselves to work outside our paid hours. If you’re going to start a sideline business, you’re unlikely to give it the attention it needs if you’re not really engaged with it. This is why so many side hustles are hobbies people already enjoy – if something already brings you pleasure, the idea of doing more of it (alongside more administrative tasks) won’t fill you with horror!

Set goals (and check in with them)
It’s better to start small and have manageable goals to work towards than to give a side hustle everything you’ve got, only for it to not work out. Decide what milestones you want to reach, and what you want to do when you get there, and check back regularly to see how you’re doing. For example, if you want to start listing products once you’ve got at least 10 in stock, make a note of this, and try to keep to your plan! Checklists can be helpful for this: we’ve created one to help you stay on top of the online side of your business.

Learn by doing
Whatever happens, don’t be too hard on yourself! One of the best things about a side hustle is that it can involve more trial and error, thanks to the fact that it probably isn’t your main source of income. As you’re limited on time, it’s better to dive into something and then find that it doesn’t work than to spend months planning something – only to find out that it doesn’t work. Make a plan and set goals quickly, then go straight into finding out what works and what doesn’t. 


Side hustles are a great way to make a little extra money, share a hobby, make a difference or test the waters when it comes to starting a business, so it’s no wonder so many people are going down this route! They offer a huge amount of flexibility without the commitment of leaving a job to start a business, and this is definitely a good thing. As with anything, there are things to be wary of: burnout, financial problems and issues with maintaining an existing job can all come into play if you aren’t mindful of avoiding them. Taking the time to check in with yourself and your situation on a regular basis is essential; if you do this, you might find that you feel more fulfilled than ever. Your bank account may well end up thanking you too!

If you’re starting any kind of business (side hustle or otherwise), it’s important to have a way for people to find you and see what you can do. Why not try Go Sitebuilder free today?

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What is SSL and why is it important?

You might have seen the term online or noticed your fellow small business owners talking about it at the last networking meeting, but what is SSL? Why is it important? and should you be worried if your website doesn’t have it? We’re here to answer these questions and explain how this techy term can help your business to succeed online.

What is SSL?

In technical terms:

Secure Sockets Layer (also known as SSL, SSL Cert or SSL Certificate) is a digital certificate. It authenticates a website and encrypts information passed through an online connection.

To you and me:

It provides a secure, private connection when browsing the internet! It keeps your website protected and provides a safe experience for your customers. 

SSL has become the foundation of internet security, keeping you and your customers safe from hackers as your valuable data travels through the world wide web. Every day we are reminded about the imminent online security threat and how important it is to protect our data. This doesn’t just mean financial data, but any data. We already know that we should purchase some kind of malware protection and create complex passwords, but we should also be ensuring that we’re buying from and browsing trusted websites. SSL provides that level of security and we should all be aware of its greatness! 

How do I check if a website is safe?

It’s easy to spot if a website is being actively protected by SSL. All you need to look out for is the https:// at the start of the website’s URL and a closed padlock icon next to it. It might look something like this:

A website and domain being actively protected by SSL

Chances are, your customers will be looking out for this too – so make sure your site is protected!

If a website isn’t protected, you might see something like this:

An example of an un-secure website and domain not being protected by SSL

You might even be faced with one of these scary messages:

A browser security warning

This is all the more reason to make sure your website is protected. If you’re trying to sell products, the last thing you want is your customer’s browser warning them off!

Why is SSL so important?

Okay, so we’ve covered the main points of securing data and protection from online hackers. However, SSL provides more than just that, especially if you’re running a business. SSL can also:

  • Boost your Google rankings (who doesn’t want that?!): Google now considers SSL important for ALL websites, not just for those with checkouts or password-protected areas. With more activity online than ever before, Google and other major search engines are dedicated to countering security threats. As part of this, they’re using https as a ranking signal, encouraging people to be safe online and rewarding those who already are 
  • Provide credibility and build customer trust: Seeing ‘https’ or the closed padlock next to your website’s domain name instantly tells your website visitors that you are a legitimate business. This means that it’s safe to not only browse your website, but also to purchase from it.

What happens if I don’t have an SSL cert?

Your business probably won’t thrive online – and might not even survive. If you’re selling anything online or asking visitors to provide any data, such as credit card credentials or information via a contact form, you need to have an SSL cert in place. Even if you aren’t collecting this information, SSL will improve your SEO and your customers will know you care about their online security – it’s a win-win situation! If your customers don’t trust your website, you could miss out on valuable business. They might even be blocked from accessing your website completely if their browser deems it too unsafe to visit. 

While it’s always good to think about your website’s security, our advice would be to go one step further than this, and to invest in an SSL certificate today. There are lots of helpful guides out there to help you to choose the right SSL for you. If you’re using a website builder like ours, you might already have an SSL certificate included in your package; or perhaps your provider can supply one at an extra cost.

We know how important online security is for any business, so we’ve included SSL with every premium Go Sitebuilder package, completely free of charge; all you need to do is enable it! If you have a Go Sitebuilder website, here’s how:

If you don’t have a website or you’re looking to create a new responsive website that you can update from anywhere (plus a FREE SSL cert), sign up for a free trial with Go Sitebuilder.

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What pages do I need on my website?

When you’re creating a website, it can be hard to know where to start – and when it’s okay to step back for a while. There are loads of different pages you can have, and it can be overwhelming trying to imagine how you’ll find time to create them all. However, we’ve got good news for you: you can create a professional, complete website with just six essential pages. These pages will cover all the bases, from showing your personality to sharing your products. If you choose to, you can add any additional pages later!

Homepage

This is where your customers will land when they first come to your website, so make sure you make it engaging and clear! Give your company’s name pride of place, and follow it with a subheading or strapline to ensure it’s clear to every visitor what you do. Remember that not everyone will be there because they looked you up specifically! Maximise your chances of converting new customers by showing them that you can give them what they need.

Use call-to-action (CTA) buttons to provide clear pointers to other key areas of your website. The best way to do this is via a menu and short sections leading to these areas (e.g. a short introduction to you, followed by a link to the full About page). This will give your customers an easy path to follow and keep them engaged. They’ve come to your website for a reason, so make it enticing for them to stay there!

About page

People like to know they’re doing business with a human being, and this page gives you a chance to show them that you’re just that! Show your customers who you are with an insight into your motivations and personality. You could do this by telling the story of why you started the business; introducing your canine- or feline-in-chief; telling people a little about your background… just be yourself!

For another human touch, don’t forget to add a photo! If you’re a little camera shy, you could always use a photo of your four-legged-friend or your workspace. Just ensure it’s something that will inject even more personality into the page, while keeping it visually engaging.

For more advice on creating an effective about page, we love these tips from Moz.

Contact

There are countless reasons why a visitor to your website may want to contact you. It could be a query about a product or service, a business enquiry, or a collaboration request… the list goes on, so make sure you give them a way to get in touch! The simplest way to do this is a contact form, but if you have a bricks-and-mortar location, then use a map feature to show them exactly where you are. You can also include an email address and phone number if applicable. If you do, make sure your email address is something professional and in keeping with your wider branding.

Store OR product information

If you have products or services to sell, an online store is the perfect way to do this. Even if you also have a physical location, selling online means that you don’t ever have to miss a sale. You can sell without even being awake! Make sure your products are all clearly listed, with all the relevant information. This will save your customers having to ask for clarification or return items, and it will save you from having to answer questions or process returns!

If you don’t have products or services which can be listed in this way, you should still have a products/services page: this is a great place to show off what you do! Give all the information you think potential customers will need to make a decision, and, for extra impact, include your contact details on this page too – giving them a way to take the next step once you’ve won them over!

Testimonials

Until your customers have seen how great your products or services are for themselves, the best way to breed their trust is to show them how satisfied other people have been. If you don’t have testimonials already, why not reach out to some of your satisfied customers to see if they’d be happy to provide one? If you’re going to do this, just make sure you’re complying with GDPR. Don’t contact customers or share their data without their consent!

It’s up to you how you structure this page, but a good rule of thumb for any copy-based page is to keep it visually engaging with product images and an easy-to-read layout. For extra impact, you could also place testimonials or quotes throughout your website!

Blog

Just like the about page, a blog is a great way to show your personality and create a loyal following. As well as this, it’s also a place to share exciting news, from product updates to promotions. If you need any more persuasion, businesses with blogs receive 55% more traffic than those without!

If you can, it’s good to get into the habit of sharing regular (e.g. monthly) updates. This will help you to get into a routine and open up the lines of communication with your customers. If you don’t always have big developments to share, that’s okay! You can also update on smaller or more personal developments, such as plans, house moves, goals and more. Your customers will appreciate the insight into the human behind the company. If you’re stuck for ideas, articles like this have some great advice.

Once you have these pages, you’ll find that your website has a complete, professional feel to it. When visitors come to your site, they won’t be left wanting at all. Just these few pages will give them all the information they need to really engage with your business.

If you don’t already have a website, you’ll need a simple way to create these essential pages. We’ve designed Go Sitebuilder to be a simple and effective way to get online, giving you everything you need to grow your business, wherever you are – no technical skills needed! Try it free today.