5 Things That Won't Ruin Your business Website (And 5 Things That actually might)
Let’s be real for a second - getting started with building a website for your business can feel like an insurmountable task. You’re bombarded left, right and centre with advice, tips, and must-dos, and suddenly, that exciting project turns into a stress-inducing nightmare.
But hold up cowgirl - before you give up, I’m here to simplify things and reassure you that some of the stuff you’re worried about? It won’t actually ruin your Squarespace website. Promise.
Let’s dive into 5 things you don’t need to stress over when creating a website for your business - and 5 things that do actually matter.
5 things that Won’t ruin your small business website:
1. The Occasional Smartphone Selfie
Worried that your casual, on-the-go selfies will bring down the entire aesthetic of your site? Babe, relax! Not every photo needs to be a professional headshot. Sometimes, that candid, real-life vibe shows people you’re human, which can make your brand feel more relatable and authentic. As long as your photos are clear, well-lit, and convey the right mood for your brand, you’re good to go. Your audience wants to see the real you sometimes, not just the polished version!
2. That One Rogue Spelling Mistake
Accidentally typed “there” instead of “their”? It happens to the best of us. While perfect grammar and spelling at all times are of course the ideal, the occasional slip-up isn’t going to send your website into a downward spiral. Of course, fix mistakes as and when you spot them, but don’t lose sleep over that one missed typo. Your audience is here for your content, your voice, and your value—not to nitpick over every single word.
3. Using ‘Coming Soon’ Pages
Got a project or service in the works that you’ve been putting off? A ‘Coming Soon’ page is not only okay - it’s a very smart move! It builds anticipation and gives you a placeholder while you’re perfecting the details. Plus, it shows that your business is growing and evolving, something that inspires trust and excitement in your audience. So stop letting ‘perfection’ get in your way and launch the damn page! Just make sure to include a way for visitors to stay in the loop, like an email sign-up form, so they’re ready to jump in when you’re live.
4. Only Having a Few Website Pages
Worried your site feels too stripped back or bare-bones? Quality over quantity is the name of the game when it comes to web design. A few well-crafted pages that clearly communicate your message are way more effective than a sprawling site full of fluff. Nobody wants to spend 45 minutes digging around hundreds of unnecessary pages for the information they need - especially not your customer. As long as your core offerings, contact info, and brand story are easy to find, you’re covered. Less can definitely be more!
5. Missing Out on the Odd Keyword
Yes, SEO is super important, but let’s not forget that your website is designed for people, not just search engines. If you’ve missed a keyword or two in favour of more engaging, human-friendly content, it’s seriously not the end of the world. There will be heaps of opportunity for search engine optimising throughout your website, so focus on creating content that’s valuable, engaging, and authentic. Overloading your site with keywords just to tick a box can actually harm your readability and user experience. So, write for your audience first and the algorithms second.
for balance, these 5 things actually will ruin your small business website:
1. Confusing, Inconsistent Branding
Nothing sends visitors running faster than a brand that doesn’t know what it stands for. If your colours, fonts, and messaging are all over the place, it creates a chaotic experience that lacks authority and trust. In other words, you end up looking scammy and no one wants to buy from you! Consistency is key—your brand should be instantly recognisable, no matter where in the wild someone encounters it. A solid brand style guide can help keep things on track, making sure your website feels cohesive and professional.
2. Boring & Longwinded Copy
We all know that time is money, and ain’t nobody got time to wade through paragraphs of dull, meandering text about your qualifications and past experience. If your copy isn’t snappy, engaging, and to the point, you’ll lose your audience’s attention fast - especially in this attention economy. Be clear, concise, and let your personality shine through enough for people to build that connection. Remember, your website should speak to your ideal customer in a way that resonates with them, not bores them to tears.
3. Lack of Any Wider Strategy
A website without a strategy is like a cowboy without a horse - it might look great, but where’s it headed? You need a clear plan that ties your website into your broader business goals. Whether it’s building an email list, driving enquiries, or establishing your brand authority, your website should be working for you, not just sitting pretty.
4. Difficult to Navigate Pages
If your visitors can’t easily find what they’re looking for, they’re going to bounce - fast. Not only is this a terrible user experience, but it also wreaks havoc on your SEO - double bummer! Your website’s navigation should be intuitive and straightforward, guiding users exactly where you want them to go. Think of it as a well-marked woodland trail: clear, easy to follow, and with no dead ends.
5. Zero Attempt at Search Optimisation
While it’s okay to miss a keyword here and there, ignoring SEO altogether is a big no-no for your small business website. If your site isn’t optimised for search engines at all, you’re missing out on a huge amount of valuable traffic. Basic SEO practices like using meta descriptions, alt tags, and clean URLs go a long way in making sure your site gets found by the right people.
Website design for your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming
By focusing on the things that truly matter like clear branding, compelling content, strategic planning, user-friendly design, and solid SEO - you can create a website that not only looks amazing but also drives real results for your small business.
So, take a deep breath and remember: it’s all about making smart, thoughtful choices that align with your brand and your goals. Happy creating!
