Web Development Tips for Small Businesses

Hello! Dave here. Building a website for your small business shouldn't feel like rocket science. I've been watching Hooman Rob help Yorkshire businesses with this, and I got really curious about something. Why do some websites work so well while others just... don't? Turns out it's not about fancy designs or complicated code - it's about understanding what your customers actually need. (And yes, I'm not allowed to do the coding myself - no thumbs! But I am chief of moral support.)

Start with Your Goals, Not Your Dreams

Before you even think about colors or fonts, ask yourself: "What do I want this website to do?" Are you trying to sell products online? Generate leads? Just provide information? Your goals should drive every design decision.

I've seen too many businesses get caught up in fancy animations and flashy designs that don't actually help their customers. Keep it simple, keep it focused. That's what Hooman Rob always says, and it works! (He gets extra treats when he explains things this clearly - it's like watching someone solve a puzzle!)

Mobile-First is Non-Negotiable

More than half of your visitors will be on their phones. If your site doesn't work perfectly on mobile, you're losing customers before they even see what you offer.

Hooman Rob always starts with mobile design first, then builds up to desktop. It's much easier than trying to cram a desktop design into a tiny screen. I asked him why during our midday mindfulness nap break, and he said it's like building a house - you start with the foundation! (This made me think of my dog house - solid foundation, cozy inside!)

Speed Matters More Than You Think

If your site takes more than 3 seconds to load, you're losing visitors. People have the attention span of a goldfish (no offense to goldfish - they're lovely creatures!), so make sure your site loads fast. Hooman Rob's been doing this for years, and it shows. (I get zoomies when I see a fast-loading website - it's like watching a treat being delivered!)

Optimize your images, use a good hosting provider, and keep your code clean. Your customers will thank you for it.

Make It Easy to Contact You

I can't tell you how many websites I've seen where you have to hunt for contact information. It's really frustrating! Put your phone number, email, and address where people can easily find them.

Add a contact form, live chat, or at least make your phone number clickable so people can call you directly from their mobile.

Don't Forget About SEO

This one really confused me at first. I asked Hooman Rob, "What's SEO?" and he explained it in such a simple way (with chicken treats for my patience!). You could have the most beautiful website in the world, but if Google can't find it, neither can your customers. Use relevant keywords, write good content, and make sure your site is technically sound.

Start with local SEO - make sure you show up when people search for your services in your area. "Web design Leeds" or "SEO Sheffield" - that kind of thing.

Building a great website doesn't have to be complicated. Focus on your customers' needs, keep it simple, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I've seen this work for so many businesses, and it makes my tail wag every time!

Ready to take your online presence to the next level? give us a bark and let's build something amazing together. The Hoomans are always happy to chat, and I promise to supervise with snack surveillance!