6 Signs Your Site is a Snoozefest (and how to fix it!)

There are an endless number of websites out there. As a small business owner, you need to focus on how to make your website stand out. Here are some pitfalls to avoid in order to ensure your site is exciting enough to entice new business.

1. You don’t have a blog
   

   “I’m not a writer.” “I’m more of a visual artist.” “I wouldn’t even know where to start.” Is this the sort of reaction you have to the word “blog”? Do you live in fear of the blank page and the blinking cursor? You’re not alone. Blogging isn’t easy, but it’s vitally important to any small business. It gives potential clients a sense of who you are and whether you’d be a good fit for what they need. The best way to start…is to start. Write what you know! It doesn’t need to be perfect.

2. You don’t have enough pages. You have too many pages.
   

   You don’t want your website to become a chore. But you also don’t want it to be instantly forgettable. So, how do you decide the appropriate length for your website? Research! Find some websites that you enjoy. Find some websites that you hate. Use that as a guide to determine appropriate length.

3. Poorly designed
   

   Terribly designed sites. We’ve all encountered them – buggy, crash-prone, not secure. A business’ website often serves as a first impression for potential clients. You wouldn’t show up to a face to face meeting looking disheveled, right? Your website should function well and be mobile friendly.  Be proud of your website. Be proud of yourself. Be proud of your work.

4. Your website isn’t representative of who you are
   

   One size does not fit all when it comes to websites. After browsing your site, potential clients should have some sense of who you are. Include photos of yourself! Do you have a mission statement? You should! You’re not a generic business, don’t have a generic website.

5. Your website isn’t about your customers/clients
   

   Although it’s important that clients understand who you are, you don’t want to overdo it. Think of your website as a conversation between you and a potential client. There needs to be balance. Customers should understand how working with you will improve their lives and business.

6. Too much going on…or not enough
   

   You don’t want your website to be too busy, but you also don’t want it to look a digital desert wasteland. Aim for clean and concise. Make it appealing to the eye. Don’t bombard potential customers with excessive fonts, an overabundance of photos, or large blocks of text. Find the sweet spot for your website design and lean into it.

And if all of this seems a bit overwhelming, MIFA Media is always here to help! We’ve helped countless small businesses overcome these pitfalls and improve their online presence.