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Top 10 Must-Have Website Features - Getting Graphic - Arktos Graphics - Alberta

Top 10 Must-Haves for Small Business Websites

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Let’s be 100% honest – your website is your small business’s digital front door. It’s where customers decide if they will walk in (metaphorically, of course) or keep scrolling. If you want to stand out online, your site needs to be more than just “okay.” It must shine, work hard, and make people want to stick around.

With that in mind, I present to you the TOP 10 website features every small business needs to crush it online.

1. Mobile Responsiveness

Let’s face it—people are glued to their phones. More than 55% of all web traffic comes from mobile devices, so your site needs to look amazing and work seamlessly on any screen size. Mobile responsiveness ensures that your layout, images, and buttons adjust automatically to fit a phone, tablet, or desktop. Plus, Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search rankings, so a responsive design doesn’t just help users—it helps you get found.

Pro Tip: Test your site on multiple devices. If something looks off, fix it. Your customers won’t wait for you to catch up.

2. Fast Loading Speeds

In today’s world of go, go, go – nobody wants to wait for a slow website especially not your customers or Google. If your site takes more than three seconds to load, visitors will bounce faster than a poorly hit golf ball. Speed affects user experience and your bottom line.

How to Fix It:

Compress images (smaller file sizes = faster load times).
Use a reliable hosting service.
Minimize unnecessary plugins and scripts.

The Result: Faster load times keep visitors engaged and happy, while also boosting your SEO.

3. Secure Website (SSL Certificate)

Ever noticed the “Not Secure” warning on some websites? That’s what happens without SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). An SSL certificate encrypts your site, protecting sensitive information like credit card numbers and passwords. It also gives you that little padlock icon in the browser bar—instantly building trust.

Why It Matters:

Protects customer data.
Increases trustworthiness.
Improves Google rankings (yes, Google cares about security too)

Side Note: In addition to your SSL certificate, you should also have a clearly written and available Privacy Policy available on your

4. Clear Navigation

Imagine walking into a store with no signs. Frustrating, right? That’s what a cluttered or confusing website feels like. Clear navigation ensures your visitors can find what they’re looking for without a scavenger hunt.

Best Practices:

Keep menus simple (no more than 6-7 items).
Use descriptive labels (e.g., “About Us” or “Shop Now”).
Include a search bar for easy access.

Why It Works: The easier your site is to use, the longer people stay—and the more likely they are to convert.

5. Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

Don’t assume visitors will know what to do next. CTA buttons guide them, whether it’s “Buy Now,” “Contact Us,” or “Subscribe Today.” A strong CTA is clear, action-oriented, and visually distinct.

Tips for Effective CTAs:

Use bright, contrasting colours.
Keep the text short and actionable (“Book Now,” not “Click Here to Book Your Next Appointment”).
Place them where visitors naturally look, like above the fold or at the end of a page.

Why it Works: Again it boils down to the ease of the site’s use – clear CTA are there to capture attention and direct people to specific, converting sections of your site.

6. Engaging Visual Content

Let’s be real—nobody wants to stare at a wall of text. High-quality visuals grab attention and keep visitors engaged. From sharp product photos to creative videos, your visuals tell your brand story and engage your viewers with the site’s content.

What Works:

Use professional images (no stock photos that scream “generic”).
Add videos for demos, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes looks.
Keep graphics aligned with your brand colours and style.

Why it’s Important: Consistency is key. Branding your site with visual content consistent with your brand will go a long way in telling your customers “Your Story”

7. SEO-Friendly Design

If your site isn’t optimized for search engines, you’re invisible. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your site rank higher on Google, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

SEO Basics for Design:

Use keywords naturally in headings and page titles.
Optimize images with alt text.
Ensure fast loading speeds and mobile responsiveness.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor your SEO performance and adjust as needed.

8. Social Media Integration

Your social media channels are goldmines for engagement, so why not link them directly to your site? Adding social media buttons and feeds helps visitors connect with you on multiple platforms.

Ideas for Integration:

Add clickable social icons in your header or footer.
Include a live Instagram feed showcasing your latest products or events.
Use share buttons so visitors can spread your content with one click.

Pro Tip: Integration of the live feeds allows you to constantly update your website without making major changes to the design. A simple and effective way to keep customers up-to-date.

9. Testimonials and Reviews

Social proof is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Positive testimonials and reviews show potential customers that you’re trustworthy and reliable.

How to Showcase Reviews:

Highlight a few glowing testimonials on your homepage.
Include a dedicated “Reviews” or “Customer Stories” page.

Pro Tip: You can use widgets and plugins to display real-time reviews from Google or Yelp.

10. Contact Information and Chat Options

Don’t make customers search for how to contact you. Display your phone number, email, and address prominently. Want to go the extra mile? Add a live chat feature or chatbot to answer questions instantly.