12 things every local business website needs

Your website doesn't need to be fancy. It needs to answer a visitor's questions quickly and make the next step obvious. Here are the 12 things we make sure every local business site has.

1. A clear headline that says what you do and where

   Within three seconds, a visitor should know what you offer and that you serve their area. "Family dentistry in Brentwood" beats "Welcome to our website."

2. One obvious next step

   Call, book, order, get a quote or visit. Pick the main action and put it at the top of the page and again further down.

3. Click-to-call on phones

   Most local visitors are on a phone. Your number should be a tappable link that dials you directly.

4. Hours and location that match Google

   If your website and Google profile disagree, customers don't know which to trust. Keep them identical.

5. Your services, clearly listed

   One short section (or page) per main service. Say who it's for and what to expect. People can't buy what they can't find.

6. Prices, or at least starting prices

   You don't have to list everything, but "from $55" or "free estimates" removes a big reason people leave without contacting you.

7. Real photos

   Your space, your team, your work. Stock photos have their place, but real photos build trust much faster.

8. Proof you're legit

   Real reviews, years in business, licenses and insurance, associations you belong to. Only include what's true. Made-up testimonials can get a business in legal trouble.

9. Fast loading

   Slow sites lose visitors, especially on mobile data. Keep images compressed and avoid heavy add-ons you don't need.

10. Security (the padlock)

    Your site should load over https. Browsers warn visitors about sites that don't, and forms should be protected from spam.

11. Search basics

    Each page needs a descriptive title and description, your town and services mentioned naturally, and your business details marked up so search engines understand them.

12. Someone keeping it up to date

    The most common website problem isn't design. It's being out of date. Old hours, discontinued services and last year's specials quietly cost you customers.