One of the first things a new business will do is set up an online presence. Setting up a website online is now really easy, thanks to platforms like WordPress and Weebly. But no matter what platform you use, there are 5 pages you must have on any website.
#1: The Home page
Your home page gives your visitors their very first impression of you and your company – so it has to be a good one. Make sure your home page conveys who you work with and how you can help them.
The other function of your home page is to give visitors easy access to the rest of your site. Ensure you have an obvious and easy to use navigation bar that leads them around the features of your site.
#2: The About page
Quite often, this can be one of the highest viewed pages on your site. It’s also the page that most small businesses get wrong, as they make it about themselves. It is about you – as long as you tie this into your visitors ‘what’s in it for me’ philosophy. So don’t just list what qualifications and experience you have – show them why this is a benefit to them and how it can help you solve their issue better AND let them see the real you.
#3: Services/products/work with me
Depending on what type of business you’re in, you’ll have slightly different adaptations for this page. If you only work with people on a one-to-one basis and want to see if you’re a good fit first, you’ll want a page that explains what they’ll get from working with you, along with an invite to connect for a discovery call.
You may decide to have a separate sales page for each of the products or packages you offer. Again, you need the copy to explain the benefits of working with you and have either a ‘buy now’ or an invite for a discovery call (or similar).
If you have lots of products and/ or services, you’ll want to include a brief intro to each one, followed by a ‘read more’ link to a separate, more detailed page.
#4: Contact page
You absolutely must have a way for your potential clients to get in touch with you – and contact page is the easiest way to do that. It can consist of a blank template to fill out (such as that provided by Contact Form plugin) or can simply list your contact details and a Google map – the choice is yours.
#5: A blog page
The last page you should have on your website is a blog page. All websites rank better if they have regular updates, and a blog page provides that. It also enables you to showcase your expertise and build a relationship with your potential clients, by sharing your knowledge in keyword specific blog posts and articles.
The important thing to remember with a blog page is to be consistent. Even if you post every fortnight (although weekly is a better, as a minimum), you want to get into the routine of doing so – as it helps build the habit and a library of great content.
Do you agree with my top 5 website pages or would you change them? Are there any on there you don’t currently have? If so, what action step can you take this week to implement them? Why not share your experiences and thoughts in the comments box below!