Essential Features for a Small Business Website Package

Custom Design

A custom website design is a fundamental aspect of a small business website package, particularly for businesses aiming to stand out in a crowded market. Unlike templates or AI-generated designs, a custom design offers a unique, tailored look that reflects your brand’s identity and values. This personalized approach ensures that every element of your website—from the color schemes and typography to the layout and user interface—resonates with your target audience and communicates your business's distinct personality. Investing in a custom website design not only enhances your professional image but also improves user experience, encouraging visitors to spend more time on your site and making it easier for them to navigate and find the information they need.

Content Management System (CMS)

A robust Content Management System (CMS) is an integral feature of any small business website package. A CMS allows business owners or their teams to easily manage and update website content without needing extensive technical knowledge. This functionality is crucial for keeping the website current and relevant, whether it's updating product information, posting blog articles, or making announcements. Popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Duda offer user-friendly interfaces, a wide range of plugins, and extensive customization options to cater to various business needs. Besides simplifying content updates, a good CMS improves website security, enables SEO optimization, and supports mobile responsiveness, ensuring a seamless experience for both administrators and visitors. Investing in an efficient CMS empowers small business owners to maintain control over their online presence, enhancing operational efficiency and allowing for more dynamic engagement with their audience.

Reliable Website Hosting

Reliable website hosting is a critical component of a small business website package, ensuring that your site is always accessible to visitors. With a dependable hosting provider, you can avoid downtime and performance issues that could deter potential customers. Opting for a hosting plan that includes unlimited site visitors is particularly beneficial for growing businesses, as it guarantees that your website can handle high traffic volumes without experiencing slowdowns or interruptions. High-quality hosting services often come with added features such as regular backups, 24/7 customer support, and enhanced security measures to protect your site from cyber threats. By investing in reliable website hosting, you not only enhance your website’s performance and security but also provide a seamless and efficient experience for your users, encouraging return visits and fostering customer trust.

SSL Certificate

An SSL Certificate is an essential feature for any small business website package, guaranteeing secure data transmission and fostering customer trust. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology encrypts the data exchanged between a user's browser and your website, ensuring that sensitive information such as personal details, credit card numbers, and login credentials remain protected from cyber threats. Having an SSL Certificate not only enhances security but also boosts your website’s credibility and search engine ranking. Modern web browsers flag websites without SSL as "Not Secure," which can deter visitors and harm your reputation. By investing in an SSL Certificate, you demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding your customers' privacy and reinforcing trust in your brand. This secure, encrypted connection is a vital component of any professional, user-friendly, and reliable website, making it a non-negotiable element of a comprehensive small business website package.

Ongoing Support from a Local Agency

Ongoing support from a local agency, such as The Stack Group, is a crucial element of a comprehensive small business website package. This support ensures your website remains up-to-date, secure, and fully functional long after the initial launch. The Stack Group not only offers expert maintenance and updates but also provides invaluable assistance with app integration, digital marketing, and emergency support.

Regular website maintenance is essential for addressing software updates, bug fixes, and security patches, which help protect your site from vulnerabilities. Having a dedicated local partner means you can rely on prompt and personalized service. They understand the specific needs and challenges of your business, offering tailored solutions that align with your objectives.

Be careful of freelancers on sites like Fivver and Upwork. You may run into issues where they may only assist in one aspect of your web design, such as coding or graphic design, but not offer ongoing support and maintenance. This can result in an incomplete website or one that becomes outdated quickly. Additionally, many of these platforms have freelancers that are there one day and then they are gone the next.

Analytics

Effective analytics tools are a vital part of any small business website package, providing critical insights into your website's performance and user behaviour. Analytics platforms such as Google Analytics or Matomo offer comprehensive data on website traffic, visitor demographics, user engagement, and conversion rates. This information allows you to make informed decisions about your digital marketing strategies, content updates, and overall site improvements.

By tracking metrics such as page views, bounce rates, and user pathways, you can identify which areas of your website are performing well and which need enhancement. Analytics also help in understanding visitor sources, whether they're coming from search engines, social media, or direct visits, enabling you to tailor your marketing efforts more effectively. Furthermore, setting up goals and tracking conversions can provide tangible evidence of your site's ROI, showcasing the effectiveness of your online presence in driving business objectives.

AI Integration

AI integration within your small business website package can revolutionize how you manage and enhance your online presence. Leveraging artificial intelligence simplifies content updates, allows for hassle-free section additions, and significantly boosts SEO efforts.

CMS systems like the one The Stack Group leverages includes built in AI assistance for many element of your website maintenance.  AI can help you create website copy for all aspects of your website quickly while speaking in the tone of your brand and page content. Additionally, AI integration can dramatically help with Search Engine Optimization (SEO), addressing site audit areas like page titles, alt text, page descriptions and more. While AI alone cannot completely replace human input, it can significantly streamline and improve your website maintenance processes and give your small business the edge it needs in the marketplace. 

What to Look for When Hiring a Web Designer

When hiring a web designer for your small business, it's essential to consider long-term collaboration and support. Engaging with a professional who understands your vision and can grow with your business over time is invaluable. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Long-Term Vision and Support

A web designer should not just build your website and walk away. Instead, they should be committed to providing ongoing support and updates as your business evolves. Look for someone who offers a comprehensive maintenance plan, ensuring your site remains secure, functional, and up-to-date with the latest web standards and technologies.

Expertise and Portfolio

Examine the designer's website portfolio to ensure they have experience in creating websites for businesses similar to yours. Their past work will demonstrate their ability to understand different market needs, implement effective design strategies, and deliver results that align with your business goals.

Local Design Agencies and Their Benefits

Opting for a local design agency can offer numerous advantages. Working with a nearby team allows for easier face-to-face meetings, fostering better communication and a stronger working relationship. Local agencies often have a vested interest in the success of businesses within their community, making them more likely to provide exceptional service and support.

Community Knowledge and Network

Local designers have a deeper understanding of your specific market and demographics. They can incorporate regional elements and culturally relevant features into your site, making it more appealing to your target audience. Additionally, local agencies often have a network of other professionals, such as copywriters, photographers, and marketers, who can contribute to your project, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality result.

Customer Service and Accessibility

Finally, consider the level of customer service and accessibility offered by the web designer or agency. Being able to easily communicate and resolve any issues that arise is crucial for maintaining a successful online presence. Look for a web designer who is responsive, proactive, and dedicated to your business's long-term success.



Ready to Transform Your Online Presence?

With over 15 years of experience helping small to medium-sized businesses with web design, marketing, support, and management, The Stack Group has established itself as a trusted partner in the digital landscape. We understand that a website is not merely an online presence, but a critical component of your business strategy. Whether you're looking to build a new site from scratch or enhance an existing one, our comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects—from visual design to functionality and user experience—are meticulously crafted to drive success. We're your long term digital partner, here to support your business growth and online goals. Reach out today!