Let’s be honest for a second.
A pretty website is nice…
But a strategic website? That’s what pays your bills.
If your site isn’t bringing in enquiries, sales, or sign-ups — it’s not doing its job. And no amount of aesthetic fonts or beige branding will fix that.
That’s why I’ve created The Ultimate Small Business Website Checklist — so you can confidently refresh your website knowing it’s set up to convert, not just exist.
Whether you’re DIY-ing your site, refreshing your brand, or preparing to invest in a designer, this checklist will save you time, money, and missed opportunities.
Why Most Small Business Websites Don’t Convert
Before we dive in, here’s where most business owners go wrong 👀
❌ They design for aesthetics only
❌ They forget the customer journey
❌ They don’t clearly explain what they offer
❌ They hide their CTAs
❌ They rely on Instagram instead of their website
Your website should act like a 24/7 sales assistant — guiding visitors, answering questions, building trust, and telling them exactly what to do next.
Let’s fix that.
The Ultimate Small Business Website Checklist
1. Your Website Messaging Is Crystal Clear
Within 5 seconds, a visitor should know:
✔ Who you help
✔ What you do
✔ How you help them
✔ Why they should trust you
Check your homepage hero section:
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Clear headline (no vague buzzwords)
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Short supporting subheading
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One main call-to-action (not five)
✨ If someone lands on your site half-distracted, they should still “get it” instantly.
2. Your Website Is Built to Convert
Pretty layouts don’t pay the bills — strategy does.
Make sure you have:
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Strong CTAs on every main page
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Buttons above the fold and throughout the page
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Clear next steps (Book, Enquire, Download, Shop)
💡 Tip: Every page should answer → “What do I want this person to do next?”
3. Your Offers Are Easy to Understand
If your offers feel confusing, your audience will leave.
✔ Clearly named services/products
✔ Simple descriptions (no jargon)
✔ Who it’s for + what problem it solves
✔ Pricing or a clear enquiry process
If you offer multiple services, guide visitors — don’t overwhelm them.
4. Your Website Builds Trust Instantly
People buy from brands they trust.
Your website should include:
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About page that actually connects (not just credentials)
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Testimonials or reviews
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Case studies or examples of your work
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Professional photos or branded visuals
✨ Your story matters — but make it about how you help them.
5. Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly (Non-Negotiable)
Over 70% of website traffic is mobile — and yes, people do buy on their phones.
Check:
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Buttons are easy to tap
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Text is readable without zooming
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Images load properly
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No awkward spacing or cut-off content
📱 If your mobile site is messy, you’re losing sales daily.
6. Your Pages Load Fast
Slow websites = lost customers.
✔ Optimised images
✔ No unnecessary plugins
✔ Clean layouts
✔ Fast hosting
If your site takes longer than 3 seconds to load, visitors won’t wait.
7. Your Website Is SEO-Ready
You don’t need to be an SEO expert — but the basics matter.
Make sure you have:
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Page titles & meta descriptions
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Headings (H1, H2, H3) used properly
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Keyword-friendly page copy
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Image alt text
✨ SEO helps your website get found without relying on social media.
8. You Have Lead Capture in Place
Not everyone will buy straight away — and that’s okay.
Your website should:
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Collect email addresses
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Offer a freebie or lead magnet
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Have a clear value exchange
💌 Your email list = long-term sales power.
9. Your Branding Is Consistent Everywhere
Your website should match:
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Your Instagram
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Your emails
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Your overall brand vibe
Consistency builds trust and recognisability — especially for female-founded brands looking to scale.
10. Your Website Has a Clear Sales Flow
A good website guides visitors like this:
Discover → Connect → Trust → Take Action
If someone lands on your site today, could they:
✔ Learn about you
✔ Understand your offer
✔ Feel confident
✔ Convert
If not — that’s your sign it’s time for a refresh.
Want This Checklist for Free?
I’ve turned this into a free, downloadable checklist so you can:
✔ Audit your current website
✔ Prepare for a redesign
✔ DIY with confidence
✔ Stop guessing what your site needs
✨ Save it for your next website refresh — your future self will thank you.
👉 [Download The Ultimate Small Business Website Checklist]
Ready for a Website That Actually Sells?
If you’re done with guessing and want a website built with strategy, clarity, and conversion in mind — that’s exactly what we do at So Social Digital.
From:
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Website design & refreshes
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Conversion-focused layouts
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Brand-aligned messaging
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Strategic user journeys
💬 So… is it a date?