by Maura O'Neill

Created on: January 07, 2010   Last Updated: January 08, 2010

As a small business owner, you know that how you present your space—be it a retail store or office—is how many current and potential customers will judge you. If you are a retailer, it is essential to make your store inviting, a place that customers will want to visit again and again. Creating this welcoming atmosphere is not just for brick and mortar stores, though; your small business website should be just as inviting, because anyone on the World Wide Web can walk right in.

Keep it Organized

Have you ever stepped into a retail shop with one thing in mind? You know the feeling: “I need a 3-pronged widget. This place looks like it sells 3-pronged widgets. I’m going to run in, grab one, and head out. I’ll be home in time for Final Jeopardy!®.” Then you head into the store and when you get there you see piles of everything, miles of shelves, and no signs telling you how to get to what you want to buy. By the time you’re done looking, you know there’s going to be no Alex Trebek today.

When Fred’s 3-Pronged Widget Emporium and Soda Fountain is set up in such a way that makes it impossible to find the 3-pronged widgets, are you going to come back the next time you’re lacking a proper widget supply? No, and visitors to your website are not likely to come back if they can’t find what they’re looking for either.

Set up your small business web hosting package clearly, with navigation at the top and/or left of the page. This is where eyes naturally wander. Plainly label your pages (consider them the aisles in your store), and lead your customers to where they want to go by using proper signage. Provide contact information and a call to action on every page.

Take Advantage of Your Business Web Hosting Package

If business is primarily done, as the kids say, IRL (in real life) rather than online, use your web presence as a brochure. Think of it as an advertisement in the phone book or a brochure, but one that visitors can interact with. Many small business web hosting package options include a page to simply put up a business profile that includes spaces for contact information, directions, and a little bit about the business. When setting up your Web presence, think about this as a quick, efficient, and cost-effective small business web hosting alternative.

It’s Your Space: Make it Yours

If you have a successful brick and mortar business, chances are you’re doing just about everything right. What do customers like about you? What are your business strengths? What keeps them coming back? Make sure your website reflects the things that have already made your business a success, and not only will your regulars be back for a 3-pronged widget and a tall cool root beer float, you’ll make some converts along the way.

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