Choosing the right pages to include is one of the most important decisions you’ll make while building a website for your business. The exact pages you choose will depend upon your goals and the unique nature of your business, but there are also some standard inclusions that fit nearly any type of website. The trick is providing the necessary pages, while minimizing the “fluff” that can distract site visitors. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the page types that will make your website tick.
Website Design for Calgary Businesses: Picking the Right Pages
A new website is a blank canvas, but it’s never too late to update the pages on an existing site. If you’re updating instead of building, start by leaning on your analytics to evaluate the popularity of your existing pages. If you’re building from scratch, consider some of these popular page types to get started.
- Home – You can’t have a website without a homepage, but the homepage is far more than just a place for visitors to arrive. It’s your marquee, and it’s what visitors use to gauge whether your site is worth a further investment of time. Be sure to include basic information about your business, what you have to offer, and what sets you apart.
- About Us – This page should build on the basic information you provide on your homepage. The about page is where you tell the story of your business, and show visitors what separates you from the competition. It’s also the perfect place to add a dash of personality.
- Products/Services – Even if you don’t transact business online, it’s important to highlight the products or services your company offers. Aim to be descriptive, without overwhelming the reader with detail. The ideal product/service page should be easy to scan, with photos, bold text, bullet lists, and subheadings to guide the reader.
- FAQ – FAQ is an acronym for “frequently asked questions,” and it’s pretty self-descriptive. Not every website needs a FAQ, but it can be a useful resource for complex businesses. The basic idea is to pose and answer common questions about your business, products, and services, so visitors have a one-stop resource to brush up on the basics.
- Contact – The “contact us” page is a must-have for every website. At a minimum, it should include your company’s physical address, telephone number, and email address. Most companies also choose to include a form that allows visitors to send a message directly from the contact page.
- Testimonials – This is the place to put all of those glowing reviews from your best customers. If you don’t want to go the direct testimonial route, you can instead include outside reviews, or before-and-after photos of a job well done. The key is simply to show off your best work, however you feel comfortable doing so.
- Resources – Your resources page can include everything from your own content to outbound links to some of your most trusted sources. It’s a trust-building service to site visitors, and it gives you a chance to highlight your best content.
- Blog – Like your resource page, your blog is an excellent way to connect with customers. Create your own content, or share your thoughts on interesting articles that relate to your industry. If you’re going to include a blog, it’s wise to make sure you update it regularly.
Most business websites should include around 10 pages, when all is said and done. Sites that include e-commerce will naturally have a few more pages than those that are purely informational. As you work through the steps of building your website, be sure to include a search function. While that tiny search bar may not count as a “page,” it’s one of the most important elements of your site.
Once you’ve chosen your pages, the next step is filling them with great content! Content development is the key to building a strong web presence, and its marketing value is second to none. Pair your powerful content with a well-designed website, and experience the many benefits that digital marketing has to offer your business.
Are you ready to see what an excellent website can do for your business? Learn more about how you can get a beautiful website from Emphasize Design, for free!
