4 Best Practices for Small Business Website Makeover

Small businesses are booming in the U.S. There are about 33.2 million small businesses in the country. That is, 99.9% of businesses are small in the U.S., according to the 2024 findings of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Just like large ones, small businesses are establishing their online presence. It’s easy to see why: 99% of consumers turn to the internet to discover local businesses. No wonder 73% of small businesses already have their own websites. Are you among them? That’s great.

Having a website is more than just checking a box, however. It’s about making a strong first impression.

For over a third, or 38.5% of website visitors, first impression is everything. Poor design drives them away from a small business’ website. So, if your website is not easy to navigate or user-friendly, it’s time to give it a makeover.

The thought of revamping your website can overwhelm you–we get that. And so, we decided to help you out. Here, we’ll break down some best practices for a successful website makeover.

Table of Contents

1 Stick to a Limited Color Scheme

Use only a handful of colors when giving your site a makeover. Or your site will look cluttered and unprofessional. Three to five colors are typically enough.

A limited color scheme creates a cohesive look. They also make your website feel polished. Your visitors will, thus, focus on your content rather than getting distracted by a rainbow of colors.

Don’t use any random colors on your site, however. Choose them wisely. Website color schemes are important because they increase brand recognition and generate an emotional response, says Upwork.

Always go for colors that align with your brand’s personality. Once you’ve picked your colors, use them strategically for backgrounds, buttons, and headings. This consistent application will reinforce your brand message and guide users through your site intuitively.

Check out Cadbury’s landing page for a better understanding. It’s purple, and that reflects the iconic packaging of the globally renowned British confectionery brand.

2 Streamline Your Navigation

business.com considers poor navigation as one of the website design mistakes that hurt conversions.

Nothing frustrates a visitor more than a confusing website. So, simplify your website’s navigation. Users who land on your website should immediately understand where to go.

A complicated menu can confuse visitors and lead them to leave your site before they even see what you have to offer. Aim for a clean, intuitive navigation structure, hence.

Limit your main menu items to five to seven options, and use dropdowns for subcategories if necessary.

Some of the websites with good navigation include Apple, Netflix, Airbnb, and Amazon.

3 Redesign Your Logo

Your logo is your business’S most important symbol. Don’t forget to redesign it when revamping your website. Though a small change, redesigning your logo can make a huge impact.

Subway, for instance, redesigned its logo multiple times since it was launched as Pete’s Super Submarines in the mid-1960s. A Subway spokeswoman told CNBC at the time of the launch of the new logo that the company saw it as a way to refresh its look.

So, if your logo feels outdated or doesn’t reflect your business anymore, it might be time for a refresh.

Fortunately, redesigning a logo has become easier than ever, all thanks to logo design AI tools. These tools, Hocoos explains, use artificial intelligence to create logos quickly and efficiently.

AI-powered logo design tools can help you quickly generate multiple design variations based on your input—whether tweaking your existing logo or creating something new altogether.

Plus, you can experiment with various styles, fonts, and colors. That will allow you to see if the logo aligns perfectly with your brand’s current direction.

Don’t stray too far from your roots, however. If your logo has been around for a while, keep some recognizable elements—maybe the colors or a specific symbol. That way, existing customers still feel that connection.

4 Include Customer Testimonials

Social proof is powerful. Showcasing customer testimonials and reviews can make your brand more credible as well as build trust. That is why include customer testimonials when revamping your website.

A dedicated testimonials page would be great. But you can also be a bit creative and sprinkle quotes throughout your site. Add a review section, as well. That will make it easier for your customers to leave feedback.

Positive reviews can help sway potential customers in your favor and encourage them to take the plunge.

Electronics and home appliances sites that displayed ratings and reviews noticed an increase in conversion rates by 38%. Likewise, testimonials boosted online clothing stores’ conversion rates by 23%. A 2022 global study found that.

Giving your small business website a makeover can feel like a big project. But these practices can make it much more manageable, so follow them.

Don’t forget to prioritize speed, add strong calls to action, and optimize your site for mobile users. Lastly, keep SEO in mind throughout the process. This will help your site rank better on search engines.

All these tactics will not only give your site a fresh look, but will also help it perform better for your business.