Everything You Need to Know to Build a Site That Works for You.

If you're a small business owner, you already know that word of mouth only goes so far. These days, customers expect to find your business online—and judge it based on what they see.

Your website isn’t just a digital business card—it’s a tool that should establish trust, bring in leads, and set you apart from competitors. But how do you know what to include, how to build it, or which tools to use?

This post breaks down everything you need to know, step by step. You’ll learn:

• What your website must do to grow your business
• Which pages are essential (and why)
• What tech needs to happen behind the scenes
• Whether to DIY, hire an agency, or let ForgeMini handle it with a custom Minisite
• Common mistakes to avoid
• What to do next to get started

Let’s simplify the process—and set you up with a site that actually works.

What Every Small Business Website Should Do.

Your site doesn’t need to be fancy—but it does need to perform.

Here are the four non-negotiables for a website that helps your business grow:

1. ✅ Establish Trust

First impressions matter. A professional design, simple navigation, and real testimonials make people feel confident doing business with you.

2. ✅ Capture Leads

Your site should invite visitors to take action. Whether it’s a contact form, call button, or quote request, your website should work even when you're off the clock.

3. ✅ Work on Mobile

The majority of all website traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site doesn’t look good (or work well) on a phone, you’re losing customers.

4. ✅ Be Found in Search

Search engines are often your first impression. A simple SEO setup helps your business show up when potential customers are looking for your services online.

Must-Have Pages: What Every Small Business Website Needs

Your content should be clear, useful, and easy to skim. These are the core pages every small business website should include:

🏠 Homepage

Think of it as your elevator pitch. Who you are, what you do, and how to get started—all above the fold.

👤 About Page

People do business with people. Share your story, your mission, and what sets you apart.

🛠️ Services or Products Page

List what you offer, how it helps, and how to buy or book. Use plain language and real-life benefits.

📞 Contact Page

Include multiple ways to reach you—form, phone, map, hours. Make it impossible to miss.

Bonus Pages That Build Trust

FAQs – Handle common objections or confusion

Testimonials – Social proof converts!

Blog – (Like this one!) Great for SEO and showing expertise

What’s Happening Behind the Scenes? (And Why It Matters)

Here’s what many small business owners don’t think about—but should:

⚡ Hosting & Speed

Slow websites kill trust. Good hosting means faster load times, fewer issues, and better performance across the board.

🔒 Security & SSL

SSL keeps your site secure (and shows that little padlock icon in browsers). It’s also a must-have for ranking on Google.

📱 Mobile Optimization

It’s not just about looking good—it’s about working well. Menus, buttons, images, and forms all need to feel smooth on a phone.

🔍 Basic SEO Setup

Every page should be set up with clear titles, meta descriptions, alt text, and fast load speeds. These simple steps help your site get discovered by local customers.

DIY vs Agency vs Minisite: What’s the Right Fit?

Who Minisites Are Perfect For:

• Solo business owners or small teams
• People who want a pro website without the headache
• Those who want to get online fast without sacrificing quality

At Forge Graphic Design, our Minisites are streamlined for speed, mobile use, and lead generation—without the bloated costs of custom web design.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Customers

Avoid these pitfalls that trip up so many small business websites:

❌ Confusing Design

If your site is too busy, hard to navigate, or inconsistent in branding, people will bounce.

❌ Weak or Generic Content

Skip the fluff. Tell visitors exactly what you do, who you help, and why they should trust you.

❌ No Call to Action

Every page should make it very clear what to do next—call, book, buy, or contact.

What to Do Next

Ready to move forward? We’ve got two next steps that will make this even easier.

✅ Download the Free Checklist

Want to make sure your website has everything it needs before launch?
👉 Download the “Small Business Website Checklist” (Free PDF)

💬 Talk to Ben About a Minisite

We specialize in building Minisites that are clean, fast, and made to convert.
👉 Contact Ben for a free consultation and we’ll show you what your site could be doing for your business.

Keep It Simple, Make It Strategic

Your small business website doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to work. Focus on trust, leads, mobile usability, and visibility. And if you’d rather not build it yourself? That’s what we’re here for.