What every service business website needs

Most people who land on a local business's website want three answers, fast. Do you do what I need? Do you work where I am? How do I get in touch? A good site answers all three in seconds, and everything else on it supports those answers.

A headline that says what you do, and where

"Mobile car detailing in Dallas" beats "Welcome to our website" every time. Visitors should know they're in the right place without scrolling.

Your services, clearly listed

A line or two on each service: what it is, what's included and, if you show prices, what it costs. A clear list helps people choose, and saves you answering the same questions on the phone.

Where you work

List the towns or neighborhoods you cover. For businesses that travel to their customers, it's often the first thing people check.

Proof that you do good work

Photos of your own work and reviews from real customers do more than anything you could write about yourself. Use your own photos rather than stock images wherever you can, because people can tell. Only ever use real reviews, and ask your customers before you quote them.

An easy way to get in touch

A phone number that's easy to find, and a short form for quotes or bookings. Keep the form short: ask only what you need to reply. Then make sure someone reads what comes in. A quick reply often wins the job.

Works well on a phone

Many of your visitors will find you on their phone. Text should be readable without zooming, buttons easy to tap, and your contact details easy to reach from every page.

Common mistakes

• Hiding the phone number or the contact form at the bottom of one page.
• Long blocks of text that nobody reads.
• Prices, hours or services that are out of date.
• Stock photos that look nothing like your business.

Keep it current

A website only works if it's right. With PressUp you can update prices, hours or services by asking in the chat, check the change, and publish it when you're ready.