Top 5 Mistakes Local Businesses Make When Creating Their Website (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Treating Your Website Like a Digital Business Card

Problem:

Many local shops still treat their website like a glorified business card — name, address, phone number, done.

Why it’s a mistake:

A brochure site is fine, but today’s customers expect more. They want to know your story, understand your unique selling point, and feel a connection before they ever pick up the phone or visit your store.

Web design advice for small shops:

• Tell a story. Why did you start your business? What do you believe in?

• Highlight what makes you different — not just your products, but your passion.

• Make sure your homepage feels like an invitation, not just a directory listing.

2. Prioritizing Looks Over Functionality

Problem:

It’s easy to get swept away by flashy designs and clever animations.

Why it’s a mistake:

A beautiful website that doesn’t load quickly, isn’t mobile-optimized, or confuses visitors with fancy navigation will kill your conversions.

Remember, your website isn’t art — it’s a tool.

Web design tips for local businesses:

• Prioritize mobile-first design (over 70% of local traffic is mobile!).

• Keep navigation simple — no more than 5–7 main menu items.

• Invest in performance (fast loading speeds) over “cool” features.

3. Forgetting About SEO Basics

Problem:

You build a stunning site… but nobody can find it.

Why it’s a mistake:

Even a perfect-looking website is useless if it’s buried on page 7 of Google.

SEO for small business websites is not optional — it’s survival.

Actionable SEO tips for small business websites:

• Use real keywords like “bakery in Madrid” or “custom jewelry shop Toronto,” not just your brand name.

• Write meta titles and descriptions for every page — don’t let Google guess.

• Optimize images with descriptive file names and alt text (e.g., “fresh croissants Madrid” instead of “image1.jpg”).

4. Ignoring the Power of Calls-to-Action (CTAs)

Problem:

Visitors browse your site… and then leave. Why?

Because you didn’t tell them what to do next.

Why it’s a mistake:

Every page needs a purpose and a clear next step. Otherwise, you’re just hoping people will figure it out themselves — and they won’t.

CTAs that work for local businesses:

• “Book a free consultation”

• “Reserve your table”

• “Request a quote”

• “Shop Now”

• “Visit us today”

Bonus tip:

Use action words (“Get”, “Book”, “Reserve”, “Visit”) — they work better than passive ones (“Learn more”, “Click here”).

5. Trying to DIY Everything Without a Plan

Problem:

Many small shops try to save money by building their own site on platforms like Wix or Shopify — but they skip strategic planning.

Why it’s a mistake:

DIY can work only if you start with a clear strategy.

Without it, you risk wasting months and ending up with a site that doesn’t reflect your brand, isn’t optimized for SEO, and doesn’t convert visitors into customers.

Brochure site tips for DIYers:

• Start with a sitemap. Sketch the 5–7 key pages you need.

• Define 1–2 goals per page: inform, sell, book, collect emails, etc.

• Invest in professional web design help for brand strategy, even if you build the site yourself.

Final Thoughts: Your Website Should Work as Hard as You Do

At Supr Bueno, we believe every small business deserves a website that does more than look pretty — it should tell your story, connect with your community, and grow your bottom line.

If you’re ready to build a site that works for your brand (not against it), we’re here to help.

Reach out to Supr Bueno today — and let’s build something that lasts.