Why do independent small businesses need websites?

Customers used to find small businesses in the phone book. Now, they use Google. Without an online presence, your business could be missing out on lots of customers who are looking for just what you have to offer. Even if you provide a better service than your competitors, there’s no way for customers to know that if they can’t find you online. A website is better than just a social media profile, because you control it and it’s available to all customers, no matter what platform they use.

How can I promote my local business online?

The first step to promoting your local business on the web is making sure that your information is correct and consistent across all the major platforms and listing services: Facebook, Google, etc. Jimdo makes that process even easier with a Business Listing feature that automatically updates your contact information and other stats right from your website. Once your information is correct, you can use Jimdo’s SEO features to start promoting your site on search engines for the right kind of search questions.

What information should I put on my small business site?

A website for a small business doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, it can be successful with just a few pages. You’ll need to describe who you are and what you do, add a map of where you’re located and a contact page, connect your social media accounts, and add photos. Fortunately Jimdo makes this easy by automatically importing the information you already have from around the web. And if you don’t have photos, we’ll provide free, high-quality stock images that match your industry.

How do I do SEO for a local business?

First, it’s important to understand how search engines like Google rank local businesses. They use “crawlers” to scan your website pages and understand the information you provide. Then, they use that data to answer the questions that people type into the search engines. So, for example, if someone types in, “where is the best coffee in Portland,” Google and other search engines will try to provide the best answer to that question. If you want to make sure that your independent business can appear in search engine results, it pays to take a few minutes and work on your SEO (search engine optimization). First, make sure that all of your information is correct across all platforms. Your name, hours, location, description, etc. You can do this with Jimdo’s Business Listing feature, which automatically updates your business info across multiple websites. Then, review your SEO settings and make sure that all the information is correct, like your website title and keywords. Make sure that your site is filled with good content on each page answering potential customers’ questions. Adding an FAQ section (like this one!) is a good place to start. Finally, choose a domain name that includes your city or neighborhood in the title (for example, www.portlandsbestpizza.com). That way people will know that they are visiting and supporting a local business near them.

Do local business need a mobile website?

Yes! When your company has a good mobile homepage, it benefits your customers and your SEO. Nowadays many customers are searching for local services from their mobile phones. In 2015, Google announced that for the first time ever, more people were searching from mobile devices than from computers. If you’re not online, you could be invisible to customers who are literally just a few steps away. Also, Google and other search engines now reward online sites that have mobile-friendly design and fast loading speeds, because this makes it easier for people to find the information they need (like, “best Indian food near me”) when they’re on the go. When you use Jimdo, your small business website will automatically be mobile responsive, which is the gold standard for mobile-friendly web design. Jimdo’s mobile websites will adjust to fit any screen automatically, without you needing to do anything.

Create a Website for Your Local Business

Reach a larger audience
Find customers near you
Make a professional impression

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A local business website built with Jimdo.

All the features your homepage needs

A screenshot of Jimdo's Business Listings tool.

Keep your business listings up to date

Update all of your business information across top platforms like Google and Facebook, all from one place. It’s easy and automatic.

An example of website statistics from Jimdo.

Show up in search engine results

Improve your local search rankings to help the right customers find you. Our automatic SEO for small businesses takes the mystery out of the process.

An example of a local business website built with Jimdo.

Easily add a custom domain

A custom domain (website address) boosts your SEO and helps customers remember you. We’ll help you pick the right one and connect it to your site in just a few steps.

A Jimdo website for an apartment rental.

Take bookings through your website

Save time and make life easier for your customers by accepting bookings right through your homepage. Show when you’re available, make appointments, and more.

Two young entrepreneurs create a website for their local business.

How to build a small business website

Find customers in your neighborhood and get listed on search engines with these easy steps.

Sign up and choose a custom web address and design.
Fill in simple details like your business address and hours.
The website builder puts it all together for you—photos, too!
Click to edit, press publish, and your business is online.

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What kind of small business can you make your page for?

Professional services

When you provide a local service to your neighborhood, a small business homepage can help you target customers near you—not halfway around the world.

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Example of a business consultant website made with Jimdo’s website builder.

Consulting and coaching

You have the expertise that local customers want. An online presence will help you look more professional, book new clients, and put your firm on the map.

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Motivational business site for IT services.

Tech and IT services

People are searching for local IT assistance that solves their problems—and you should appear as the expert right around the corner who can help.

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Healthcare

Save time by listing your office hours, contact information, and frequently asked questions on your website—and give your medical practice a friendly face, too.

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A good business website example for event spaces built with Jimdo.

Event spaces and venues

With beautiful photo galleries and social media integration, it’s easy to display your venue in the best possible light, with all the details that customers need.

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Good example of a spa website made with Jimdo.

Spa and beauty salons

Describe your services, show off your best photos, book appointments, and even sell salon products through your local website

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Good examples of local business sites

Get inspired by these independents and entrepreneurs who use Jimdo and see what you can make!

Product category page from an online store build with Jimdo

Small Business Website FAQ

Why do independent small businesses need websites?
Customers used to find small businesses in the phone book. Now, they use Google. Without an online presence, your business could be missing out on lots of customers who are looking for just what you have to offer. Even if you provide a better service than your competitors, there’s no way for customers to know that if they can’t find you online. A website is better than just a social media profile, because you control it and it’s available to all customers, no matter what platform they use.
How can I promote my local business online?
The first step to promoting your local business on the web is making sure that your information is correct and consistent across all the major platforms and listing services: Facebook, Google, etc. Jimdo makes that process even easier with a Business Listing feature that automatically updates your contact information and other stats right from your website. Once your information is correct, you can use Jimdo’s SEO features to start promoting your site on search engines for the right kind of search questions.
What information should I put on my small business site?
A website for a small business doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, it can be successful with just a few pages. You’ll need to describe who you are and what you do, add a map of where you’re located and a contact page, connect your social media accounts, and add photos. Fortunately Jimdo makes this easy by automatically importing the information you already have from around the web. And if you don’t have photos, we’ll provide free, high-quality stock images that match your industry.
How do I do SEO for a local business?
First, it’s important to understand how search engines like Google rank local businesses. They use “crawlers” to scan your website pages and understand the information you provide. Then, they use that data to answer the questions that people type into the search engines. So, for example, if someone types in, “where is the best coffee in Portland,” Google and other search engines will try to provide the best answer to that question. If you want to make sure that your independent business can appear in search engine results, it pays to take a few minutes and work on your SEO (search engine optimization). First, make sure that all of your information is correct across all platforms. Your name, hours, location, description, etc. You can do this with Jimdo’s Business Listing feature, which automatically updates your business info across multiple websites. Then, review your SEO settings and make sure that all the information is correct, like your website title and keywords. Make sure that your site is filled with good content on each page answering potential customers’ questions. Adding an FAQ section (like this one!) is a good place to start. Finally, choose a domain name that includes your city or neighborhood in the title (for example, www.portlandsbestpizza.com). That way people will know that they are visiting and supporting a local business near them.
Do local business need a mobile website?
Yes! When your company has a good mobile homepage, it benefits your customers and your SEO. Nowadays many customers are searching for local services from their mobile phones. In 2015, Google announced that for the first time ever, more people were searching from mobile devices than from computers. If you’re not online, you could be invisible to customers who are literally just a few steps away. Also, Google and other search engines now reward online sites that have mobile-friendly design and fast loading speeds, because this makes it easier for people to find the information they need (like, “best Indian food near me”) when they’re on the go. When you use Jimdo, your small business website will automatically be mobile responsive, which is the gold standard for mobile-friendly web design. Jimdo’s mobile websites will adjust to fit any screen automatically, without you needing to do anything.

The website builder independent businesses trust

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Beautiful mobile-friendly designs, menus, marketing tools and more: make your restaurant site look as good as your food, without a lot of effort.

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Business

Still don’t have a site online? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Our Beginner’s Guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, with no coding required.

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