Why we like it
The animated character and bright colors grab your attention immediately. Remember, the top of the page (known as the hero section) is what visitors will see first. So make sure there’s something there to hook visitors.
Dark backgrounds like this don’t always work, as they can sometimes affect readability. However, in this case the dark blue background really makes the other colors pop.
The fun branding continues with their features section. Instead of using stock icons or real-life photos, they’ve opted for fun illustrations. If you want to include something fun like this on your own site there are plenty of freelance artists on sites like Upwork and Fiverr who can help you out.
Finally, they include some testimonials on their homepage, which is a great way to build trust. People are always going to take what you say about your own business with a grain of salt, so make sure to have some social proof on your site to show visitors you’re not the only one who thinks you’re awesome.
Why we like it
Your website doesn’t have to be super complicated or colorful. In fact, more often than not a simple clean design, like the one used by {you} by thea, is the most effective approach.
Thea lets her art take center stage with not a lot of copy to distract visitors from what she’s selling. But she still makes sure to have a CTA button at the top of the page so it’s easy for people to place an order.
She doesn’t just show her art. Thea photographs her pieces hanging up on someone’s wall. Showing your products in use makes it easier for people to visualize themselves using them.
Thea has also included an FAQ page on her site. Not only does this ensure people’s questions are answered, but it’s also great for SEO. A lot of search queries are in the form of questions, so by answering the type of questions people are searching for you have a better chance of showing up on Google.
Why we like it
The first thing you see is Candice, the business owner. For a business like this, where Candice is working one-on-one with her clients, this is really important. It helps people get to know her right away and starts to build trust.
The alert bar at the top of the page is a great way to draw attention to her courses and templates. This directs visitors to her sales page where she can give them more information about her products.
We also love the consistent color scheme. Matching her dress to the blue on her site is a nice touch and really helps the photo fit seamlessly with the rest of her site.
Why we like it
While there are a lot of colors here, they all work together really well. Notice how the blue in the CTA buttons is also used in the background image? This way the buttons stand out while still fitting with the rest of the color palette.
The hero copy is also very clear. In just a few lines you know exactly what the business does and how it can benefit you.
The homepage finishes with a strong call to action, which is a best practice that everyone should follow. The more CTAs you include on the page the easier it is for visitors to click them when they’re ready to sign up or make a purchase.
Why we like it
The fun animation that greets you on this page immediately draws your attention. If you don’t want to just use a static image in your hero section then this is a great strategy. It doesn’t have to be anything too crazy. Just a subtle animation like the one used here should achieve the desired effect.
Mac N’ Cheese Media also does a great job of using a consistent color scheme throughout their site. Orange and black are the primary colors, while the blue is used sparingly to draw attention to important elements (like CTA buttons).
Why we like it
Mattia has managed to create a site that’s both colorful and clean. Like DIY My Brand, we’re greeted with a picture of Mattia right from the start so we can get to know him. The bright yellow he uses for his alert bar also draws our eyes to his lead magnet.
If you’re a coach or consultant, a “Tools of the Trade” page is a great resource for your audience. Not only does it allow you to show people some awesome tools for their business, but it also gives you the opportunity to earn affiliate commissions.
Finally, Mattia utilizes exit intent pop-ups that appear when visitors are about to leave the site. This is a great way to boost your leads and make sure no one leaves empty-handed.
Why we like it
This is a great example of a hero section that’s simple and effective. A colored overlay like the one used here is a great trick to ensure your hero image works with your color scheme. It also helps with the readability of the copy.
The orange button works well with the blue and draws your eyes to the primary call to action.
Laura also uses that same orange throughout her copy to highlight certain sections. Most people aren’t going to read all the text on the page and will likely just skim through most of it. So this is a great way to bring attention to words or phrases that you want your visitors to notice.
And if you want to see Laura’s work you can find some great examples on her portfolio page. If you’re a designer, writer, or any kind of creator, a good portfolio page is a must.
Why we like it
The light blue over top of the dark blue background works really well here. The little bit of texture behind the hero image is also a nice touch. This sort of technique runs the risk of making the page too busy, but Enterprise DNA keeps it subtle.
They’re also not shy about showing off a bit by displaying the logos of some of the major brands they’ve worked with. We know self-promotion isn’t always easy, but letting prospects know that you have a track record of success is critical to building trust.
If you scroll through their site you’ll see that they’re constantly alternating between dark backgrounds and white backgrounds. Changing up the visuals keeps visitors engaged. Plus, using a white background for busier sections like the one above helps maintain a clean look.
Why we like it
Bright colors on a white background is a look that never gets old. This is another good example of illustrations. If it fits your brand, an attractive illustration can be an effective alternative to a real-life photo and will help give your site a little character.
Panda Hub also keeps visitors engaged with section animations. These simple effects are a great way to liven up your website and add a little flair to your design.
Another unique feature is the GIFs they include to showcase their different services. They could have gone with still images or icons, but the GIFs really help you visualize the type of service you’ll get when you bring your car to Panda Hub.
Why we like it
Instead of an image for his hero section, Darnell opts for a video. When you click on it you get a greeting from Darnell welcoming you to the site. This is a great way to connect with your visitors right away.
However, if you're going to use a video like this in your hero section, set it up so people have to click on it to launch it. Having a video with sound launch automatically can be jarring.
Darnell also includes testimonials on his website. If possible, include a photo of the person giving the recommendation, as it gives them a little more credibility.
The homepage ends with Darnell asking you to subscribe to his email list. Promoting your email list is a great way to get people into your funnel and help them learn more about your brand.
Why we like it
The muted color palette used here really fits their brand and the clientele they’re trying to attract. Remember, you don’t always need to utilize bright and flashy colors. A more reserved design works great for brands that want to appeal to a professional audience.
Two CTA buttons don’t always work, but in this case it’s a good call. Visitors can choose the right option for them and be taken directly to the page that suits their needs.
Rouse Photography Group also does a good job of summarizing why you should choose them. You don’t want to hit people with a giant block of text on the homepage. Instead, try to boil your business down to three or four features and benefits. From there, if people want to learn more they can navigate to the appropriate page.
Why we like it
This website does a great job of actually showing the product it’s selling. Even if it’s a digital product like a course or an ebook, have a designer mock something up for you (you should be able to find someone to do this pretty cheap). That way it will seem more tangible to your audience.
We also love how Kindra is looking towards the book, which naturally draws your eyes to the item she’s promoting.
Why we like it
Laura uses a bit of a risque header in her hero section, but it totally works with her brand. When writing your copy and choosing your imagery, think about your ideal audience and use elements that will appeal to them.
The pink she uses in her color palette is very intense, but because she uses it sparingly it works really well and draws attention to key phrases and her CTA buttons.
We also love the GIF that’s used as a background here. This is a great way to mix things up and add a little movement to your site. In this case, it also really shows off Laura’s personality. Just make sure not to overuse this technique, as it will begin to lose its impact.
Why we like it
This is an example of a simple site that works really well. Mike hasn’t used any fancy graphics or imagery here. But the bright green background grabs your attention right away. The yellow background in his photo also perfectly matches his color scheme, which shows a keen eye for detail.
Mike includes a lot of great information on his About page. It would be a little overwhelming if it was one solid block of text, but he does a great job of breaking it up and adding headers to help with readability.
Why we like it
Bench Spark utilizes a great color palette that they consistently use throughout their site, from their logo to their CTA buttons and benefits. If you’re going to use a lot of different colors like this, it’s a good idea to keep the background white so your site still looks clean and not too busy.
This is also why the black and white header image works so well. A really colorful photo paired with all the blues and purples might have been a bit much.
Why we like it
Toni does a good job of summarizing her business in just a few seconds. That way you know exactly what she has to offer as soon as you land on her site. She also utilizes a shaded overlay with her hero image. While this can sometimes dull the visual, in this case it helps with readability and ensures the image doesn’t clash with her color scheme.
Why we like it
Dr. Avis sets the tone for her Masterclass with the hero section of her website. The sparkly background and fancy text really make you feel like this is something special. Remember, visuals sell just as much as copy, so make sure your imagery conveys the right emotions.
Her video also does a great job of getting you hyped for the masterclass and what you’re about to learn.
Are you selling a course or digital product? Then follow Dr. Avis’ lead and include some bonus material. This allows you to provide even more value and makes your audience feel like they’re getting a great deal.
We love the strong call to action she finishes with, which includes a sense of urgency. Also, the colors in the image perfectly match the background and copy (if you haven’t noticed, this is something we really appreciate).
Small business website design FAQ
What is the average cost of a small business website?
Small business websites can vary in cost depending on the size of the site, the method you use to create it, and whether you hire anyone to help you build it. If you choose to build your site with Leadpages it will cost you as little as $37 a month.
Check out this article for a complete breakdown of all the potential costs associated with building a website.
What should a small business website include?
We recommend starting with the following pages:
- Homepage
- About
- Products/Services
- One to three articles related to your business/industry.
- Thank you page, 404 page, landing pages, and other necessary hidden pages.
From there, you can continue to add new content and pages as your business grows.
Who can build a website for my business?
A quick Google search will help you find plenty of web developers who will be happy to help you design and build your website. However, hiring a developer is very expensive and will likely cost you thousands of dollars. This is why most small businesses create their websites themselves using a website builder, like Leadpages.
The Easiest Way to Master Small Business Website Design
Leadpages simplifies small business website design. With over 270 landing page and website templates, and a no-code Drag & Drop Builder, you can create your ideal website even if you’re a complete beginner.
We know what you’re thinking. If you’re using a website builder like Leadpages you can’t possibly design a site that looks as good as the examples above, right?
Actually, every example in this article was created using Leadpages.
If you want to try our Drag & Drop Builder sign up for a 14-day free trial to see if it’s a good fit for you and your business.
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