Whether you’re a large brand or a local business, you likely already know that your website is invaluable to the promotion of your business. You may be satisfied with your flashy text, colorful photo gallery and relaxing accompanied audio.

Don’t be. Especially if you’re a small business.

At the time of this post, there are currently 16.54 billion web-pages floating out there.

If those 16.54 billion other sites don’t hold a candle to your page, by all means abort reading now.

However, for those of you willing to admit there’s even the tiniest room for improvement, no matter how small, read on. You may find some of this information obvious, but the reality is that most businesses are NOT doing the majority of things on this checklist.

Thanks to Mashable’s Stephanie Buck, here are 8 ways to improve your small business’s homepage:

1. Simplify: A stand out image or simple slogan can do the trick. Avoid too much clutter and widgetry. Your homepage should say who you are and what you do. Too much of “everything else” may only confuse and deter the viewer.
2. Watch your scroll: The smaller the scroll bar becomes, the longer the site takes to load, and the more overwhelmed and uninterested the viewer can become. Instead, provide links to separate category or channel pages.
3. Show Relevant Links: Simplicity is key, but having links to appropriate related material is beneficial. A rule of thumb: about, product, and news.  These thumbnails tell the viewer what the business is about, but more importantly, how they can participate.
4. Don’t Bury Your Most Wanted Products: Here’s the time for shameless self-promotion! Choose eye-catching products that you are proud of and show them off. The idea is for the product to pop-off the screen and onto the viewer’s “I Need” List.
5. Keep It Current: Have a Twitter or Facebook page? Offer a live feed of your recent posts.  This keeps repeat customers abreast of what you’re currently doing and offers insight for new viewers to become more familiar with the company.
6. Keep It Consistent With Your Offline Brand: Brand consistency is key to successful marketing. It’s important to keep your brand’s identity consistent along all platforms, be it storefront, homepage, business cards or even flyers.
7. Attach Your Logo: Make sure to have a logo, avatar or thumbnail coupled with your site. Having a visual alongside your company link ensures an increase in the click-through rate.
8. Get Creative: Go ahead and take a risk. Express your creative side and show the personality of your business (and you).

I’d like to add one more:

Don’t get too attached to Flash. Certain Tablets and Smart Phones can’t display Flash sites, so the more Flash you have, the less your audience can see, and the more frustrated they will get.

Not sure if your website fits the bill? Drop us a line.