Your website should help your business, not hold it back. Here’s a checklist of the most important features we recommend. We build these features into every Garrett Digital site and support them through our hosting and maintenance plans.
1. Fast & Secure Website
A fast, secure website improves user experience, builds trust, and increases conversions.
- Use high-quality managed hosting with server-level caching for consistent speed and support.
- Compress and resize large image files to reduce load time.
- Remove unnecessary plugins and third-party scripts that slow down your site.
- Implement an SSL certificate so your site loads as HTTPS, not only for security, but because visitors abandon “Not Secure” warnings.
- Use a content delivery network (CDN) to deliver site content faster across different regions.
2. Mobile Responsiveness & Accessibility
Your site should work seamlessly on all devices and be usable by everyone.
- Use a responsive design that adapts to phones, tablets, and desktops.
- Ensure large tap targets, simplified forms, and layouts optimized for thumbs.
- Compress images and use modern formats like WebP to reduce load times on mobile.
- Follow accessibility standards, such as proper color contrast, keyboard navigation, alt text, readable font sizes, and semantic heading structure (H1, H2, H3).
3. Effective Navigation & Site Structure
Straightforward navigation and logical structure help users (and search engines) find what they need quickly.
- Keep primary menus to 5–7 clear items using familiar labels.
- Use dropdowns to group related content and maintain a clean layout.
- Add a search bar, especially for large sites.
- Structure pages so essential info is no more than 3 clicks from the homepage.
- Use breadcrumbs to show users where they are and let them easily move backward.
4. Engaging, High-Quality Content
Content should be clear, compelling, and tailored to your audience.
- Lead with a strong value proposition that explains what you do, who you help, and why you’re different.
- Keep language natural and focused on customer benefits, not technical jargon.
- Use real photos, team shots, or workspace imagery instead of generic stock.
- Break up text with bullet points, short paragraphs, and helpful subheadings.
- Integrate videos when possible to demonstrate your product or share testimonials.
5. Topic Optimization for Search Engines & Users
SEO today is about clarity and relevance, not just stuffing keywords.
- Optimize each page for a focused topic instead of multiple vague terms.
- Use descriptive, relevant page titles under 60 characters (no need to over-optimize).
- Structure your pages with logical heading tags (H1, H2, etc.).
- Ensure each page covers one topic well, with internal links to related pages.
6. Clear Calls to Action & Conversion Features
Tell visitors what to do next and make it frictionless to act.
- Place prominent CTAs above the fold and throughout key sections.
- Use clear, action-oriented text like “Start Your Trial” or “Book a Call.”
- Make CTA buttons large enough for mobile use and visually distinct.
- Support forms should be short (3–4 fields max) and include autofill and mobile-friendly layouts.
- Add click-to-call phone numbers and appointment schedulers where appropriate.
7. Trust Signals & Social Proof
Give visitors reasons to trust you and act confidently.
- Display fresh testimonials (preferably from the last 6 months) with names, companies, and specific results.
- Use real customer photos or video testimonials where possible.
- Showcase awards, certifications, and industry affiliations (e.g., BBB A+ rating, 5+ Google Reviews, etc).
- Highlight the number of clients served, years in business, or total reviews.
- Include trust badges on contact and checkout pages.
8. About Us & Company Information
Show who you are, what you stand for, and how people can reach you.
- Tell your business origin story and share key milestones.
- Include photos of your team or workspace to humanize your brand.
- Clearly list contact details—phone, email, business address, and hours—in both the header/footer and on a dedicated Contact page.
- Use a simple form with just the fields you need (name, email, message) and make it mobile-friendly.
- Include a Google Maps embed if customers visit your physical location.
- Link to your social media accounts and consider displaying live feeds from platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn.
If your site is missing any of these, it may be underperforming.
Reach out to see how Garrett Digital can improve your website’s usability and performance and ensure it drives business results.
