If you run a business in Bolton and want more local customers to find you online, your website needs to work harder than just looking pretty. It needs to attract attention, provide useful information and turn visitors into enquiries or sales.
A well-designed website is like having a digital shopfront that never sleeps. But with so many design options and different advice floating around, it can be tough to know what really makes a difference. This guide gives you ten practical, no nonsense tips to make your website do more for your business.
I was born and bred in Bolton and still live here now, so I get how Bolton businesses work. Whether you’re a joiner, a local bakery or a solicitor, your website needs to reflect who you are, what you offer and why someone should choose you, especially in a town where people still value local reputation and word of mouth.
1. Make Sure It Works on Every Device
It’s not enough to have a good looking website on desktop. More than half of web traffic now comes from phones, and people expect your site to work flawlessly on any screen size. Responsive design ensures your content looks great and functions well on phones, tablets and desktops. Google also ranks mobile friendly sites higher in search results, so this impacts your visibility too.
2. Know What You Want the Website to Do
Every website should have a clear purpose. Are you looking for phone calls, online bookings, email enquiries or sales? Identify your main goal and make sure every page moves people toward it. A tradesperson might want a simple gallery and quote form, while a shop could need an ecommerce setup. The structure of your site should support your goal from start to finish.
3. Use Local Examples Wherever You Can
Show people you’re active in Bolton by highlighting work you’ve done for others in the area. Whether that’s before and after photos, short testimonials, or even project case studies, it’s a great way to build trust. People are more likely to pick a business that clearly has experience working locally and understands the community.
4. Add Clear Calls to Action
A call to action (CTA) tells your visitors what to do next. It could be “Call Now,” “Request a Quote,” or “Book Your Free Consultation.” CTAs should appear in multiple places on your site so users never have to go hunting for your contact details. The easier you make it to take action, the more likely people are to do it.
5. Use Local Search Terms Naturally
To help your site appear in search engines, include phrases people actually search for like “website design Bolton” or “Bolton web designer.” These should appear in headings, image alt text and naturally within your content. Avoid keyword stuffing though. It needs to feel like you’re writing for humans, not robots.
6. Prioritise Fast Load Speeds
Slow websites frustrate users and can damage your rankings. Compress large images, avoid unnecessary scripts and make sure you’re using a reliable host. Speed tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can give you a score and suggestions to fix any bottlenecks.
7. Let Your Clients Speak for You
Client testimonials are powerful, especially when they’re specific and local. Include names, job types and even photos if possible. A good testimonial shows others that you’re trustworthy, competent and experienced, three things that can make or break someone’s decision to contact you.
8. Share Content Relevant to Bolton
Regular updates show Google and users that your business is active. Blog posts about local projects, community events or even tips for local homeowners can position your business as both helpful and relevant. It also gives you more chances to rank for extra keywords that are related to your core service.
9. Keep It Secure and Updated
Security is essential for trust and ranking. Your site should have an SSL certificate (look for https in the address), and you should keep all plugins and software up to date. If your website is built on WordPress, for example, updates are usually straightforward and can protect you from hacks or crashes.
10. Do Not Overcomplicate It
Security is essential for trust and ranking. Your site should have an SSL certificate (look for https in the address), and you should keep all plugins and software up to date. If your website is built on WordPress, for example, updates are usually straightforward and can protect you from hacks or crashes.
Need Help With Your Bolton Website?
If you’re based in Bolton and need a website that works for your business, not just one that looks decent, that’s what I’m here for. At Your Marketing Mate, I build websites that are designed to convert.
I grew up here, I still live here, and I get what makes Bolton businesses tick. Whether you work in construction, beauty, retail or professional services, I can help shape a site that represents your business properly and helps attract more of the right kind of customers.
Want to chat about how that could look for your business? Let’s talk and get your online presence working for you.
