Seven checks for a useful business website

The best-looking website is not always the most useful. A business site should help visitors understand an offer, decide whether it fits and take an appropriate next step. These checks provide a practical starting point.

1. Purpose: Can a new visitor tell what the business does from the first screen?
2. Audience: Does the copy answer the questions a real customer is likely to ask?
3. Navigation: Can visitors find services, prices or enquiry details without guessing?
4. Mobile use: Are menus, text and forms comfortable on a smaller screen?
5. Trust: Are claims supported with specific examples, clear business details or genuine customer evidence?
6. Accessibility: Can people read the text, use the keyboard and understand form labels?
7. Next step: Is it clear how to enquire, buy or get help?

Test a real journey

Choose a common visitor task, such as finding a service and sending an enquiry. Try it without using the site's search or asking someone where to click. Record any confusion, missing information or friction. This simple exercise often reveals more than a visual review alone.