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5 Must-Have Features for Local Service Business Websites in Kent
Websites
•
12 Jan 2025
Running a local service business in Kent comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re a plumber, a landscaper, or an electrician, one thing’s for sure: your customers are online. They’re searching for reliable, trustworthy service providers in their area, and they want answers quickly.
That’s why having a well-designed website is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. But not just any website will do. To stand out in Kent’s competitive market, your website needs specific features that attract visitors, keep them engaged, and ultimately convert them into paying customers.
Here are the 5 must-have features every local service business website in Kent should include to succeed in 2025.
1. Clear and Visible Contact Information
One of the main reasons people visit a service business’s website is to find your contact information. If they can’t quickly figure out how to reach you, they’ll likely move on to a competitor.
What to Include:
Phone Number: Display it prominently at the top of your website, ideally in the header.
Email Address: Make it easy for potential customers to reach you with questions.
Address: If you have a physical location in Kent, include your address and embed a Google Map for easy navigation.
Contact Form: Some people prefer filling out a form directly on your site. Keep it simple—ask for their name, email, phone number, and a short message.
Pro Tip: Use a “Click to Call” feature for mobile users. This allows people to call your business with just one tap on their phone.
2. Mobile-Friendly Design
Did you know that more than 60% of website traffic comes from mobile devices? If your website isn’t optimized for mobile use, you’re likely losing customers. A mobile-friendly website adjusts to fit any screen size, making it easy for visitors to navigate on their phones or tablets.
Why This Matters in Kent:
Many people in Kent search for services like “electricians near me” or “landscapers in Kent” on their smartphones while on the go.
A clunky, hard-to-read website will frustrate users and cause them to leave.
How to Ensure Mobile-Friendliness:
Use a responsive design that automatically adjusts to different screen sizes.
Test your website on multiple devices to ensure everything looks and functions properly.
Keep text large enough to read on a small screen, and make buttons big enough to tap with ease.
3. Service Pages with Local SEO Keywords
Your website should clearly explain what you do and where you do it. That’s where service pages come in. Each service you offer (e.g., plumbing repairs, garden maintenance, or boiler servicing) should have its own dedicated page.
Why This Helps Your Kent Business:
Service pages give you the opportunity to target local SEO keywords that match what people are searching for. For example:
“Emergency plumbing services in Kent”
“Affordable lawn care in Canterbury”
“Boiler repairs near Dover”
What to Include on Service Pages:
Description of the Service: Be clear about what you offer. Use simple language and list the benefits of hiring you.
Local Keywords: Mention Kent and nearby areas like Maidstone, Ashford, and Folkestone throughout the content.
Call-to-Action (CTA): Add a button that says “Get a Free Quote” or “Book Now” to encourage users to take the next step.
4. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
One of the fastest ways to build trust with potential customers is to showcase reviews and testimonials from your happy clients. People want to know they’re hiring someone reliable, and reviews give them the social proof they need to feel confident in their decision.
How to Display Reviews Effectively:
Create a Dedicated Testimonial Page: Collect all your customer reviews in one place.
Highlight Reviews on the Homepage: Feature a few glowing testimonials prominently on your home page.
Use Photos or Names: If possible, include a photo or first name with each testimonial to make them feel more authentic.
Pro Tip for Kent Businesses:
Ask your customers to mention your location in their reviews. For example: “John’s Landscaping did an amazing job with my garden in Maidstone!” This not only boosts credibility but also helps with local SEO.
5. Fast Loading Speed
Website speed matters. If your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, you could lose up to 40% of your visitors. In today’s fast-paced world, people expect instant results, and a slow website can frustrate potential customers and hurt your reputation.
How to Improve Website Speed:
Compress Images: Large image files can slow your site down. Use tools like TinyPNG to reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality.
Choose Reliable Hosting: A good hosting provider ensures your site loads quickly and stays online.
Minimize Plugins: If you’re using a platform like WordPress, avoid overloading your site with unnecessary plugins.
Why Speed Is Important for Kent Businesses:
People searching for local services, like “pest control in Kent” or “roof repairs in Ashford,” want quick answers. A fast website improves the user experience and increases the chances they’ll stay and book your service.
Bonus Tip: Add a Blog for Extra Visibility
If you want to take your website to the next level, consider adding a blog. Writing posts that target common questions or concerns your customers have can help bring more traffic to your site.
Example Blog Ideas for Kent Businesses:
“5 Signs Your Boiler Needs Repairs in Kent”
“How to Prepare Your Garden for Spring in Canterbury”
“Why Regular Roof Maintenance Is a Must for Kent Homes”
By sharing helpful content, you’ll establish yourself as an expert in your field and attract more local customers.
Conclusion: A Website Built for Success in Kent
Your website is more than just an online brochure—it’s a tool to attract customers, build trust, and grow your business. By including these five must-have features, your local service business in Kent will stand out in a crowded market and give your customers exactly what they’re looking for.
Need help creating a website that checks all the boxes? We specialize in designing affordable, mobile-friendly websites for local Kent businesses. Contact us today to get started!