With the recent Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act passing through Congress and landing on President Barack Obama's desk, it may become easier for small businesses to procure new capital as the bill allows many crowdfunding limitations to be lifted.
That being said, since most crowdfunding is done through the internet, a website is a major resource for small businesses and an investment that should not be taken lightly. The way in which companies markets themselves through their website can determine the rise and fall of startups and other small businesses. Forbes' March 27 article, "Top 7 Web Design Mistakes Small Businesses Make" outlines the red flags that these small businesses need to watch out for.
Most of Forbes' advice is based on the website's layout – which, as previously reported, is extremely important, especially within the first seconds that a potential customer is on the website. Forbes states that if a website has been rushed and doesn't visually adhere to the demographic than the site may fall flat. It also recommends that companies keep sites simple – not too flashy or busy – that websites have a clear call to action, fresh and relevant content and the site only tries to target the main demographic rather than trying to please everyone.
Forbes also suggests that small business owners don't go it alone when it comes to the complexities of designing a website, asking the question, "If you don't have design experience, do you really think you can do it justice?"
By consulting software developing companies to assist in the creation of dynamic websites and even some custom application development, small businesses stand a much better chance at creating a visually appealing and highly functional website than by themselves. This could be a great investment for the potential capital the JOBS Act may help create.