A professional services website needs to show who you are, what you do, who you do it for and how to reach you, in plain words and on a page that works well on a phone. People are choosing a person or a team they can trust, so clarity and credibility matter more than clever design. This article sets out the essentials. It is part of our guide to how much a Shopify store should cost, which covers the commercial side of building a site.
Note for editing: the backlog files this article under Shopify development as the nearest topic. Decide whether lead-gen websites need a topic of their own.
1. A clear statement of what you do
Say it at the top of the home page, in everyday language. Avoid titles and jargon that only your profession uses. A visitor should know in moments whether you can help with their problem.
2. A page for each main service
Give each main service its own page, describing the problem it solves, how you work and what the client can expect. One page per service is easier to read, easier to link to and easier for search engines to understand.
3. People, not just a firm name
Clients hire people. Include:
- Names, roles and a recent, natural photograph for each key person.
- A short, honest biography with relevant qualifications.
- Who a client will actually deal with.
If your profession is regulated, check what your regulator requires on a website. For example, solicitors in England and Wales must show the SRA’s digital badge.
4. Proof that is real and permitted
Reviews, case studies and accreditations help, but only if true and approved. Some professions have rules about client testimonials. Check the rules for your profession before publishing any.
5. Easy ways to get in touch
Give a phone number, an email address and a short form. Add your address and opening hours if clients visit you. Say what happens after an enquiry, and how quickly you reply. If you serve a local area, local SEO helps people nearby find you.
6. Answers to the questions people ask first
Common questions are often about cost, how long things take and what you need from the client. A short, honest FAQ saves calls and builds trust. If you cannot give a price, explain how it is worked out.
7. Plain, accessible design
Use readable text, strong contrast and clear headings. Make sure the site can be used with a keyboard and works on a phone. This helps everyone, and helps you meet your legal duties. Under the Equality Act 2010, or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland, service providers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.
8. The legal and practical basics
A privacy notice, a cookie notice that matches what the site does, and any terms of business. Have the wording checked by someone qualified. We can build the pages, but we don’t give legal advice.
9. Consistent branding
A clear name, logo, colours and way of writing make a firm look established. If these are not settled, our brand strategy work is a good first step.
From experience
New clients. That is what matters for a professional services firm, so that is what we focus on: a website that brings more of the right clients to your business.
Where to start
Read your home page as if you were a new client with a problem. Can you tell what you do, who deals with you and how to get in touch? Fix any gap there first, then add the rest in order.
Where to get help
If you would like a website that explains your firm clearly and brings in the right enquiries, our professional services website design service starts by understanding your clients and how they find you.
Related services that often go with it:
- Local SEO, to help nearby clients find you.
- Brand strategy, to set out what makes the firm different.
- UX research, to learn how clients actually use the site.
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