The SME Website Checklist for South Africa (2026)

Your website is your receptionist 24/7. If it fails any of these 12, visitors leave . and Google stops ranking you.

The 12 non-negotiables

Mobile-perfect: 70%+ of SA traffic is mobile. Test on a cheap Android, not just your iPhone.
Loads in under 3 seconds: Compressed images, no bloated builders. Ours are static and fast.
WhatsApp on every page: Floating button + prefilled message ("Hi, I want a quote").
Own-domain email: you@yourbusiness.co.za beats Gmail every time for trust.
SSL + hosting you own: Padlock in the bar, domain in your name.
Clear value in headline: Who you help + what you do in 8 seconds.
Google Business linked: Same NAP (name, address, phone) everywhere.
SEO titles: "Web design [city] | Your Brand" . not "Home".
Load-shedding proof: Hosted on always-on infrastructure, not a home server.
Trust proof: Process, FAQs, ownership promise . even before testimonials exist.
Working contact: Form that actually emails you (ours goes to sales@).
Analytics: Google Search Console + GA4 from day one.

Fail 3 or more? Your site is costing you enquiries. Fix the top 3 this month.

Want us to audit your site against this list? WhatsApp 064 683 6357 . free checklist review.