Local business websites are often neglected, outdated, or poorly structured. For web designers, they offer some of the easiest and most reliable project opportunities — if you know what to look for.
Here’s a complete guide on how to analyse local business websites to identify redesign potential, with AI-powered shortcuts using Quoin.
1. Check the Visual Design and Layout
Look for:
- Cluttered layouts
- Outdated fonts
- Old templates
- Low-quality images
- Poor spacing and visual hierarchy
Bad design is one of the strongest signs a business needs help.
2. Evaluate Mobile Friendliness
Most local businesses still have websites that fail basic mobile checks:
- Text too small
- Buttons too close
- Improper scaling
- Horizontal scrolling
- Non-responsive layouts
These issues cost businesses customers — making them great redesign targets.
3. Test Website Speed and Performance
Slow websites cause high bounce rates.
Common performance red flags:
- Unoptimised images
- Bloated plugins
- Old themes
- Slow hosting
- No caching
AI tools like Quoin automatically test performance metrics.
4. Inspect Navigation and UX
Clear navigation is essential for small businesses.
Look for:
- Confusing menu structure
- Hidden service pages
- Multiple CTAs or no CTA
- Dead links
- Overcomplicated layouts
These are obvious redesign indicators.
5. Review SEO Structure
Key SEO elements to check:
- Missing meta titles
- Missing descriptions
- Weak H1/H2 structure
- Broken schema
- Unoptimised images
Poor SEO = redesign opportunity.
6. Identify Old Technology
Many local businesses still use:
- Outdated WordPress themes
- Old HTML templates
- Unsupported page builders
- Deprecated plugins
- Non-HTTPS sites
This makes them high-value leads.
7. Assess Content Quality
Look for:
- Outdated copy
- Empty pages
- No Google Maps integration
- Missing service descriptions
- Thin, weak content
Quoin aggregates these signals into a clear opportunity score.
8. Look for Missing Features
Signs a site is outdated:
- No online booking
- No contact form
- No e-commerce checkout
- No accessibility considerations
- No mobile-first structure
9. Compare With Industry Competitors
If competitors have newer sites, the business likely feels pressure to upgrade.
10. Use Quoin to Automate All Evaluation
Quoin automates website analysis using AI, scoring each business based on:
- Design
- Performance
- SEO
- UX
- Activity
- Modernisation needs
This turns hours of manual work into minutes — and reveals the best redesign prospects instantly.