The Contact Page Checklist: What's Missing from Yours?

Your contact page might be the most important page on your website. It's where interest turns into action—or where potential customers give up because they can't figure out how to reach you.

I've seen a lot of Whidbey business websites over the years, and contact pages are where things often fall apart. Not because they're missing entirely, but because they're missing key information.

The Essential Elements

Multiple ways to reach you. Not everyone wants to fill out a form. Some people prefer to call. Others want to email directly. Give options when possible.

If you're a service business that works by appointment, say so clearly. Don't make people guess whether they can just drop by.

Your actual location or service area. "Whidbey Island" is a big place. Do you serve the whole island? Just South Whidbey? Specific areas? Are you based in Langley but willing to travel to Oak Harbor?

If you have a physical location that's open to the public, include your address. If you work from home but meet clients elsewhere, say that too.

Hours or availability. When can people expect to reach you? When will you respond? Even something simple like "I typically respond within 24 hours on weekdays" sets expectations.

Seasonal businesses: make it obvious if you're closed in winter or only open during tourist season.

A contact form that actually works. Test it yourself at least once a month. Fill it out and hit send. You'd be surprised how many forms break and nobody notices until customers complain.

What Happens Next?

The biggest missing piece I see: no indication of what happens after someone contacts you.

Do you respond within a day? A week? Will you call them back or email? Do they need to include specific information for you to give them a quote?

Setting expectations prevents frustration. "I'll get back to you within 48 hours with availability and pricing" is infinitely better than radio silence that makes customers wonder if their message went into a black hole.

Common Mistakes

Contact form as the only option. Some people don't trust forms or want a direct email address. If you're worried about spam, that's fair—but at least include a phone number or another method. Note: This strategy may vary depending on your business.

Broken Google Maps embed. That map showing your location? Click on it. Does it actually work? Does it show the right address?

Vague service descriptions. "Serving the Pacific Northwest" doesn't help someone on Whidbey know if you'll actually come to their house.

No mention of response time. If you only check email twice a week, say that. Managing expectations is better than seeming unresponsive.

The Quick Audit

Go to your contact page right now. Pretend you're a customer who's never met you:

Can you find at least two ways to contact the business? Do you know where they're located or what area they serve? Do you know when you'll hear back? Would you feel confident reaching out, or would you feel like you're sending a message into the void?

If you hesitated on any of those questions, your contact page needs work.

Why This Matters

You can have the most beautiful website on Whidbey, but if people can't easily figure out how to hire you or buy from you, it's all decoration.

Your contact page is where intention becomes action. Make it easy.

Want a fresh look at your contact page? I'd be happy to review it.