3 Tips to Make a Small-Business Website a Winner

The company's website has the same look as its packaging, with lots of white space and text in bright primary colors. But what gives it an added edge are the humorous, interactive links scattered amid the product descriptions. Click on "Help: I am in a bad mood," and a text box appears with the words, "Tell me about it". Start typing, and all the letters turn into happy-face emoticons. (To find out the resolution to problems including "Help: I've never been kissed" or "Help: I don't know what soda to drink," you'll have to visit the site yourself.)

Using humor not only humanizes your company, it generates social-media buzz as fans spread the word. Obviously, this approach doesn't fit every brand, but for those businesses that want to come across as approachable and creative, it can be a winning tactic.