The checklist
1. Your license number and classification
California requires your license number in all advertising, including websites. Put it near the top of the home page and in the footer of every page, with your classification so homeowners know what you're licensed to do. See does your website need your license number? for the rules.
2. A phone number that works with one tap
Many homeowners will find you on a phone. Make your number a tap-to-call link and keep it visible at the top of the screen. If you don't take calls at night, say when you'll call back.
3. Your services, in plain words
List what you actually do, one service per line or one page per service. Use the words homeowners use: "water heater replacement", not a part number. Only list work your license covers, because CSLB doesn't allow contractors to advertise outside their classification.
4. Your service area
Name the cities or neighborhoods you cover. A homeowner in Fremont wants to know right away whether you come to Fremont. A list of cities or a simple map does it.
5. Real photos of your work
Photos of your own finished jobs do more than any design. Before and after shots work especially well for painting, remodeling and concrete. Avoid stock photos that pretend to be your work.
6. A short quote form
Ask only what you need to call back: name, phone, city and a sentence about the job. Every extra field means fewer requests.
7. Reviews, if they're genuine
Reviews help, but only real ones from real customers. Fake or edited reviews can count as false advertising, and California makes false or misleading advertising for home improvement work a misdemeanor.
8. Who you are
A short About section with your name, how long you've been licensed and why you do the work makes you a person instead of a phone number.
What makes it work on a phone
- Fast loading. Large uncompressed photos are the usual cause of slow contractor sites.
- Big, readable text and buttons that are easy to tap.
- The phone number and quote button visible without scrolling.
- HTTPS, the padlock in the address bar, so forms are sent securely.
What you can skip
You don't need a blog to start, a chatbot, or a dozen pages of filler. A clear site with the basics above, kept accurate, beats a big site that's out of date.
How ObraUp covers the checklist
Every ObraUp design is built around this list. Your license number, classification and status appear where homeowners look. Every design has tap to call, a quote form that sends requests to your inbox, a service map and a project gallery. We set it up with your details and photos, and you approve it before it goes live. See the designs for your trade.
Questions people ask
How many pages does a contractor website need?
A small site can do the job with a home page, services, projects, about and contact. ObraUp's Essential plan has 7 pages including a gallery and reviews. Premium has 9 pages plus a page for each service and project. Elite has 11 pages including case studies and a journal.
Should I put prices on my website?
It's up to you. Many contractors give a starting price or price range for common jobs and quote the rest after a visit. If you list prices, keep them current.
Do I need a separate page for each service?
Not to start. A page per service helps when you offer several distinct services and want to explain each one, which is why ObraUp's Premium and Elite plans include one.
Should my website be in Spanish too?
If many of your customers speak Spanish, a Spanish version can help them understand your services. ObraUp's own site is in English and Spanish.
Sources
- CSLB, Advertising Guidelines for Contractors (checked October 13, 2026)