Is it time for a website refresh?

At the centre of your digital world is your website, but often we hear that people find websites difficult to navigate and visitors then leave all too quickly before any action is taken.??

If your website is not up to date you could be missing out on new customers and important technical updates.?You will also lose out on people searching for your business online as your site is unlikely to be optimised for local search. Plus, it probably won't look professional if it’s too old – websites like any other fashion trends have ebs and flows and what may have looked good a few years back is definitely in need of an update.??

So, is it time for a website refresh??

Here are our top tips for a review of your current website to understand what you need to consider for creating a quality website that will be found in search engine results pages.?

1. Build your website with a good CMS

You need a good framework to build your website on. These days that means using Content Management Systems (CMS)?such as WordPress. Once the website is designed and developed, a CMS website enables simple upload of information so that content updates can be easy to manage.?

2. Simple and engaging content

Review all your marketing collateral and decide what you’ll use on the website and what needs to be left out. For an accountancy firm, for example, think about the services you offer and provide clear, precise information about each. If you think of who your target client is, then write content that speaks to them.?

3. Easy website navigation

When you design the menu and site map, think about the layout and whether it’s relevant and easy to navigate. You want visitors to find things quickly to help reduce the bounce rate and to keep them looking through your website for longer.?

4. Call to action

It’s not just about a clear menu, but it’s also about adding clear call to action buttons. These are often used for inbound marketing campaigns to drive visitors to take action such as download a form or?ebook?or sign up to a newsletter while collecting a contact email address to build your database. ?

5. Imagery and video

This forms part of your content too. It makes the website more engaging and easier on the eye. But don’t forget to use the right size as too large and this could impact on the speed of your website loading. Does your current website have good imagery that reflects your brand well? Is it time to invest in video content???

6. Blog

Does your website have a place to add news and articles? Generally known as a blog, this section of your website is important for a business website to help improve its position in organic search such as Google.??It enables you to upload fresh and regular content which keeps the website up to date and engaging for prospects, current clients and also search engines. ?

7. Website optimisation

When it comes to digital marketing, Search Engine Optimisation or SEO is probably something you often hear about, but why is it so important for your website? Optimising your site can help your website be found in search engine results pages (SERPs) such as Google or Bing. Any agency you work with will tell you about Meta Descriptions, Alt Tags and H1/H2 headings. A web designer can provide you with simple training on this once your website has been developed. Or you can engage a digital marketing agency to manage this for you moving forward.??

8. Back up your website!

If you’ve not already been regularly backing up your website, add this to your new year’s resolutions. If you’ve worked through this list of considerations for your website and feel that you need to create a new site then make sure that your web designer incorporates regular?back ups?as part of their process and ongoing management fee. ?

9. Mobile responsive

If your website is a number of years old then it’s important to?review your website and how it looks on a mobile phone. Technology has advanced and ensuring that your site is easy to access and to navigate pages?is vital. If your website is not up to scratch then people will quickly move on to a competitor.???

Is it time to update your website?

If you need help with your website design and development book a consultation with me.?