It’s a new year. Have you updated your website? Here is a quick checklist of the 10.5 Things You Should Update Annually on your website.
Actually, this list is mix of things that could also be done more than just once a year, but annually is the longest any of it should wait.
1) Update your copyright. Even if the homepage hasn’t changed since 2002, there is no reason to advertise it.
2) Update your home page! You must have SOMETHING new to say to your customers and your prospects. If you don’t why would anyone come back?
3) Fix any broken links. If your site has any, time to tend to them. No need to give people a reason to think anything "sub par" about your business because of a sloppy website. Also, this is a good time to fix any typos or other errors.
4) Fix any broken images. See #3.
5) Test your website in Firefox. It’s the "new kid" on the browser block from the Mozilla/Netscape (remember them?) crew, but it’s worth checking out. Over 12% of ALL web surfers are now using it. How does your site look in it? Check out www.GetFirefox.com. 100% Free (Ad Free, too!)
6) Add more products. Are you selling everything you can online? How about products you don’t normally carry, but would like to "test out" before committing to them?
7) Update your images. Invest in good quality stock photos. The same with icons. If you are using the same free elements everyone else is, how do you stand out?
8) Check your domain expiration date. Make sure the information is current. Especially your email address. If your domain registrar offers auto-renew, and you are committed to your site, just "set it and forget it."
9) Check your website activity logs. You should be doing this at least once a week to see where your traffic is (or isn’t) coming from, how they are finding you and where they are leaving.
10) Remove outdated content. A healthy tree needs pruning to let the stronger branches grow. The same goes for your website.
10.5) Rewrite your content to facilitate action. What do you want people to do when they come to your site? If you don’t know, how will they? Even if it’s a small site. Think Bonsai tree. It’s small, but focused and intentional. Exactly what the Master wanted. It’s time to master your website and drive the results you need.
Don’t have the time or patience to do it yourself? Don’t have a webmaster on staff, or a clue how to find your last web designer? Give Pete Stoermer, of Total Hosting, a call at 908-601-3108. The initial consultation is always free. Simple updates to complete redesigns. Put over 12 years of web development and marketing experience to work for you today.
