In our previous blog, we gave you some compelling reasons why setting up a webpage for your business is essential – no matter how new or small your business is! Today we’re giving you 6 simple tips to keep your website running optimally. Seeing as your website is likely to be the first place people find your company when they search online, you want to make sure that when people find your site, you impress the socks off them.
Reasons to Perform Regular Website Maintenance
We understand that going through the process of setting up your website in itself was probably time consuming, probably a bit stressful and no doubt cost you some money. We are thrilled that you took this step though, because it is a great investment in your business and it can help you take your company to new heights!
Once your website is up and running though, the tendency is to think that all the hard stuff is done, so it will sort of run on evergreen for many months, without any intervention required. However, ignoring your newly hatched website is the very last thing you want to do now that it’s finally set up.
Think of your website like a patch of soil that you’ve planted some gorgeous flowers in. The freshly tilled soil is full of nutrients and your new plants are positively thriving
But what happens if you move onto other things and totally forget about your garden? Imagine not watering your plants for a week in summer? And how about all those weeds that seem to magically appear when your back is turned?
You got it! Your garden needs regular watering and weeding, and this frequent maintenance ensures that you can enjoy your flowers all summer long. If you neglect your garden, it will be overrun with weeds and won’t bring you any joy when you look at it.
Just like a garden, your website needs regular attention too! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s scary how quickly your images and text become outdated. Just like going on a first date, you want to make sure that when people see your site for the first time, they are filled with a sense of “Finally, a company that understands my needs!” And are not put off by a website that is not functioning as it should.
Schedule Your Website Spruce-Up
You’re a busy business owner, we get it! That’s why our productivity hack is to schedule once monthly maintenance checks to make sure that everything is running smoothly. This way you keep your online presence fresh and inviting to anyone who might visit.
If your website looks good and it pretty much up to date, then basic maintenance is all that is required. But if you have a new product launch, an event scheduled or anything out of the ordinary, you will need to ensure that your website has all the latest details visible to your visitors.
We like to think of websites as a silent customer service and a sales agent all rolled into one. Your website should be a place where people can easily discover what you do, search for answers to any questions they may have and even decide to make a purchase.
Productivity hack: schedule your website’s maintenance
The key to keep people coming back for more, is to update the space regularly. Maybe you have contracted a web developer or a staff member to assist with this task but as the business owner, you want to check your website yourself on occasion. Remember, your business is your baby, not theirs, so that ultimate responsibility for functionality lies with you.
Whether you outsource your website upkeep to someone else or do it yourself, be sure to follow these six simple steps to ensure your website looks top notch.
6 Easy Steps to Maintain your Website
1. Change your images
This one is quick and easy to execute, so no excuses! Another productivity hack we can suggest, is to take advantage of strategic photo moments when you are out and about at meetings, conferences or any great location that suits your business. If you can build up a library of fantastic pictures, it will save you a lot of time and energy when you need to update your website. If you are needing images in general, check out some free stock image websites such as www.pexels.com
2. Remove old promotions
This should be obvious but imagine going onto a great website, but then you see their ”Easter Special” still running after Easter has passed. What would most people do? They would hop off that site and onto a similar brand (A.K.A the competitor). Make sure that old news is scraped from your page so that your website stays current at all times.
3. Get new testimonials!
If you have feedback from a customer who loved your product or service, get it in writing (ie: with their permission) and use this to up your social credibility score on your website.
Occasionally changing the testimonials that are displayed on your website is a good habit. Remember, most people will visit your website repeatedly in a stalker-like fashion before deciding to make a purchase. So if you have more than three people vouching for you, then you will create enormous trust in the potential buyer because they see that loads and loads of customers love your brand and service.
4. E-Commerce Urgency
If you have an online store, it is even more critical to check your website frequently. Make sure that people can run through the checkout procedure without any issues. “Abandoned” carts are one of the main reasons for sales not going through, and can often be tied back to problems in the checkout queue. You do not want this happening to you!
5. Is It Downloadable?
If you have added high quality content to your website, you are participating in a brilliant marketing strategy. Free content that assists people interested in what you sell is a great way to engage with them. We all know that providing people with an abundance of value is one of the best ways to create loyalty and trust.
Ensure that your email opt-in is working correctly and that any free content like pdfs are truly downloadable. If you have pixels on your page, ensure those are firing correctly as well.
6. Mobile Mania
Scrutinise your website on your mobile device! Most people are on their phones, so don’t just rely on the desktop view. Ensure that your website is responsive and looks great on mobile.
The Takeaway
Your website is an extension of your company and should be treated like one of your most prized employees. If you want your website to engage with the community and lead people to sales, then you need to ensure that everything is perfectly maintained and working correctly
Websites do not need to be expensive or fancy, but people need to be able to be able to easily find what they are looking for. Ensure that all the clicks, links and downloads are in tip top shape, otherwise your potential buyer might bounce from your site onto your competitor.
When running your business, it is easy to forget about your website. We recommend scheduling regular checks and maintenance into your calendar so that this crucial function is not overlooked.
Outstanding website functionality will encourage curious shoppers to become your biggest fans, and with regular upkeep, your website will bring more sales to your door.
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