When was the last time your business conducted a website update or overhaul? If your answer is “it’s been longer than I can remember,” it’s time to put this project on the top of your to-do list. There are many reasons why a new website is an important for your business. First of all, your website is the hub of your marketing strategy, so it needs to be constantly tweaked and reviewed. Here are some other thoughts about why it might be time:
- New themes and back-end features make your site mobile friendly or friendlier.
- Updated sites have stronger security functions.
- An update would provide increased functionality and more responsive integrations for social media, customers and visitors.
- A fresh new look and design could be just the thing to get your clients to return to your site.
- From a search engine aspect, pages will load faster and built-in SEO features could help your search results.
Convinced this might be the time? The next step is to do a website audit. Define your customers and their demographics and do research about what they want from you and your competitors. Look at your current site and see what needs to be streamlined, eliminated, added, edited and moved. Think about and do research about design, color, positioning, pages, placement, graphics and navigation. Some of this is gut and subjective, but there is a science to it also. Color, for example, evokes feelings and impressions; take time to get it right (and read our recent blog here about color therapy). Stay true to your brand in every decision.
If you are using a more do-it-yourself update, such as a WordPress theme, get sample pages, read reviews and send questions to the developer. If you are using a designer, consider hiring an SEO expert too. Make sure all of your pages are responsive, since more and more customers will view your site on their mobile phone.
Then, tell the world about it and announce all of your new features and navigation highlights!
So, what are you waiting for?
Leisa Chester Weir
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