7 Effective Ways to Update Your Website
In the digital age, a large percentage of modern life is carried out online. The internet enables people to stay connected with loved ones, find entertainment within just a few clicks and skip brick and mortar stores entirely and make purchases that will show up on doorsteps in a matter of days.
Because the world is so virtual, it’s more important than ever to have an appealing website that is easy to use and professional. Your website may be the first thing that users see when it comes to your business, so it is crucial to do everything you can to make an excellent first impression.
Periodic website renovations can help you stay fresh and relevant. Keep reading for tips on how to approach your site update to maximize your efforts and stay ahead of the game within your niche.
1. Update Visual Media
Everything from an ecommerce website to a lifestyle blog needs clear, attractive visual media that showcase your products or brand elements in a way that will make it easy for users to see what you have to offer. Without well-captured and edited photos and video, you may lose business to companies in the same market that have a better look and feel to their site, even if your writing or products are of better quality.
Look at the whole of your site and consider updating images and videos that remain permanent fixtures, such as header images, about page videos, contact page graphics or even product images themselves. This will pique the interest of even repeat customers, as it demonstrates that you’re present, available and actively updating your brand and business.
A common SEO tactic is also to add captions and tags to images to boost your ranking in search queries. Use keywords and phrases that are more likely to bring new users into your site.
2. Check Formatting
The layout of your site should be user friendly, and chances are that at least a few pages of your site could use a little rearranging. Most users aren’t likely to read multiple, large blocks of text, but they are more likely to digest smaller bulleted lists or concise, descriptive sentences. Make sure these elements are laid out in an appealing visual way that doesn’t distract from your main message or products.
Consider switching elements around, too. This way, you don’t have to completely alter your content, but a new arrangement can make it all feel fresh and new.
3. Freshen Up Menus and Pages
A renovation of your website’s menus and content doesn’t only make it easier for users to understand what you do, where your company came from and what it stands for. Search engines also reward site owners that take the time to regularly revive their content. From your homepage to your site’s navigation menus, even small refreshers can go a long way.
4. Demonstrate Authority
Users are more likely to trust your business and products if they have evidence of your company’s success. Things like reviews, testimonials and any certifications or earned credentials should be featured prominently on a page that receives a lot of traffic.
5. Update Your Blog
If you don’t have a blog already, consider adding one. A blog allows you to flesh out your company in a friendly, engaging way. You can write about how to use your products, compose DIY instructions with regard to something in your industry or share information about product launches and company developments.
With blog pages, it’s important to attend to them frequently or on a posting schedule. Blogs that are regularly updated add legitimacy to your business, and make it easier for users to connect with your products, mission statement and exciting company changes in a new way.
6. Check Your Mobile-Friendly Site
Research has shown that the majority of internet usage happens through mobile devices. Because of this, it’s important that the mobile version of your website is more than just a watered down version of your desktop site.
Make sure that mobile users can easily navigate your sitemap, and that all visual media is mobile friendly and optimized for scrolling and maneuvering with mobile gestures. The easier it is for mobile users to move through your site, the more likely you are to see conversions and activity to boost your sales and reach your company’s goals.
