The more you update your site the better your ‘googlability’, as static sites get lost in search engines. So quite apart from the fact that no one likes a stale site, completing regular audits and updates improves how easily your customers can find you.
Quick questions for a quick audit:
- Is your homepage fresh and inviting? This is the first thing a prospect sees! Break up bulk text with headings and images; make sure important links are visible.
- Consistency is vital – check your pages are consistent for styling and layout.
- Scan every page for out of date content.
- Do all of your links work? Links can break without rhyme or reason. How will clients or customers book/buy if the link to the online shop doesn’t work?
- Do you have an effective ‘About Us’ page? This could be the most important page on your site. Clients are more than likely to part with money if they trust you – let them get to know your team. And keep this updated, especially where new staff are involved.
- Do you have testimonials? Are they current?
- Does your brand have enough presence on your site?
- ‘Proof’ your site’s spelling and grammar.
- Are pages loading fast enough? Large image files are often the culprit, so downsize and reload them.
- Stay in touch with your web provider – enhancements in technology are happening constantly. These could make your site easier to navigate and maintain.
While you’re researching, check out your competitors…
- What are they doing better than you?
- What extra services are they offering?
Websites are not set and forget software. They should be treated as an integral part of your business’ personality and your marketing and or sales team.
Netiquette tips for your business
Subject Line
Don’t underestimate the importance of a clear and concise subject line. This may mean the difference between your email being treated as spam, deleted or designated low priority. Including a clear subject line can also help the recipient find your email in future.
Sign on/off
Remember that an email is effectively a letter. Make sure you include a polite greeting and a clear sign-off. It is also more professional to setup an email signature with your company details. Sending an email with no greeting or sign-off can seem brusque to the point of rudeness.
Stationery
Set up a signature in your corporate colours, or with a personal image rather than using the stationery built into your email programme. These formatted styles and backgrounds can wreak havoc when the recipient is trying to reply to you or forward your email. They are generally disliked and force the recipient to muck about with formatting settings for five minutes before sending their own email.
