As we move into the new year, it’s a good time to reflect on your website and evaluate how it can be improved. Developing a strategy to bring traffic to your website is a start, but the strategy doesn’t stop there. Consider these things:
- How simple is it for traffic to navigate on your website?
- Can people easily discover what you offer or who you are?
- Have you given them multiple opportunities to learn more or to convert into buyers or followers?
In this post, we’ll outline six steps that you can take to refresh your website for the new year. Whether you’re looking to update your design, make changes to your content, or improve your SEO, these tips will help you get started.
1. Update the design of your website to be more modern and sleek.
With the world of website design constantly evolving, it is important that the design of your website always appear on trend for your niche. Current design trends incorporate large portions of white space and clear, uncluttered flow that allows for easy movement from one section of content into another (which also helps visitors navigate around your site more easily). Fresh colors, legible fonts, and easy to follow content are key in keeping your site design relevant. If your website is due for a makeover, we would love to discuss ways our team can help!
2. Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly.
The focus on mobile usability steadily increased throughout 2020 and 2021. Google is now penalizing websites in search results if they are not responsive on smaller screens, so now’s the time to make sure your website can still perform well when accessed from a smartphone or tablet. If redesigning your site is not in the budget for the new year, there are many options for WordPress plugins or site add-ons to improve usability on mobile. Focus on the navigation in particular, to be sure priority links are easily accessible.
3. Leverage your blog or newsletter to keep in touch with current customers or subscribers.
As important as it is to reach new subscribers, it’s equally important to consistently cultivate the relationships you have. HubSpot says, “As vital as attracting newcomers may seem at first glance – don’t neglect cultivating long standing audiences either!” Create a doable schedule for blog posts each month, or plan monthly or quarterly newsletters to stay in touch with those who have already opted in to your email list. Be intentional and generous with including links to various areas of your website as well – returning visitors are also great for SEO.
4. Be sure your contact information is easily accessible on every page of your site.
Review your site pages to be sure that contact information is readily visible to your website visitors. Update calls to action and contact links on your website’s key pages so any new user can promptly see how to reach out, whether that’s via a contact form, phone number, or email address. Add bold text, headings, or buttons where appropriate so access to you is obvious!
5. Add recent testimonials or endorsements to your website content.
Add or update testimonials from satisfied customers, endorsements from pleased event attendees, or positive reviews from excited readers. These testimonials can be added to your home page, services page, individual products and wherever else seems appropriate. Feedback from others’ experiences with you is vital in helping potential buyers or partners make informed decisions when reviewing what you offer; adding these voices helps give credibility not only with prospective contacts but also current ones who might need reminders of your services or products.
6. Review your social media platforms and links on your website.
If not already in a prominent place, add your social media icons and links where any new visitor can easily find them, regardless of the device they are using to view your website. Whether in the site footer, the sidebars, or the main site navigation, check to be sure the links to your social media accounts are accurate and current. Include links to the platforms where you are most active and intend to engage with your audience. This is a simple (and free) way to keep the conversation going!
Look at your website with fresh eyes and make any necessary adjustments to help you meet your goals this year! Remember – your website should be a key member of your team! And if our team can assist with a website refresh, audit, or strategy for 2022, let us know!
