I’ve got a website already - isn’t that good enough?

It’s great that you have a website. Your potential clients EXPECT you to have a website so it’s a fairly essential component of your marketing arsenal. The problem is, many businesses think of their website as a bit of a “set and forget” entity when really it should evolve as your business evolves. The below is a quick seven step audit to do on your website to check that it is performing as well as it should.

1. Is the look and feel of my website professional?

Today’s consumer is very web savvy! They do their research before engaging services. If your website is clean and slick it generates an immediate sense of confidence in you. If your website looks like it was put together by a 5th grader … well the opposite is bound to occur. First impressions really do count and often the consumer’s first impression of you is via your website.

2. Is my company brand reflected in the site design?

Strong branding is by nature, memorable. Why does it need to be memorable? Well someone who is exposed your brand in the first instance may not require your services at that particular time, but when they do they will remember you. If they then visit your website and it doesn’t reflect the strong branding you have, they will either be confused or disappointed - neither of which are particularly positive reactions!

3. Is all my site information up to date?

This is such a crucial aspect of your website. If the information it contains isn’t up to date, you would be better off with no website! Nothing is more off putting and frustrating to a new client than to visit a website and see “Last update 2002”!

4. Is the site navigation logical and easy to follow?

There are lots of spectacular websites out there with every bell and whistle imaginable. But unless your website is www.here-to-entertain.com, chances are prospective clients are not visiting your site to be dazzled and amazed, they are looking for information. And if your site navigation isn’t obvious and user friendly - they won’t be able to find the information they want. Then it won’t matter how many bells and whistles your website has, it’s not doing the job for you.

5. Could my website be working harder for me?

Your website is so much more than just a 24/7 shopfront for your business - it can allow you interact with your clients, find out more information about your clients, sell stuff … the list goes on! Think about what else you would like your website do for you and then make it happen!

6. Is my site content turning over regularly?

If your site content isn’t changing on a fairly regular basis, there is no need for people to return. Every time you make a significant update or add something new to your site, it’s an opportunity to make contact with your clients and direct them to your site. Google also take note of sites whose content changes regularly and this gives your website a boost up the rankings.

7. Does my website text mention the services that I provide?

This may sound a little obvious, but it’s amazing how many companies have website text that barely mentions the services they provide. To catalogue your site, Google “crawls” through your site text and catalogues the words. The more you mention a word (within reason!), the more likely you are to appear in a search for that word. Getting a good Google ranking isn’t easy, but mentioning what you do is a fairly simple way to get started.