Websites Are Worth it!
Imagine walking by a run-down, abandoned building. It has potential, but it's clearly not being used… That's what your website can become if you neglect it!
Your website is your digital storefront, and if it's outdated, slow, or difficult to navigate, visitors will simply pass by without stopping.
Want to make your website a thriving hub? Read on for our top tips.
🔗 Check all the links work
It’s very easy to remove old content and forget about all the pages you had previously linked to it from – but leaving dead links on your site is not only frustrating for visitors, but also for search engines.
To avoid the negative consequences of dead links, regularly check your website for broken links. By keeping your links up-to-date and functional, you can improve your website's overall quality and provide a better experience for visitors.
🆕 Ensure new content is added regularly
A website is not a “one-and-done” project. It’s an “update it regularly” project. The intention is to keep visitors coming back, but if your website never has anything new on it, why would anyone return?
Creating a stunning website is only worth it if it evolves with you. By adding new content regularly, you also help search engine algorithms refresh their interest in you, meaning new visitors are more likely to find you.
🤳 Optimise for all devices
These days, we live in a mobile-first world. However, most people set up their websites on a desktop computer. This is absolutely fine – but it means you have to remember to check how the site looks from different devices, such as mobiles and tablets, before hitting publish.
Most website providers offer preview modes which can switch between device views – make use of them, because not everything set to look good on a desktop will look as great on a smaller screen.
🗨️ Check your meta descriptions
You know the little blurb of text you see under the main title link of each entry on a Google search page? This blurb is the meta data. It’s describing text that lets folks know what the page is about before they get there.
It’s useful to have it up-to-date and accurate, to help lure your new visitors in. You may find your meta data sections are under “Advanced” tabs in simpler drag-and-drop web-builder platforms, but they are still easy to access and update.
🖼️ Add alt text descriptions to images
A bit like meta data, alt text is also describing text – but this time it’s for your images. Essentially, you input a line of text into the alt text field of your source image, which explains what that image is about.
If, for any reason, an image does not load correctly during a visitor’s session on your site, this describing text will show up instead – so the viewer will still get a sense of what is missing. Most importantly though, alt text helps screen-reading tools to translate your page for the visually impaired, creating a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Key Takeaways…
By investing time and effort into maintaining and optimising your website, you can create a thriving hub that attracts visitors, generates leads, and drives your business forward.
So, don't let your website become a digital ghost town! Follow these tips, and watch your online presence bloom.