Wondering why it’s crucial to refresh your website? Let’s chat about why updating your online space is essential and how you can tackle it.

An audiologist mentioned to me that he had his website done 7 years ago, and asked if it’s time to update?

So how often should you spruce up your digital storefront? Well, think of it like this: just as you’d update your shop’s window display to reflect changing seasons and trends, your website deserves a refresh every 2-5 years. Of course, the exact timing depends on how rapidly your business changes.

In the meantime of course you’ll want to make sure your content is still accurate, and update your products or services!

Whether you’re contemplating a total overhaul or just some minor tweaks, I’ve got your back. Let’s dive into how you can spruce up your online space, whether you’re a DIY aficionado or prefer to leave it to the pros.

Assess Your Website: DIY Style

The person who knows your business best is you. That makes it easier to spot important mistakes like incorrect pricing, but sometimes it makes it harder to assess your own site. You’re so familiar with your business that your brain fills in blanks, makes connections that aren’t actually obvious, and is already biased to your brand. Relying on a trusted friend or mentor can be a helpful way to gather important feedback. 

Are you ready? Grab a notepad, a cozy beverage and open up your website!

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Big Picture Check

Resist the urge to fix things right now. Just walk through the whole big picture and make note of things you need to address. Take a step back and view your website as a newcomer. 

• What’s the first thing your customer sees? Does it draw them in?
• Is there a clear next step in the first section?
• Does each section seamlessly transition to the next? And most importantly, can visitors easily digest your content? (Hint: use clear headings, ample white space, and concise paragraphs)
• At the end of the page, is it clear what your visitor should do next?

If you know how to make these changes, schedule time in your calendar to do it. If not, I’m happy to check in with you about your website.

Functional Fine-Tuning:

Now, we check the functionality of your website. 

1. Test every link to ensure they lead where they should.
2. Check external links—they should open in a new tab to keep visitors on your site.
3. Verify the accuracy of all information.
4. Pull out your cell phone and ensure your site looks and works just as flawlessly on the go.
5. Don’t forget your menu links–they should be easy to navigate and view.
6. If you’ve got forms, double-check that they’re functioning smoothly and notifications are landing in the right inbox.
7. Ensure you have a privacy policy and cookies if you need them. I use termly.io for this.

Bringing in the Pros: What to Expect

Of course you can enlist a pro to help you with all the items above. But we do even more than that. Here’s a sneak peek at what a web designer (like yours truly) will cover:

• Accessibility Compliance: Because everyone deserves access to your amazing offerings.
• Speed Optimization: No one likes a sluggish site—speed is key!
• SEO: Ensuring your site shines in the eyes of search engines.
• Aesthetics & Design: Crafting a visually pleasing space that reflects your brand’s identity.

Remember, your website is often the first impression customers have of your brick & mortar business. So, investing time and effort into its upkeep is key to maintaining a strong online presence and staying connected with your community.

Now that you’ve got a clear process for refreshing your website, you might be wondering what comes next. Well, whether you do it yourself or bring in a pro, the important thing is to take action. Block the time in your calendar and let’s get your website reflective of all that you have to offer!