Is your website ready for 2021?
Look, we all know 2020 was a global dumpster fire. Let’s not dwell on it.
But there were a lot of positives, too. Many businesses used the pandemic as a chance to (blerg) pivot to online delivery, or just upgrade their website (which we LOVE).
Here’s the thing: those changes are not a one-off. Your website is a living thing, which needs regular TLC.
Here are a few quick tweaks to make sure you’re raring to go for 2021.
Mobile first, y’all
Everyone we know is tethered to their phones. Particularly in tourist areas, you want your potential clients to be able to find you easily and navigate your site using their mobile.
Before you do anything else: go through your entire site to ensure that it’s looking fresh and functioning well for mobile users.
Wondering how to do this?
Start here. This easy tool will give you the 411 on how well your website performs on mobile.
Log in to the back-end of your site and choose mobile view (this will be different depending on which system you use). Go through every page and simplify — this will help your giant-thumbed prospective clients book in easily!
Freshen up those images
Is your site filled with dated, pixelated photos? GET THEE A PHOTOGRAPHER.
If you haven’t had professional photos taken in six months or more, now’s the time. A pro ‘tog (which, I’m told, is how they refer to themselves) can capture the story of your business in a cohesive, appealing way.
Last year, we designed sites for Woodbury Boston Primary School and Albany Farm Fresh Eggs. Of course, the copy and design are both on point, but what takes those sites to the next level is the photos. Book in with a photographer at a time that’s best for your business — your website and socials will thank you!
And hey, while you’re at it, check your image names and Alt-tags. If you’re showcasing holiday accommodation, calling your image ‘King-room-business-name-denmark-WA.jpg’ will give Google much more information than just ‘room.jpg’. And giving Google as much information as possible is our raison d’etre at Word Candy.
Humans truly benefit from considered image names and Alt-tags, too. People with visual limitations often use readers to explore websites — clear image descriptors make it easier for everyone to enjoy your website. Here’s a post all about accessibility.
Show your links some love
Maybe there are tiny gnomes who go through and mess with our websites — who can say? In any case, sometimes links die. Your best bet is to click through your whole site and make sure your links are still doing their job. Even better, there are lots of programs that can do this for you.
If you’re linking to external sites (which you should be — it’s great for SEO) there are lots of reasons why the destination link may have changed, so give everything a good going-over.
While you’re there, now is a great time to update your services page. Have a think about whether you’re giving prospective clients enough information to have the confidence to book.
Testing 1,2,3
There are a few super handy tools online to help you assess your website. All you have to do is pop in your URL and prepare for results.
These three tests make it super clear what you can do to improve your website’s performance. If there are results you don’t understand — don’t sweat it! Just focus on the parts that make sense to you. Remember, every little bit helps.
Content check
If you’ve got a little bit more time, going through your website content is a very valuable exercise. Have a good look through the copy on your site — watch out for spelling mistakes, clarity and conciseness.
While you’re at it, you might find some outdated info on your site. Think about whether it’s time to ditch any old content that is no longer relevant or isn’t getting any engagement.
Website hero
If you’ve completed these steps, congratulations! You’re officially a Website Hero! There is no prize. Well, apart from the knowledge that your site is humming along and ready to bring in ALL THE BUSINESS this year.
If this is all gobbledygook and you need a hand — let us know! I’d be happy to help.
Martha Barnard-Rae is a Denmark WA-based SEO copywriter. She supports businesses in Denmark, Albany, the Great Southern and beyond with all the wordy things they need to stand out in the best possible way.
Her words live on the websites, blogs, videos, emails, and socials of businesses all over Australia. An accomplished speaker, Martha helps brands, business owners, schools, and Government Departments understand what they need to do to find their voices.
Martha holds an Honours Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Education — communication truly lights her up. When she’s not crafting delicious words, you’ll find her walking two giant pooches, practicing her ukulele, or wrapped around a cup of tea, planning out her next Instagram reel.
To stay up to date, join the Word Candy crew on Instagram, or connect with Martha on LinkedIn.