A Guide for Small Businesses
Upgrading your existing website can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking to improve functionality, refresh your design, or boost your search engine rankings, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference.
Here’s how to go about it:
Conduct a Website Audit
Before making any changes, it’s crucial to understand where your current website stands. Evaluate its performance, SEO status, and user experience. This initial audit will give you a clear picture of what needs improvement. For instance, check your page load times and mobile responsiveness. Are there any broken links? How well is your website ranking for relevant keywords? Is the navigation intuitive and the design consistent? Taking stock of these elements will help you create a focused action plan.
If this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. I offer website audits that show you all the areas for improvement. I will take an objective look at your website from both a design and a technical point of view as well as run all the tests required to ensure your website is performing at its peak. By detailing your site’s specific issues, I can help you prioritise what needs attention first. Find out more here.
Set Clear Objectives
Before you undertake any work on your existing website, it’s important you identify what you want to achieve with the upgrade. Are you aiming to improve user experience, boost conversion rates, or enhance SEO? Setting clear objectives will guide your decisions throughout the process. For example, if your goal is to improve user experience, you might want to simplify navigation and enhance the visual appeal of your site. If boosting conversion rates is a priority, consider adding compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) and streamlining the checkout process. And if enhancing SEO is your focus, optimising content and building backlinks should be on your to-do list.
Not sure what it is you’re hoping to achieve? I have over 20 years of experience helping businesses like yours set and achieve their objectives. Whether you need to improve user experience or boost conversions, I bring a wealth of knowledge to ensure your goals are met efficiently. Book a free discovery call here and we can chat through your concerns and identify your objectives together!
Update Your Branding
Your website should reflect your brand’s personality. Ensure your logo and colour scheme align with your brand identity. Choose legible and on-brand fonts, and use high-quality images that resonate with your target audience. Consistent branding makes your site look professional and builds trust with your visitors.
Branding is one of my specialties. I combine a designer’s eye for form with a strategic, conversion-focused process to drive growth for my clients. If you’re unsure how to update your branding effectively, I’d love to chat and discuss how we can create a visual identity that truly represents your business. Learn more about my branding process here.
Optimise for Mobile
With more users browsing on mobile devices, a mobile-friendly design is essential. A responsive design ensures your website adapts to different screen sizes. Simplify menus and touch interactions to make navigation easy on smaller screens. A mobile-optimised site not only improves user experience but also boosts your SEO rankings, as search engines prioritise mobile-friendly websites.
I specialise in creating responsive designs that look great on any device. If you’re struggling with mobile optimisation, let’s book a free discovery call to discuss how we can make your website more user-friendly and search engine friendly.
Improve Content Quality
Content is king and should be both engaging and informative. Regularly update your blog with relevant articles, make product descriptions detailed and compelling, and use videos and infographics to break up text and add visual interest. High-quality content keeps visitors engaged and encourages them to spend more time on your site.
Creating keyword-rich content is not just an art; it’s a science. With over two decades in the industry, I’ve mastered the art of crafting content that resonates deeply with audiences. Learn how I can transform your homepage into an irresistible hub that converts every visitor into a valued customer by booking a free consultation with me.
Enhance SEO Strategies
SEO is vital for visibility and driving traffic. Conduct keyword research using tools like Google Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords. Optimise titles, meta descriptions, headers, and images for on-page SEO. Ensure fast loading times, secure HTTPS protocol, and XML sitemaps for technical SEO.
SEO can be complex, but it’s crucial for driving organic traffic. If you’re unsure where to start or need help refining your strategy, I offer detailed SEO audits and actionable plans tailored to your business needs.
Integrate Social Media
Social media integration can drive traffic and engagement. Add share buttons to make it easy for users to share your content. Display live feeds of your latest social media posts directly on your site to keep it dynamic and engaging.
Social media is a powerful tool when used correctly. I can help you seamlessly integrate social media into your website, boosting both traffic and engagement. Let’s discuss how we can leverage social platforms to enhance your online presence.
Leverage Analytics
Understanding what’s working and what’s not is crucial for continuous improvement. Use Google Analytics to track user behaviour and identify areas for improvement. Experiment with A/B testing different layouts or CTAs to see what converts best.
Analytics provide invaluable insights into user behaviour. If data analysis isn’t your strong suit, I can help you interpret the metrics and make data-driven decisions that lead to better results.
Consider User Feedback
Your users are the best source of insights. Conduct surveys to ask for feedback on what they like or dislike about your site. Monitor customer reviews for common themes or issues that need addressing.
Listening to user feedback can provide actionable insights for improvement, ensuring your website evolves in line with customer needs.
Plan for Maintenance
A website upgrade isn’t a one-time task; it requires ongoing maintenance. Regularly update software and plugins to keep everything running smoothly. Refresh content frequently and conduct regular security audits to protect against threats.
Maintenance is key to keeping your website in top shape. I offer ongoing support and maintenance packages tailored to your needs, ensuring your site remains up-to-date and secure.
Upgrading your website can significantly impact your small business’s success. By following these steps, you can ensure that your website looks great and functions optimally, providing a better experience for your visitors and driving growth for your business.
However, if all of this sounds overwhelming or you simply don’t have the time to manage it yourself, why not let an expert handle it for you? With over 20 years of experience in web design, branding, photography, copywriting, and digital marketing, I have the skills and expertise to transform your website into a powerful business tool.
Book a free discovery call today so we can discuss how we’re going to start converting your new customers! Or download my price list here.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s work together to create a website that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. Your dream website is just a call away!
