Listen, I know running a business is a full-time job. Between clients, emails, and trying to figure out if you should’ve gone with the pumpkin spice latte or the apple cider donut (THESE ARE HARD DECISIONS OKAY), it’s easy to let your website stagnate.
There’s no worse feeling than being embarrassed to send someone to your site! I know it’s a cliche that was coined in like, 1998, but your website really should be working for you 24/7.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire site every year – a quick refresh can make a HUGE difference in how many clients come knocking.
Let’s get your website looking sharp and ready to attract new customers!
Table of Contents
1. Remember: Clear is kind (for your clients, and for your wallet)
First things first: The average human attention span in 2000 was 12 seconds. In 2013, it was 8 seconds. For context, the attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds. [Source: Google]
So, let’s make sure your website packs a punch right from the get-go. I’m talking 15 seconds or less to figure out what you do and what you want them to do next.
Imagine you’re a potential client. You land on your website. Can you quickly figure out what you offer? Is it clear what you want them to do (book a call, sign up for your newsletter, etc.)? If not, it’s time to make some changes.
We’ll talk more about this in a sec, but for now, just keep this in mind: less is often more when it comes to your website.
2. Less is more
Let’s talk about the words on the pages of your website pages. I know, I know, you spent hours crafting that perfect about page, but today I’m going to ask you – can you shorten it? (I KNOW. I’M THE WORST.)
People don’t want to read a 600 page textbook when they land on your website.
They want to quickly understand what you do and why they should care.
Cut to the chase. Delete the fluff. ALL OF IT.
Example: My original draft was “So, let’s cut to the chase. You can delete any unnecessary adjectives and fluffy extra words.” The revised version is easier to read, especially because I know you’re skimming this.
Remember, your goal isn’t to impress everyone with your vocabulary; it’s to get people to take the next step. Short sentences, short paragraphs, skimmable copy = more clients.
3. Sprinkle Some Fairy Dust
The closest thing to ACTUAL fairy dust for your business? Testimonials. They’re magic when it comes to convincing potential clients that you’re the real deal.
Are your testimonials fresh & up-to-date? If not, it’s time to dig through your inbox and find those glowing reviews. (That’s right – a kind email totally counts! It doesn’t have to be an official Google Review.)
If you’re running stuck here, don’t be shy about asking your clients for testimonials. A quick email or even a dedicated testimonial request can work wonders. And remember, variety is the spice of life – mix it up with different lengths, formats, and even visuals (like short videos or images).
Sprinkle those testimonials everywhere – homepage, about page, service pages, you name it!
4. Services and Pricing: Keep it Real
Next, let’s talk about your services. Are the descriptions on your website still accurate? Are you still offering everything you’ve listed? If not, it’s time to do some fall cleanup and update your service page.
Oh, and we get asked all the time about pricing. Be upfront about your rates. You can offer a range, a starting price, or flat-out list your prices. Just make sure it’s clear and easy to find.
Remember, transparency builds trust – and weeding out the folks who don’t have the budget for your offers saves you from having to spend hours upon hours on tire-kickers. Give your clients the information they need.
Need help with your pricing strategy? When we design your site, we can help you find the perfect pricing structure for your business. Just ask!
5. Keep Your Website Running Smoothly
A couple of quick things to check here:
First, make sure your social media links are up-to-date and looking good. Check those profiles, make sure your bios are on point, and your branding is consistent across all platforms.
Next, take a look at your newsletter. Is it still working? Are you actually sending out those follow-up emails? (I can’t even tell you how many times we’ve discovered a paused workflow behind the scenes! The worst!) If you’ve noticed a dip in subscribers, it might be time to freshen up your sign-up offer or email content.
We’ll dive deeper into website maintenance in the next section, but for now, let’s make sure these basics are covered.
6. The Website Tune-Up
Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the boring stuff – website maintenance. It’s time to give your site a good old-fashioned tune-up.
- First, let’s make sure your website is easy to navigate. Can people find what they’re looking for without getting lost? Simplify your menu, and make sure your internal links are working.
- Next, let’s talk speed. A slow website is a big no-no. People don’t have time to wait around. Optimize your images, minimize your code, and make sure your hosting is up to snuff.
A one-second delay in page load time can result in a 7% decrease in conversions. [Statista] - Over 50% of website traffic now comes from mobile devices. [Statista] Make sure your site looks and functions great across the board! (This is why we love Showit – we build out an entire page and make sure everything looks perfect on desktop and mobile!)
- Finally, let’s check in with your analytics. What’s working? What’s not? Use those numbers to make data-driven decisions about your website.
We’ll wrap things up with some goal-setting, but for now, make sure that you’ve got the basics covered!
7. Set Yourself Up for Success
We’ve covered a lot of ground, and once you take these steps your website should be up to snuff for the busiest shopping season of the year! If you want to kick it up a notch, set some goals for the next season.
What do you want to achieve in the next season? More leads? Higher conversion rates? Increased website traffic? Whatever your goals are, make sure they’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time– bound – you got it, SMART.
Once you’ve set your goals, create a plan to reach them. Maybe you want to run a social media campaign to drive traffic, or update your content with fresh keywords. Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your overall business goals!
And remember, this isn’t a one-and-done process. Website maintenance is an ongoing effort. Keep an eye on your analytics, make regular updates, and always be looking for ways to improve.
That’s it! By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to attracting more clients and growing your business.
Need a hand with your website refresh? We specialize in creating websites that not only look great but also convert visitors into customers. Check out our services page to see how we can help you achieve your online goals.
tl;dr
- Don’t be a bore: Grab ‘em fast! Make your website exciting and easy to understand in 15 seconds flat.
- Less talk, more action: Cut the fluff. People are busy, so give them the good stuff right off the hop.
- Show off your fans: Brag a little (or a lot)! Share those awesome testimonials.
- Keep it real: Make sure your services and prices are up-to-date and easy to find.
- Tech check: Ensure your website looks good on phones and that all your links work. Make sure it loads quick.
- Know your numbers: Check your website stats and see what’s working (and what’s not).
- Need help? We’re here! Check out our services or grab our free checklist.
Listen, I know running a business is a full-time job. Between clients, emails, and trying to figure out if you should’ve gone with the pumpkin spice latte or the apple cider donut (THESE ARE HARD DECISIONS OKAY), it’s easy to let your website stagnate. There’s no worse feeling than being embarrassed to send someone to […]
