Here are a few things to consider:
Refresh your site
Be sure your site can be viewed in the current browsers and all the links are still working. File sizes should be kept at a minimum with optimized images so they load quickly. If someone needs to wait more than 30 seconds for a page to load, they might decide to go elsewhere.
- What is the first impression of your site?
- Is your site visually appealing?
- What is the overall impression?
- Are you getting positive feedback about your site?
No matter how good a site looked one or two years ago, it might look old and outdated now. Refresh your site and keep it fresh with periodic maintenance.
Promote your site
One of the most important things a web site needs it the ability to be found. Promoting your web site is important both online and offline.
Offline:
Include your web address on all business materials; use your voice mail to suggest customers visit your web site; post your web address where all can see it.
Online:
Search engine and directory submissions can improve your chances of being found on a site search. Web copy optimization can also improve your ranking. Consider using a linking strategy to find appropriate sites that will link to you.
- Can your web site be found within the first three pages of a search engine?
- Does your web copy include the appropriate keyword(s) or phrase(s)?
- How many other web sites link to you?
- Do you offer a link exchange with other sites?
Online marketing can provide you with regular maintenance, automatic monitoring, online advertising and a linking strategy. Online marketing can promote your site and improve your business.
Set goals for your site
When you started your web site you probably had a few goals. Perhaps you wanted to provide information or improve your customer service; perhaps you wanted to improve your sales potential. No matter what your site goals, you need to consider:
- Did your site meet or exceed your goals last year?
- What are your goals for the New Year?
Keeping your goals in mind, think about what you might do to improve your web site.
Be sure to include your web site in your updated business and marketing plans. Always remember that your web site is your best marketing tool and should be used as a marketing tool.
© 2003, 2005