When was the last time you took a really good look at your website? I was recently researching small businesses in my community when I located at least one website that was not “responsive.” That’s a necessity in today’s market.
If you’re not familiar with the term, a responsive website automatically adjusts to fit the screen it’s being viewed on—whether that’s a desktop, phone, or tablet—making it easy to navigate no matter the device.
During my research, I came across a surprising number of websites that were missing the mark in small but important ways. It was a good reminder that your website says a lot about your business—often before you ever say a word. Here are a few things to watch for on your own site:
1. Check Your Links. I was shocked by how many broken links I ran into. Some hadn’t been updated in years! And here’s a pro tip: if a link takes visitors away from your site (like to a book or article you’re referencing), make sure it opens in a new tab. That way, your visitors can easily get back to your site without losing their place. It’s just a quick setting when creating the link.
2. Read Every Page. Yes, read every single page on your site. Does it represent you? Is your message clear? Could someone reading your site understand why they would want to work with you? Is your phone number and email correct on your contact page?
3. Get Great Graphics. Take a close look (with your reading glasses on if necessary) at the graphics on your website. Is your logo pixelated (fuzzy)? Do you have images with a white background instead of transparent on pages that have a colored background? Is your headshot professional? Are you using bland stock photography? If your images feel off, it might be time for a refresh.
4. Check Your Phone. More than half of the people browsing your site are probably doing so on their phones. And yet, I saw more than one site that was practically unusable on mobile—tiny text, misaligned images, or menus that didn’t work. Make sure your site is responsive and mobile-friendly.
5. Review Your Dashboard. Even behind the scenes, things can get messy. Are there plugins that you aren’t using that might be slowing things down? Do you have old themes that are no longer serving your needs? Is your website running on the latest version of WordPress (or whatever you run your website on)? Keep your website running smoothly by paying attention to these important details.
Remember that for many people, your website is the first impression they form of you and your business. Take steps now to make sure the impression is a good one!