As the first signs of spring emerge, it’s an ideal time to refresh your website, just as you would tidy up your physical space. For businesses operating across various locations, your website often serves as the first impression potential clients have of your work. Let’s discuss why a site audit should be part of your spring cleaning routine, along with some practical steps you can take today.
Why Your Site Needs Regular Maintenance
Your website acts as your 24/7 representative. However, over time, several issues can accumulate:
- Pages may load slower as content grows.
- Links can break as you update your offerings.
- Security vulnerabilities may arise from outdated plugins.
- Mobile responsiveness may decline with new device releases.
For mobile businesses especially, these problems can directly impact your ability to connect with new clients in different locations.
Practical Steps for Your Spring Site Audit
1. Check Your Loading Speed
Time is precious for your visitors. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify what might be slowing down your site. Common culprits include unoptimised images, excessive plugins, or outdated code.
2. Test Your Mobile Experience
View your site on different devices. Does it adapt seamlessly? Can you easily navigate and find information? Mobile optimisation is essential for businesses on the move.
3. Update and Secure
Outdated plugins and themes are leading causes of security breaches. Take inventory of your website components and update or remove anything that is no longer maintained.
4. Review Your Content
Does your content accurately reflect your business, services, and the locations you serve? Spring is an excellent time to refresh your messaging and ensure it resonates with your current target audience.
5. Verify Contact Information
Accurate and accessible contact information is crucial for mobile businesses. Test your contact forms, confirm that phone numbers are correct, and ensure that your service area information is up to date.
When to Call in a Professional
While many aspects of a site audit can be done on your own, there are times when it’s advantageous to seek expert help. Consider contacting a professional if:
- Your site has significantly slowed down.
- You are experiencing technical glitches.
- Your website hasn’t been updated in over a year.
- You’re planning to expand to new locations.
Ready for a Fresh Start This Spring?
Your website deserves as much attention as the rest of your business. If navigating the technical aspects of a website audit feels overwhelming, I’m here to help.
You can contact me for a comprehensive site audit that will uncover opportunities to improve your website’s performance for your business.
