Website updates happen all the time, but it’s usually stuff you don’t see. Meticulous care of the sites we build means consistently keeping up with security fixes to avoid hackers, maintaining the version and theme, and constantly downloading new plugins to stay up to date. All of this must be done to ensure the functionality of your website, and with our website services package we will do it for you. Let us take the worry away so you can concentrate on the things that matter. Like your business.
But that’s all what we refer to as the “back end” of your website. The “front end” is what users see and interact with. Aside from always keeping your content refreshed, readable, and current, the front end of your website generally requires less regular upkeep than the back end. However, you do want your site to look and feel modern and leading edge, as we all know that appearance matters. Even the most inexperienced Internet user can tell when a website update is needed. Since your website is a reflection of your business, keeping it current looks good for your priorities in the customer’s eye.
A website update can be a great way to draw new attention to your business, but it needs to be carried out thoughtfully and with intention. Emphasize Design can help.
Check Your Usability
Usability is one of the key elements required for a successful website. It’s a term that is used often, but it can be hard to conceptualize. Basically, a website with good usability is easy to use. Visitors can find what they need right away, and products and services are not a chore to learn about.
Navigation is a key element of usability. Without sensible, straightforward navigation, you risk your great content going unread, and your excellent e-commerce offerings collecting dust. Ignoring navigation is like building a highway without roadsigns (or 4G connections). People might reach their destination eventually, but next time they’ll probably choose the road that is well-marked (and has cellular service). One great way to test your navigation is to have a few people who are new to your website try to perform a specific task. If they have difficulty, you know it’s time to make a change.
Responsiveness is another part of usability. Web use has gone mobile in a big way. Websites need to be viewable and usable on any size screen. Responsive design makes sites load faster and better, and it also improves prominence to search engines.
Accessibility is also very important. Improving accessibility is primarily about providing options. Choose colours that contrast well for text, offer visitors the option to change font sizes, and provide multimedia choices for understanding core concepts, such as video. Offering text-to-speech is another great way to increase accessibility and ensure that everyone can enjoy your content.
Here are some more tips for testing your site’s usability.
How’s Your SEO Doing?
If your traffic numbers are down or you’re having a hard time keeping people engaged, an update might be just what you need to turn things around. Your analytics should guide the way on matters related to site performance.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is what leads to good analytics. It’s the best way to attract quality visitors to your site, those who are genuinely interesting in engaging with your business. There is a lot involved in SEO, including the judicious use of keywords as well as smart website design attributes. A website update can help improve your SEO standings by revamping content with more applicable keywords. Be sure to check and make sure you are not tampering with content that is already working well for you, however. We can help figure out what pages are bringing in the most organic traffic so as not to mess with success.
Has Your Brand Changed?
If you have changed your brand in any way, a website update is definitely in order. You want your online presence to match what your company is and does. Often this can be done by simply changing up your visual identity markers, such as your logo and colours, to partner with your brand more effectively. A major brand rejuvenation should go hand-in-hand with a comprehensive marketing plan, however. This means communicating with your clients ahead of time that a change is coming and that they should expect differences. Not only is this just good practice, it can also help generate new interest in your business through shrewd social media planning and email campaigns.
Think You Need a Website Update? Contact Emphasize Design!
A website update can make the most of your marketing collateral, but it needs to be managed with care. Emphasize Design of Calgary is here to help, with comprehensive web design services. Take a look at our website design packages and contact us now!
