Life moves fast, and so should your webpage. Keep up! I know, it’s definitely not as easy as it sounds with the internet constantly evolving and new trends constantly appearing on the horizon, but if you put your best mouse forward, you can stay ahead and keep up with the times. So, are you able to keep your web presence alive by providing an experience that is accessible for everyone?

Mobile-friendly

One very quick answer to this question is to visit your site through your smartphone browser. Can you navigate or even see your website? Do you know where to look for the menu or any of your important pages?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” then you’re in trouble! According to recent research, website traffic via mobile devices is steadily increasing from year to year, with 57% of web traffic coming from mobile in 2016, to 63% in 2017.

Since well over half of your web traffic is going to come from a mobile device, it is extremely important to make sure your website is designed with multiple devices in mind, from desktop to smartphone or tablet. This is called “responsive” design and means that your website will detect the type of device your audience is using, and adjust accordingly.

Content

Search engines like fresh content and customers like visually appealing content. These work hand in hand if you’re checking your website regularly! If you haven’t looked at your own website in over six months, chances are you’ll need a redesign.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical when it comes to where your website ranks in search engine results. It is important to regularly add fresh, keyword driven content to your website in order to continue to rank on the first page of a web search for those specific keywords. A great way to address this issue is to start a blog that is updated at least monthly. (Trust me, there’s always something to write about!)

In terms of visual appeal, it’s a digital world and website creation is at anyone’s fingertips. If you have the money to spare, work with someone who specializes in web design to ensure your website is modern and functional. If not, there are plenty of resources where you can quickly build simple websites for very little cost, such as Squarespace and Wix.

Why is having a web presence important?

Having some real estate online, even if it’s just an up-to-date Facebook page, is vital to any sized business in this day and age. People yearn for instant gratification, and the web is at everyone’s fingertips at any time thanks to smartphones and tablets. We live in an era dominated by online shopping and Yelp reviews, and if you aren’t a quick Google search away from a potential customer, you’re losing business to those who are.

Additionally, having a website gives your business credibility and allows customers around-the-clock access to your information. If a customer can’t find your business during an insomnia-induced internet binge at 1 a.m., chances are they will find a competitor that will have the information and services they need.

Aside from just having a web presence, it’s important to make sure your page loads quickly. In fact, according to research, just a one-second delay in page load time yields 11 percent fewer page views, a 16 percent decrease in customer satisfaction, and a seven percent loss in conversions.

Having an old webpage is so last year!

With a little effort, you can have a web page that accurately portrays your organization and attracts the right customers. By giving it a little attention on a regular basis, you can ensure your web rankings will stay high and customers will be coming through your virtual door.

If you need help bringing your website into the modern era, or just need some help with a few things, like blogging or maintenance, send us a message!