Question your website for optimal performance and viewing
1. Is your site optimized for all devices (responsive web design) and does it display well on all major browsers?
If, on any device, you have to use your fingers to pinch and zoom to see the website content, move around, and to find the navigation, your site is not optimized for display on all devices. Responsive design is best and the most affordable option. With responsive web design, you have one website and it automatically adjusts to whatever size device it is being viewed on.
Due to web browsers all being a bit different, a professional web developer will know how to make sure the site displays well on all of the major browsers; a consistent look.
You should not have to pinch and zoom to see your website on a mobile phone.
2. Is your website getting results?
Is your site bringing in organic visitors? Are the visitors converting? Conversion can be a lot things other than just sales, although this is an important conversion for e-commerce sites; it is the goal each web page is trying to achieve. Conversion can be the visitor making a phone or video call to your business, sending a contact form, making a reservation at your restaurant or spa, or making an appointment for computer repairs, etc. Whatever the call-to-action (CTA) is, you want each page designed so the visitor knows what you are asking them to do and, supported by the content, the visitor takes that action.
Each page may have a different goal. Once the goal is known, we design for goal completion, or conversion.
3. Has your site been updated recently?
A website needs to be updated with new and current content, media, and, of course, for search engine optimization adjustments. Remember to update your contact information, business hours, email changes, phone numbers, additions to social networking sites, and any other information your visitors may use to get in touch with you. This not includes your website but ensure your contact information is consistent on all social networking sites, directory listings, and local accounts, and search engine listings.
If you have stopped offering a service or project, remove it. Started adding new products and services? Be sure to add these. Maybe even write an article for the site to generate buzz. Avoid having outdated information on your site. It will disappoint potential clients.
Give your visitors a reason to continue returning to your website by updating and adding new material.
4. Is your site listed to perform?
Having a website is just the beginning. Ensuring that your website is found by your target audience is another vital aspect of your website investment. There are many ways to get your site listed in directories, search engines, local listings, and other places online where visitors looking specifically for your products, services, talent, and information can easily find you. Many are free while others require a paid subscription. If not optimized and set up correctly, some paid options can end up costing you a ton of money. Having a professional help manage these can greatly increase the impact while keeping costs at a minimum.
Having a professional web designer/developer will help ensure you are getting the most out of your website.
5. Are website visitors able read and understand your content?
This may be one of the most important, often overlooked, and frustrating aspect when web design goes wrong. We have all seen it. You visit a website and the font is so small you simply cannot read it. You find yourself either abandoning the site altogether or, if the content is compelling, trying to find the web browser’s zoom feature to make it larger. Designing for page layout is important; focus first on your viewers. Content should be brief, using list items when possible (there are exclusions to this rule) separated by headings and subheadings that are descriptive and include relevant keywords. The font should be large enough to read, a contrasting color to the background, and auto-adjust to the device being viewed on (yes, responsive design once again). Avoid using hard-to-read fonts. Ensure sufficient line height is used for wrapping text (and for responsive text that will wrap automatically). Images should include descriptive and accurate alt tags (descriptions) which is helpful for those who use screen readers and are not able to see the images, and for search engine optimization as well.
Don’t lose visitors by using a font and color you love to find you are the only one who can read the words because you know what they say.
While this may be a short listing of questions you should consider when reviewing your website, they are very important, and when implemented, will make a huge difference not only in how your site performs, but in how your site looks.
Let's summarize
Looking for a web designer and developer to review your current website to see how it can be improved? Or, looking for a new website for your nonprofit, small business, blog, or online store? We offer affordable solutions so you have the ability to succeed online, just like the “big guys”.
Contact CIRJ Concepts and Dapper Web Designs today for a free estimate. We provide Delaware, and Nationwide, Website Design, Graphic Design, E-Commerce, Search Engine Optimization, Email Marketing, and more.