Spring clean your website in 5 steps to boost business

Photo: ©iStock.com/efenzi

Your website gives the world a glimpse of your company; does it leave a good impression?

Take a long, hard look, and keep an eye open for mistakes. If you find any, be sure to correct them right away. Here are five suggestions that may seem inconsequential, but could alter the perception the public has of your company.

1. Update the copyright date. On Jan. 1, you should have changed the copyright date on your website to 2016 — but better late than never. Not only will the correct date protect you from visitors who think they can steal your content, it will give the impression that the information posted there is current and regularly updated.
2. Correct misspellings. You probably have read the words on your homepage so many times you’ve practically memorized them. But that’s precisely why you might have overlooked a spelling error or two. Ask a trusted colleague to review it with fresh eyes. Be sure to pay particular attention to proper names and places, and correct whatever is wrong. An error-free website puts forth a professional appearance.
3. Update all information. Scan your website for such information as expired offers, reminders about events that have already taken place, and bios for staff members no longer with the company. Pay particular attention to your “Contact Us” and “Events” pages, and watch out for phrases like “coming soon” or “register now.” Also, make sure your list of products and services is comprehensive, and add whatever is missing. Correct any mistakes that give visitors the impression you never look at your own website.
4. Add something new. If your “About Us” page has not been updated since your website went live, now is the time to make it current. If your company has since won an award, received good press, or relocated to a bigger office, add a sentence or two that shows how it is evolving and growing.
5. Change it up. When your homepage looks the same every day of the year, visitors may mistakenly believe your company is stuck in a rut. Spruce it up by showcasing something different. This time of year, many companies are reflecting on how their industry is changing and whether they are meeting their customers’ needs, so put this information to good use. A simple change now may give your business a big boost.

Doing a thorough spring cleaning of your online home is a sure way to get the busy season off to a great start.

You can reach Managing Editor Diane Sofranec at dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net.