Make sure your website reflects your business

COVID-19 has changed everything. From the way we work, to what we buy and how we buy it. More people than ever are turning to the internet during this time of isolation and this may have made you realise that your online presence is not fit for purpose. In the days before this crisis you probably knew that your website needed updating, but you never got round to it. Now, with your website being the main way people can view and make a judgement on your business it is vital that it reflects your business accurately.

Not only that but with people concerned about their futures and their current finances it is likely consumers will be spending less. This could lead to a situation where you have a bigger audience to reach but you are going to have to work harder to convince them to buy from you.

Right now, many of us have more time to focus on our business, making it a good time to optimise your website. This will put you in a good position for the future. So, what can you do to make sure your website is fit for purpose?

Review your current website and content

You need to start by reviewing what you have. Many businesses build a website and then forget about it! What may have worked years ago will not be relevant now. All businesses evolve over time so the services or products you wanted to highlight two years ago; may not be the services you want to promote now. Reviewing your website allows you to work out where you want your focus to be.

The questions you need to ask yourself are;

• Does your website accurately display your brand to users?
• Are the services/products you provide all still relevant to your business?
• Does the design of the website look outdated?
• Is the website easy to use?
• Does it work well on mobile and tablets?
• Is it secure using https?
• Is it fast?
• Is the content outdated?
• Does the whole look and feel of the website reflect who you are?

Remember that at the moment your website may be the only way people access your business. If you look at your website and cringe, knowing that it isn’t a true reflection of what you do, it needs to change.

You don’t always need a complete redesign

After answering all these questions, it might be that you don’t need a completely new website. This could be a relief if your budget is tight. Sometimes changing the images on the website and the typography can make a difference. Removing outdated content and pages could be all that is needed. Adding an SSL certificate to make it secure, can be another important step. Depending on the platform your website is built on, you may be able to make these changes yourself or get a company like us to help.

Create a new website

If you haven’t taken this time to focus on your website for years it is likely you will discover that your website is no longer fit for purpose. Your review will clearly highlight what you need to change and give you an idea of the direction you want to go in. We can help you by creating a website that truly reflects who you are and performs the objectives you want.

We always advocate using WordPress to build websites as they are easier for people to update themselves. This is important because if you invest in a new website it is important to keep it relevant and updated. You are more likely to do this if you can do it yourself or you know that your website designer can make changes for you relatively easily.

Be ready for what the future holds

These are worrying times for many businesses but one thing we can do is stay productive and get ourselves in the best position to deal with whatever the future brings. The move to more online communication is not set to change for a long time to come. It is vital that your online offering puts you in the best position. Reviewing your website now will not only help you in the short term but could help your business meet its long-term goals.

If you want to change or redesign your website just Get in touch and we can give you more information.

Stay safe.