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3 August 2023 — Pobl Tech
If you’ve ever tried to build or maintain your own website, you’ll know it can feel like learning a new language while also trying to decipher a cryptic puzzle. But don’t fret! Your digital journey doesn’t need to be a trip into the unknown. With a bit of knowledge and patience, you can perform your own DIY website health check.
Imagine walking into a shop with poor lighting, confusing signage, and unappealing displays. Chances are you wouldn’t stick around, and the same principle applies to your website. As the digital face of your brand, your website should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and reflective of your company’s ethos.
Your website content should be engaging, well-written, and informative. It needs to give your visitors what they’re looking for while also promoting your products or services. This may sound like a balancing act, and it is! But remember, quality trumps quantity. Keep your content updated, check for any spelling or grammar mistakes, and ensure all information is accurate.
In an increasingly mobile world, it’s essential your website functions perfectly on any device. This isn’t just about zooming in and out; it also includes menu functionality, loading speeds, and ensuring any multimedia content plays correctly. You can test your site’s mobile friendliness using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
Nobody likes to be kept waiting, especially online. Slow loading speeds can be a quick turn-off for potential customers. You can use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to check your website’s load speed. If it’s not up to par, you may need to optimize your images, reduce the number of plugins, or consider a better hosting solution.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is key in making sure your website gets found on search engines. At a basic level, this means your website should have clear, concise metadata (page titles and descriptions) which includes relevant keywords.
Your website should be intuitive and easy to navigate. This includes having a clear, logical menu structure, as well as a search function. Your visitors should be able to find what they’re looking for without feeling like they’re stuck in a digital maze.
Ensure all links, buttons, and forms on your website are working as they should. Broken elements not only frustrate visitors but can also impact your SEO.
Security is a major concern for online users. An SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate ensures your website’s connection is secure, protecting your visitors’ data. You can check your site’s security by looking for the padlock symbol next to your URL.
Your website should have Google Analytics or a similar tool installed. This will provide valuable insights into who’s visiting your site, how they’re interacting with it, and where they’re coming from.
Compare your website to your competitors’. How does it stack up in terms of design, functionality, content, and SEO? This will give you an idea of where you stand and what you need to work on.
Your website should be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This could involve adding alt text to images, ensuring your site is navigable via keyboard only, or making sure your text is readable for those with visual impairments.
Your website should be integrated with your social media platforms. This helps to keep your content fresh, encourages shares, and allows your users to engage with your brand on different platforms.
Having a clear, enticing opportunity for visitors to sign up for your mailing list is a great way to keep them engaged and encourage return visits.
Your contact information should be clearly visible and up-to-date. You want to make it as easy as possible for potential customers to get in touch with you.
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Performing a DIY website health check might feel like a daunting task, but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take it step by step, and you’ll soon have a website that’s not just healthy, but thriving! And don’t forget, the digital world is constantly evolving. Regular check-ups are key to staying fit and keeping your website in peak condition.
Let's talk over your ideas. We'd love to hear from you
hello@pobl.tech
© Pobl Tech