Improve your website quality: 5 simple steps to make your website work for you
A high-quality website is crucial for generating a steady stream of revenue and new projects. Treat your website as an essential part of your business, similar to your equipment or vehicles. Regular maintenance and updates are necessary because technology and internet usage are constantly evolving. For these reasons, a website is never truly "finished," especially if it plays a significant role in your acquisition or sales process.
Author: Matthijs Hekman
Reading time: 2 minutes
497 words
Category: Quality.
Step 1: Increase revenue from your website
Many entrepreneurs see their website as a flyer or business card, but it doesn't have to be that way. Just like a retailer who regularly updates their shop window to attract customers, your website should be dynamic and engaging. Search engines and social media act as your storefront to the world. Draw in passersby by offering relevant and captivating content. Think about it: how did you end up on this blog?
What you can do:
- Ensure your content is relevant and keep it updated regularly;
- Use search engine optimization (SEO) and analytical tools to see which content is appreciated;
- Think about how to convert visitors into customers.
Step 2: Check your website's quality
Having a website, whether self-made or professionally designed, doesn't automatically mean it performs optimally. It's crucial to test your website with independent tools. Make sure your website functions well on all devices and browsers and is accessible to everyone, including people with visual impairments.
What you can do:
- View your website on different devices and in various browsers;
- Use WAVE, a tool to check accessibility.
Step 3: Check your website's overall health
I use PageSpeed Insights for my projects to establish a solid foundation. It provides an independent report on the user experience on both mobile and desktop, identifies key issues, and gives recommendations for improvement.
What you can do:
- Use tools like PageSpeed Insights to analyze your website.
Step 4: Check your website's speed
Speed is crucial for websites, especially for online stores. Visitors want immediate results, and any delay can lead to drop-offs. Speed and ease of use should be the foundation of your website.
What you can do:
- Regularly check your website's speed;
- Follow the recommendations from PageSpeed Insights to optimize your website.
Step 5: Check your website's security
The security of your website and the data stored on it is of utmost importance. Regular security checks are essential, especially if you store personal data. While I found few free tools for thorough security checks, it's always wise to hire an independent specialist.
What you can do:
- Try to bypass your own security in various ways to see how far you get;
- At the very least, ensure you have a (free) SSL certificate to encrypt the connection with visitors.
Achieving great results with small steps
Regularly checking and improving your website is essential for the success of your online presence. By focusing on content, speed, accessibility, health, and security, you can ensure your website always performs optimally and converts visitors into customers. With these guidelines, you can assess whether your website meets the needs of all your users.