As the online marketplace continues to evolve, consumers increasingly rely on company websites and social media pages for news, product information, service offerings, entertainment, communication, and more. Your online presence is often the first impression potential customers have of your brand. Given all that, is your website up to the task? What about your social media pages?
When to Refresh Your Website
How do you know if/when your website or social media pages are due for a facelift, refresh, or even a full-scale overhaul?
Here are some key points to consider. These are “low hanging fruit” type questions. If you answer “no” to one or more of these questions, it’s time to take action.
- Does my landing pages make an emotional connection with visitors consistent with my brand and the pain points of my target audience?
- Does my content clearly communicate or show the benefits of using my product or service to visitors?
- Does my messaging clearly tell visitors how they can engage with me (such as signing up for free newsletter or consult, following me on social media, ordering a product, and/or arranging a service)?
- Is my website user-friendly, engaging, and consistent with current best practices in terms of user experience and functionality?
Nowadays, consumers expect their online experience to be seamless. Whether they’re visiting your website for information, to make a purchase, or to schedule a service, they want to know exactly what to expect … and be able to get it.
Let’s Take a Closer Look
A website review can ensure your online presence remains relevant and your brand messaging is fine-tuned to the current needs of your target audience. Here are some important areas to focus on:
- Website Role: Is your website purely informational, or does it need to facilitate online transactions, service scheduling, or something else?
- Call to Action: Does your website ask visitors to take any desired actions, such as making a purchase or contacting you for services?
- Target Audience: Have the needs and pain points of your target audience evolved? Have their demographics changed?
- Content & Messaging: Is your content engaging, relevant, and focused on benefits? Does it reflect the current times and resonate with your target audience?
- Landing Pages: Are your landing pages effective and attention grabbing? Do they compel visitors to take action?
- Functional Mechanisms: Are the tools you use to capture leads, offer downloads, sell products or services, or deliver content working properly?
- Technical Issues: Does your website meet current standards for coding, SEO, page load speeds, mobile responsiveness, outbound links, etc.?
- Social Media: Are your social media links and profiles up-to-date and aligned with your website’s branding?
- Metrics & Success: How do you (or will you) measure your online success? Is it through increased traffic, lead generation, conversions, or something else?
- Resource Management: Do you have the resources and expertise to maintain your website and social media pages in-house, or do you need external help?
- Promotion: Is word-of-mouth still effective, or do you need to invest in digital advertising and social media marketing?
Not all websites are alike, nor should they be. Your website should reflect the unique needs of your brand and the demands of the marketplace. A thorough website audit every few years is essential to ensure you’re keeping up with the needs of your target audience and leveraging the latest technologies and best practices.
Let’s Get Creative: We Are Here to Help
No one can predict the future with certainty, but one thing is clear: maintaining a strong online presence that changes with the times, your customer needs, and your brand is vital for business success. Barrel O’Monkeyz is committed to putting our expertise in marketing, website development, graphic design, and promotional items to work for you. If you’re looking for strategies and tactics to improve your current web presence or establish a new one, contact us today.
