There must be something in the air because several of my clients are wanting to make changes to their website or create a new website over the coming weeks. Maybe it’s just a case of New Year New Website!
Your website is often the first touchpoint someone has with your practice. If their experience of your site is not a positive one, it is unlikely that they will take their enquiry any further. The adage ‘first impressions count’, is just as relevant for your website as it is when meeting someone for the first time.
The chances are, if your website is four or more years old, it will be starting to look dated. So a design and/or content refresh should be on the cards.
If you are not sure whether you need a new website or not, look at your competitor’s websites, how does yours compare to theirs? It can also be a useful exercise to get all staff members involved in, as they will often pick up on different things than the Partners/Directors.
Does your website need a revamp?
Things to check to see if your website needs an upgrade are:
- Can people easily find your site from internet searches? Search on your key search words and phrases to see where Google etc are ranking you. You may need to work on your SEO techniques to increase the visibility of your website.
- How easy is it to find information and navigate around the site? If it takes more than 2 clicks to get to where you want to be, you may be losing visitors once you get them to your site.
- Does the design look dated/old fashioned? Is there a mismatch between the words and the design? i.e. “We’re a proactive, modern thinking firm of accountants” yet the design suggests the website is 10 years old or more.
- Is the content on your site up to date? That includes information about the practice and the services you provide. What about the ‘News’ page, if you add your own content, has there been something added in the last month?
- Is the site very text heavy? Could this be broken up by using images or videos or by breaking the text down into shorter blocks with plenty of headings and bullet points?
- Do you have staff on the team page who have changed roles, been promoted, or perhaps have left the firm? Do you even have a team page?!
- Does the website make you look professional and approachable? Or could it be perceived as looking cold and corporate?
- Are your contact details easy to find and if you have a website enquiry form, where do these messages go to, and how often are they read/answered?
- Have you got the necessary regulatory wording and information required to comply with your professional body’s website code of conduct?
Keeping your website up to date, accessible and user friendly is vital to the success of your marketing and client care activities. Our separate article ‘Do you have a faceless website‘ gives some great tips on how to personalise your website.
If I can help with your ‘New Year, New Website’ strategy or perhaps project manage the design and creation of a new site, do get in touch on 01822 833300 or email vicki@momentumforprofessionals.co.uk
