A clean, functional, and engaging website is a must-have for any business today. Web development may seem intimidating — but there’s plenty you can do, either on your own or with the assistance of a professional web developer, to give your website the style and ease of use it needs.
Keep Your Information Updated
It might seem elementary, but it’s surprising how many business websites simply do not get updated. Your business hours, the link to your online store, contact information, upcoming events, social media links and the like should all be easily accessible and kept up-to-date. Broken links inevitably appear amateur, and may damage your business’ credibility.
Likewise, don’t forget to update or renew your domain, which may need to be done annually. Regular upkeep takes little time and ensures your website maintains a professional feel.
Vary Your Layout
A website that stays the same for years can feel drab and stale. Luckily, the wide variety of user-friendly web development platforms today ensure it’s easier than ever to keep your website vital, often without professional help or burdensome cost. A novel website layout will both remind old customers of your business’ vibrancy, and draw in new customers.
Get Help As Needed
While updating and designing a website may be fun for those with a flair for design, for the less tech-savvy, there are countless businesses and consultants who specialize in web development and can dramatically improve your business’ online presence. Working with a web design professional can also be a great way to understand and tap into current market trends, as well as streamline the functionality of your site.
Surf the Web
One of the easiest ways to glean inspiration for your own site is to find other websites that look and feel great. Try searching for websites of similar businesses to get a sense of what works and what doesn’t, in terms of layout, desig, and functionality. If you’re working with a professional, do market research on what trends and types of content are thriving right now. Your website should be wholly your own, but influence from other entrepreneurs and creators is always useful.
Interconnect Your Online Presence
A good website is key for a thriving business, but so is good social media use. Ensure your social media pages are easily navigable from your primary website — and be sure that these profiles redirect current and potential customers back to your website. Over time, a fluid and well-integrated web presence will be increasingly self-sustaining.
Business websites are often overlooked, but in today’s economy, they can be as important as a physical presence. A few simple updates can make yours as lively as ever.