In today’s business world, a company’s web presence must be a top priority. Even the smallest businesses should focus on maintaining a website that is current, mobile device friendly and updated on a regular basis. Unfortunately, unless an employee or webmaster is assigned and responsible for the website, many important aspects can be overlooked and outdated.
Here are 6 signs of a poorly optimized website.
Not Responsive to Mobile Devices:
Research indicates that more Google searches were performed on mobile devices than desktop computers in the past year, so websites must be mobile friendly, or readable on different sized mobile phones and tablets. If a website is static and doesn’t respond to different screen sizes, Google’s mobile algorithm won’t recognize the website and competitors will show up in their search engine.
Test it out yourself by visiting your website on a mobile device, see if you can navigate easily, read the content, zoom in and out. If it is difficult, a redesign should be added to your list of to do’s for the new year.
Not User-Friendly
One of the main reasons a website isn’t updated regularly is the fact they were not designed to be user-friendly. Unless an employee is a technical or computer expert, updates are put on the back burner and not completed regularly. Outdated website information is not good for business or for search engine optimization. Keeping current is critical to your brand, your company’s image, and your bottom line. Visit your website to see if you like what you see and if not, make it a priority to redesign it. Your bottom line depends on it.
A lack of SEO
Today’s online presence depends on search engine optimization. Google is getting more SEO smart, meaning that keywords, or words that Google captures in searches to find your website need to be used more naturally than in past years. Keyword stuffing or repeating the same words repeatedly in an awkward way is not a good way to get listed in search engines. There are many tools that will help you become SEO strong and check to see if your website’s content is working.
Too Big and Bulky
If your website is unorganized and oversized, it will be increasingly difficult to keep it updated and monitored for errors. There are tools of the trade to help you keep your website healthy and in tip top condition, so your company’s credibility is not damaged by outdated content. It’s a good idea to constantly review your website and edit the content including images and unnecessary verbiage. Sometimes short and sweet trumps big and bulky.
Low Visitor Time
The length of time a visitor stays on your website is a sign of how effective it is or is not. Some websites are poorly designed and hard to navigate. This can be remedied by an updated and more current redesign. If your own design failed the first time around, perhaps try looking into outside help this time. Just a quick research of design companies will bring you vast results, for example, you may stumble across Design by Pelling if you’re searching in the UK.
Bounce Rates:
Analyzing if your bounce rates on your website are higher on desktop computers than mobile devices is important. Google Analytics can assist you in this information. So “out of sight, out of mind” is not the path to take if you are serious about a user-friendly website. Refer to the analytics often to reduce your bounce rates and increase sales.
These are just 6 signs to take notice of if you’re concerned about your website. You should be conducting regular checks and updates and implement any changes where necessary.