Fortify Your Website as Online Business and Virtual Networking Continues

Focus on these steps:

As we deal with this pandemic’s two-step-forward-one-step-back progress, it is increasingly obvious that doing business online isn’t going away any time soon. How well is your website meeting the challenge?

In the beginning, we all made do with the tools and technology we already had. As the months went on, we may have made some necessary changes so we could work better during lockdown, but going back to business as usual was the goal. Now, we are realizing that “usual” may look different from here on. Whatever your business does, it’s going to do more of it virtually and your website needs to carry a bigger load. Here’s where to improve:

Update platforms and plug-ins 

Your business will come to a screeching halt if the website breaks or is hijacked by hackers, and both of those scenarios become more likely as your website ages. New versions of your site’s platform are issued regularly to fix bugs and shore up weaknesses, but new versions can’t help you without regular maintenance and updating. Remember, too, that any added functions will need to be tested and possibly swapped out when you update the main website platform. 

Optimize your SEO

When the main way your customers find you is online, then Search Engine Optimization becomes super important. SEO includes content and code, among many other pieces, and needs to be re-calculated routinely to keep abreast of changes in your audience’s habits. Staying on top of the analytics so you can adjust accordingly keeps your business from being buried by the competition. 

Add new features

Much of your business can be conducted virtually, if you have the right tools. Orders, payments, scheduling, presentations – people have become used to doing all of this online and since statistics say this trend will continue, you simply have to make it easy for your customer. While you’re at it, add tools that make it easier for you and your team to work online as well. There are so many functions available! Instead of being overwhelmed, talk to your web pro about what you want to do and let them guide you. 

Simplify navigation

Since everyone is spending so much time in front of electronic devices these days, navigating your website had better be obvious and easy or you’ll lose customers. When was the last time you tried using your own site? Maybe the flow doesn’t work any longer or some patched-in additions need to be cleaned up. Check that your site works as well on a phone as it does on a laptop. 

Provide better communication

Doing business online is so much more than broadcasting sale information. Customers want to connect and communicate with you in a variety of ways such as email, telephone, messaging, and chatbot. An FAQ page provides answers to common questions and a review page boosts confidence in your product or service. 

Of course, we all hope to regain our old “normal” business and personal lives, but experts are predicting that the virtual experience will continue to be a big part of our future. Don’t be left behind! We can show you ways to renew your website, making it work better for your team as well as your customer. Call us now to talk it over!

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Kate GingoldKate Gingold

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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Full biography

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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