In 2022, there is little doubt that websites and internet technology have come a long way. However, many business owners have failed to keep their websites updated, so their businesses are struggling to remain relevant and competitive. Let’s discuss some tips on how business owners can keep their websites fresh and competitive in a constantly evolving online environment:
Remove Unsupported Programs Or Plugins
Over the years, website technology has changed and improved significantly. Unfortunately, as a result, many programs or plugins that were once popular lack web browsers or website platform support. If your website still uses any of these unsupported programs or plugins, it is time to remove them. Not only will this help improve your website’s overall security, but it will also ensure that your website is compatible with the latest website technology.
Older programs that are no longer supported can also make your website run slower, so removing them can help improve your website’s speed and performance. If you are unsure whether a program or plugin is still supported, you can check with the developer or contact a web development company for assistance.
Increase Engagement
Increasing visitor engagement signals to the popular search engines that your website is relevant and popular, which can help improve your website’s ranking in search results. There are several ways to increase visitor engagement on your website, such as:
- Adding new and relevant content regularly
- Creating engaging blog posts or articles
- Asking questions or running polls
- Offering discounts or coupons
- Hosting contests or giveaways
Increasing visitor engagement can encourage more people to visit and stay on your website, ultimately leading to more sales or conversions.
Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
In today’s mobile-first world, it is essential to have a website optimized for mobile devices. A mobile-friendly website will load quickly and correctly on any mobile device, including smartphones and tablets.
If your website performs poorly on mobile devices, you could miss a lot of traffic and potential customers. Fortunately, many tools and resources are available to help you make your website mobile-friendly. You can also contact a web development company for assistance.
Interesting facts about mobile phone website users:
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- In 2020, mobile search originated 52.2% of worldwide website traffic. This number will only grow in the coming years.
- In the United States, about 70% of people use their smartphones to access the internet.
These statistics show that it is essential to have a mobile-friendly website if you want to reach the widest audience possible.
Add New Functionality
Another way to keep your website fresh and competitive is to add new features or functionality that will improve the user experience. For example, you could:
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- Add an eCommerce store to sell products or services online
- Implement a live chat feature to answer customer questions in real-time
- Add a blog to share news, insights, or helpful tips
- Include an online appointment scheduler to make it easy for customers to book appointments
- Implement a social media feed to display your latest posts from Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram
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Adding new features to your website can help you stand out from the competition, attract more visitors, and help to streamline operations, depending on the type of functionality you add.
Update Your Website’s Design
Finally, another way to keep your website fresh is to update your website’s design regularly. Just like fashion trends, website design trends change over time. So by keeping your website’s design up-to-date, you can ensure that it looks its best and functions properly on all devices.
Design trends these days tend to be minimalistic, with lots of white space and straightforward typography. However, if your website’s design is outdated or cluttered, it could be time for a refresh. Much like you would apply a fresh coat of paint on a room in your house, a new website design can give your business an updated look and feel, helping to convey a professional image.
Remember that you don’t need to overhaul your website’s design yearly, but regular small changes can keep your website competitive with today’s popular trends.
Add Revenues To Your Bottom Line
Ultimately, a website isn’t merely an expense associated with doing business; it should be a revenue center that brings in new business and helps you grow your bottom line. Here are some ways to make your website earn its keep:
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- Offer products or services for sale
- Use pay-per-click advertising
- Collect email addresses for marketing purposes
- Use affiliate marketing programs
- Sell advertising space on your website
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Adding revenue streams to your website can make it a more valuable asset for your business. Not only can it help to even out in-person revenues, but it can also provide a source of income if your company has to close temporarily or shift direction due to unforeseen circumstances.
Being open to new ways of making money from your website can help to ensure its long-term viability.
Set New Benchmarks For Your Company Success
A website is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. Following the tips in this article, you can keep your site relevant, fresh, and competitive in today’s ever-changing online landscape.
Additionally, regularly review your website’s performance and set new benchmarks for your company’s success. By continuously improving your website, you can ensure that it remains a valuable asset for your business.
Regular Maintenance
Finally, it is vital to regularly maintain your website to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. Regular maintenance tasks include checking for broken links, updating plugins and software, backing up your website data, and more. These tasks may seem insignificant, but they can make a world of difference in the overall performance of your website.
Don’t have time to handle website maintenance yourself? Then, consider Interactive Palette’s Website Maintenance Plans. We can take care of all the technical details, so you can focus on running your business.
