5 Ways to Refresh Your Web Presence in 2011

5 Ways to Refresh Your Web Presence in 2011

With the New Year almost upon us, many small business owners are starting to plan their marketing strategies and budgets for 2011. Many people think that updating their web site or social media marketing will be costly and are already considering putting it off. It doesn’t have to be! Below we will guide you through 5 ways you can revitalize your online presence.

5 easy ways to freshen up

Check to see what needs to be updated

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The most obvious way to refresh your website is to make sure the content is still up-to-date. Make sure you aren’t listing any outdated info, advertising old specials, or skipping over legal or copyright dates that need to be updated. Usually these are easy updates for your web designer, and if you have a maintenance plan, these updates usually fit it your allotted labor hours.

Modernize the look of your site by updating fonts and feature images.
Depending on the structure of your site, you probably have an area of your website where you have large graphics or a photo feature. Updating these features is an easy way to quickly change the feel of your website. Changing your headlines to a new font is a great way to accessorize your site and give it the feeling of looking fresh.

Start a blog or add a new, featured category.
By now, you probably know about the wonderful SEO benefits of blogging. If you are not already blogging, we suggest getting started as a way to refresh your web presence. Consistently providing new content for your users is a great way to encourage them to visit your site again and again. But even well written blogs can get a little flat. Try adding a featured category such as “Industry Tips” or “Partner Spotlight” that will provide new content.

Run a special or contest through your social media.
Running a small marketing campaign through social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter can drive traffic to your site and create buzz. This tactic is especially helpful because your visitors will likely share it with others.

Add value to your website.
What is your site missing that it could benefit from? Do you have client testimonials? Are there resources or tools that could be added as a benefit to your users? Adding resources such as video, product demos, or press can update the value of your site.

3 things you can’t ignore

A refresh is a great way to invigorate your site, but it’s not a magic wand. There are a few things you should look for to determine if you just need some touch-ups or a full-blown redesign.

Has your business model or sales/marketing strategy changed since your site was created?
If so, it may be time for a redesign. Your website is often the first place people go to interact with your company. If it is not employing the same strategy that your sales staff is, you may be doing more harm than good. Consistency is key.

Have your product and service offerings expanded beyond the structure of you current website?
Adding products and services is a great way to grow your business, but if you web site was not built to handle the new content, it’s time for a redesign. Usability and design is key to your credibility. Visitors can tell when content has been slapped on a website like a band-aid.

Are there potential revenue streams that could add value to your site and your bottom line that cannot be added into your current site structure?
This is the number one reason to redesign your site because it will pay for itself. Adding new revenue tactics such as an online store, a member’s login section, or other dynamic content are usually worth the cost of a new site.