Improve Your Website in 15 Minutes: A Quick Guide for Service-Based Business Owners
When was the last time you gave your website a good, hard once-over?
As a service-based small business owner, your website is often the first point of contact between you and potential clients. It's your virtual storefront, and just like a physical store, it needs to be well-maintained and optimized to attract and convert leads. But here's the thing - your website is your 24/7 sales rep, and if it's not working as hard as you are, you could be missing out on some serious opportunities.
The truth is, a poorly functioning website can be a major roadblock to your success. Broken links, confusing navigation, and unclear messaging can all deter potential clients from engaging with your brand. That's why it's crucial to regularly audit your website to ensure it's working effectively.
But who has the time for a lengthy website audit? The good news is, you can perform a quick audit of your website in just 15 minutes. By focusing on a few key areas, you can identify and fix any major issues that may be hindering your website's performance.
Step 1: Check for Broken Links and Forms
The first step in your 15-minute website audit is to check for any broken links or forms. Broken links can frustrate users and make your website appear unprofessional. Plus, they can hurt your search engine rankings.
To quickly check for broken links, focus on your most important pages first: your home page, about page, services page, and any links to your social media profiles (especially Instagram). If you have a large website with many pages, you can always come back and audit the rest later.
To check for broken links, simply click on each link on these pages and make sure they lead to the correct destination. If you find any broken links, make a note of them so you can fix them later.
Next, test any forms on these pages to ensure they're working properly. Fill out each form and submit it to make sure the information is being collected correctly. If you have any issues with your forms, you may need to reach out to your website developer for assistance.
Step 2: Audit Your Above-the-Fold Content
The "above-the-fold" section of your website is the first thing users see when they land on your page, before they start scrolling. This section is crucial because it's where you need to capture your audience's attention and clearly communicate what you offer.
In this step of your audit, evaluate your above-the-fold section by asking yourself these three questions:
1. Is it clear what services you provide?
2. Is it clear who your ideal client is?
3. Is there a clear call-to-action (what should the user do next)?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, it's time to make some changes. Your above-the-fold section should quickly and clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Users should immediately understand what you offer, who it's for, and what they should do next (such as booking a consultation or signing up for your email list).
The Bottom Line
Listen, I get it. Auditing your website sounds about as fun as a root canal. But trust me - taking just 15 minutes to check for broken links and evaluate your above-the-fold content can make a world of difference in how your website performs.
Remember, your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your brand. By ensuring it's functioning properly and effectively communicating your value, you'll be well on your way to converting more leads into clients.
So, my challenge to you is this: set aside 15 minutes this week to give your website a quick audit. I promise it'll be the most productive quarter-hour of your day. And who knows - you might even discover a newfound love for website optimization! (Stranger things have happened, my friends.)
Ready to take your website to the next level?
Follow me for more tips and strategies on how to optimize your online presence and grow your service-based business. Together, we can create a website that truly reflects the value you provide and helps you achieve your business goals.
