My Website Checklist

Mar 31

Quick, Effective Tips To Optimize Your Site

When it comes to updating a website (and creating a legit digital marketing strategy, for that matter), overcoming the hurdle and just getting started can feel like a real struggle.

I have been there so many times. We keep doing things the way they’ve always been done because it seems easier and more straightforward. I am the type who tends to have so many ideas that I get overwhelmed and ultimately decide to do nothing, ugh.

Don’t let this be the struggle with your website! You know your current site isn’t cutting it. You may be overwhelmed about website updates, asking yourself, “where do I even start?” And you know you need to do something soon, because your old DIY website is getting embarrassing real quick.

Enter: my website checklist. It’s the perfect place to start! These bite-sized tasks will help you assess the state of your website and make quick, effective changes. It’s time to optimize your website experience and help your audience connect with you and your community!

Here’s how:

Put one clear, eye-catching call-to-action "above the fold" on the homepage
Above the fold” is the first section users see when viewing your website on a laptop. You want it to be immediately obvious what users should do when they land on your site. Usually the main call-to-action is “Shop Now” or “Contact Us.” Regardless of the content, I’d recommend picking one call-to-action as your top priority.
Add a clear and succinct 6-8 word description of who you are and what you do
This short sentence should also be above the fold on your homepage. Again, this is information you want to be immediately obvious to web users, so I’d recommend leaning toward direct and literal explanations as opposed to flowery language.
Include clear calls-to-action at the bottom of each page of the site
It may feel repetitive to you, but you want to keep things as easy as possible for your web users. Whether you want them to Shop, Contact, or Donate - don’t hide the ball! Add clear buttons to send users to the place where they’re most likely to take action.
Is your site mobile responsive?
Do a quick check of your site on your phone screen. How are things looking when they’re resized for the smaller screen? You want to make sure the text is still legible, the menu is easy to access, and the overall website vibe is still right, despite the reformatted design. About half of your audience is seeing your website on their phone screen, so if things look wonky on this view it’s time to bump “Update The Website” higher on your priority list.
Label menu items in a succinct & straightforward way
The website navigation is another place where you want things to be extremely easy and obvious for users. When it comes to the menu, web users expect all websites to follow similar conventions. For example, the menu should include words like “About” “Contact” or “Blog.” Even though “Send A Note” may seem more appropriate for your brand than “Contact” – you want to prioritize simplicity on the website navigation.
Does your website have a curated color palette?
Does your website use a lot of colors? More than 2 fonts? When you look at it, does it feel more chaotic or more streamlined? Think about how you want your customers to feel when interacting with you and/or your work… Do you feel that the visuals on your website evoke those feelings? If not, you may want to research visual brand designs and consider how you might bring font and color choices back into alignment with your brand values.