You can’t stay relevant online if your website feels old and outdated. But that doesn’t necessarily mean your web presence needs a complete overhaul, either. Here are three ways you can improve your website and re-engage both your audience and search engines without investing in a complete redesign.
Follow the 3-Second Rule
According to this rule of thumb, you have approximately three seconds to make an impression on your readers. If your website is disorganized, ambiguous or just plain confusing, your audience is more likely to wander off in search of greener pastures. To keep their attention, you have to state your case quickly and provide a clear, focused path to conversion.
Don’t leave it up to others to decipher the intent of your site. They’re not detectives in search of a mystery; they’re potential customers in search of information, insight and value. Give it to them simply, and do the work so they don’t have to.
Keep Your Content Fresh and Valuable
Frequent content updates not only help you establish authority and gain keyword traction with search engines, but they also give your audience something to consume and share. This, of course, assumes you’re providing something of value. (The days of fluff and keyword stuffing are long gone.)
To ensure optimal success, keep Google’s algorithm updates in mind and consider your readers and SEO when creating content. This will help you create collateral that’s not just valuable but forward-thinking and SEO friendly as well.
Make Sure Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly
However, just being mobile-friendly isn’t enough. Your website needs to load quickly and provide an enjoyable user experience. Otherwise, your audience will find what they’re looking for elsewhere.
If you’re not sure where you stand on mobile appeal, Google’s tips for creating mobile sites may come in handy.