Nowadays, a company website is often the first port of call a customer will turn to when reaching out to a business – and first impressions count. Within seconds of visiting a site, a customer will have made up their mind whether to continue browsing and find out more about your business, or move on elsewhere. For this reason, a company website cannot risk being outdated.
Many businesses think that once a website has been created, that is it; however, every website needs to be kept updated regularly, and occasionally, it will need a redesign.
How do you know when your site needs a revamp? Take into consideration the key performance indicators you look for when analysing your website, like:
How many visits do you receive?
What is your bounce rate?
What is your conversion?
How long do visitors spend on your website?
If you are not hitting your targets, it’s time to consider a makeover. Below, I have highlighted a few important factors to consider that may need refreshing to help ensure your website is reaching its maximum potential.
Aesthetics
Your website should always look fresh and modern. It is a representation of your brand and by looking outdated, confusing or cheap, it could greatly impact the customers’ opinions and your overall credibility.
Usability
It’s important that a website’s structure and design is clear and uncluttered. Users should be able to quickly navigate around the site and information should be easy to find. If your website’s too difficult to browse through, visitors will likely give up and search elsewhere.
Content
Keep the content on your website current and make sure it displays the most relevant and up-to-date information about your company. Over time your business may have expanded or changed, and outdated information and can be confusing or misleading to viewers.
Accessibility
Website structures need to be reviewed and altered occasionally, so they can be clearly viewed on mobile devices. If your site isn’t accessible on all platforms, you may end up losing potential business – especially with mobile and tablet devices becoming the most common way to access the internet.
SEO
How high does your website appear in search engine results? The structure of your website and placement of keywords can have a huge impact on how easily prospective customers find your site. For example, keywords that feature frequently and prominently throughout your site will help move your site higher up the list of search engine listings and reach a larger audience.
Website users change, so for a redesign to be effective, focus on the areas that need improvement, what works and what doesn’t, and meeting the changing needs of customers.
When was the last time you had a website redesign? I would love to know your thoughts, drop me a line at [email protected] or tweet me @Lava_Lisa.
Lisa Yates is the design manager at Lava, an award-winning marketing agency in Lincoln.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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