Website dos and don’ts – a short and sweet checklist
Find out if your website ticks all the boxes:
Dos!
- Do let it be clear exactly what you do – what kind of coaching
- This needs to show on the homepage. It’s amazing how many forget to mention this “little” relevant detail.
- Do let people know who you do it for (target market/niche)
- This will assure your visitors that they’ve come to the right place.
- Do have a Call to Action on each page
- Attention span online is short, so tell visitors what you want them to do next to keep them clicking.
- Do have a blog/vlog/podcast channel (or any a live element that shows that you are active)
- This helps with trust and credibility and shows your potential clients how you can help them.
- Do let it show that you understand your client’s problem and especially their feelings around this
- This establishes an emotional connection and makes them more willing to listen to your solutions.
Don’t!
- Don’t clutter your website with too much information
- Remember, the attention span is short online. Less is more. Find the few key messages that really make an impact and create that emotional response, and don’t try to cover every piece of information anyone may need. You can tell each one what they particularly need to hear when they contact you.
- Don’t make it hard to contact you
- A contact button should be easily seen from all of your pages. Usually, people look for a Contact link on the right-hand side in the main navigation bar. Also, you can add links to your contact page whenever you encourage visitors to contact you (in your copy).
- Don’t use so many plugins and fancy things that your website loads slowly
- Again, the attention span is short online. Nobody likes to wait. Some people leave a site already after 2-3 seconds if it hasn’t loaded. No point having impressive effects if nobody waits around to see them.
- Don’t use a website builder or theme that is not mobile responsive
- Over 80% of users will look at your website from a mobile device. Check that your website is easy to read from any kind of device. Having to scroll sideways, or read the tiniest of text is annoying, and will only make people leave your site.
- Don’t skimp on website maintenance
- Make sure that your site is always up to date from a technical point of view (the latest version of plugins, themes, etc.) to avoid hacks, and check regularly that your contact forms and signup forms are working. It would be a shame to lose a client who is ready to contact you!
How did you “score” on the website dos and don’ts list? 🙂 Do you feel you need some help?
A good start is my Website Planner. It helps you get an overall picture of what your website needs.
Get your hands on it here ↓
Or write to me if you would like some one-to-one attention for your website, be it a 1-hour Website Review or to talk about a potential revamp of your website.
Nice post Vibeke! I loved it. I’d add “Do show what other people think about your awesome work”.
Yes, Luis, that’s a good one to include! Thanks for adding it here in the comment field 🙂
On my “Do” list: DO build your website. Vibeke, someday I’ll get there… and with your help, I know it will be great!
I like your “Do” list Debbie ♥
I look forward to work with you on it once you are ready. You will get there!
Great advice…we often forget all those little and big tips! Thanks for reminding me…
Thanks Georgia 🙂
These are such valuable points and facts which all taken into consideration, can lead to finally being seen and making the difference one truly desires. Thanks for sharing Vibeke.
Thank you Omozua!