Summer Website Checkup
approx 5 minute read
Don’t hibernate when it’s hot…
Stay ship-shape with your summer website checkup
We all know the drill: prepping our wardrobes and homes for each new season. It’s seasonal self-preservation 101.
But hold on, what about your website? Does it deserve the same level of seasonal TLC?
Absolutely!
Winter website checkups often get the spotlight.
But summer brings a unique set of online customer behaviours that require just as much attention.
So give your website a summer makeover. Shed the winter coat and embrace the sunshine.
Heck, even fetch your Speedos.
Meet you by the pool. We’re about to make a splash.
Step #1
Beyond the brochure website
Some people are too kind to their websites.
Letting them get away with being a little too lazy-susan for our liking.
Your website shouldn’t be a digital brochure gathering dust on an online shelf.
It should be a dynamic hub that drives sales, captures leads, or manages bookings.
Here’s how to ensure it’s hustling during the summer rush…
- E-commerce for the win: If you don’t already sell products online, consider adding a curated selection that complements your services. Imagine a landscape gardener offering summer essentials like stylish planters or decorative outdoor lighting.
- Booking is believing: Many service businesses can benefit from online booking functionality. Think about it… The ease of scheduling appointments, trips, events, or camping spots directly through your website. Imagine the relief of skipping phone queues and frantic emails. Pure summer bliss for them, and a streamlined process for you.
Step #2
Summerise your content and user experience (UX)
Just like refreshing your wardrobe, your website content deserves a seasonal update.
You can put the speedos away now, actually, but still…
Time to ditch the winter woolies and embrace the sunshine with these tips:
- Content refresh: Breathe new life into your website with summer-themed content. Highlight seasonal promotions, new service offerings, or blog posts about summer activities relevant to your niche. Let’s say you’re a dog groomer or veterinary practice. Why not whip up a blog post about the best dog-friendly beaches or ice cream parlours to visit with your four-legged friend?
- Seasonal navigation: Make sure your summer content is easy to find! Review your website’s menus and navigation to ensure they are clear and up-to-date for seasonal offerings. Don’t let your summer specials get lost in the digital wilderness.
- Visual appeal: Summer is a time for vibrant colours and sunny vibes. Update your website with high-quality, summer-themed images to create a seasonal ambience. Think sparkling swimming pools for a pool maintenance company, or juicy close-ups of summer fruits for a local farm shop.
Step #3
Create a summer buzz
Deploy some specific marketing strategies for the summer months. Because a fantastic website is like a hidden gem. But it can only truly shine once discovered. Wow, that’s deep. Here are some more down-to-earth ways to generate a summer buzz.
Use these ideas (and many more!) to get people flocking to your online haven:
- Seasonal promotions: It seems like every e-commerce website and its ice-cream-loving dog has a Summer Sale. So maybe you should too. Highlight any deals or special offers you have on your website and landing pages. Don’t be shy – shout it from the digital rooftops! Sage Snippet: Deals don’t always have to be discounts. Get creative with value-adding using free delivery and upsells.
- Social media blitz: Run targeted social media campaigns promoting your summer offerings.
- Cool content: Remember, visuals and videos are king (and queen) ((and non-gender-specific monarch)). Utilise eye-catching visuals and engaging summer-themed content. Think recipe tutorials for a bakery or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your summer adventure tours.
- Use seasonal PPC ads: Unlike SEO, which also helps drive traffic to your website, Search Ads can be switched on. And off. You can set a budget you’re comfortable with and be very targeted with their application.
- Partner up: Collaborate with other local businesses for cross-promotion opportunities. This is a fantastic way to expand your reach and attract new customers. Imagine a yoga studio teaming up with a healthy food store to offer a summer package – Win-maste, Yogi’s!
Step #4
Technical tweaks:
Keep your site running smoothly this summer. A slow-loading website is the enemy of summer fun (and conversions). Nobody wants to wait for an eternity for pages to load, especially during peak browsing times.
Here are some technical aspects to check to keep your website running smoothly:
- Speed it up: Run a website speed test and identify areas for improvement. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights offer valuable recommendations. Consider code tweaks and image optimisation plugins to shave off those precious seconds.
- Mobile friendliness: With more people browsing on their phones than ever before, ensure your website displays perfectly on all devices. Especially when people are out-and-about. Of course, a responsive design is crucial for a seamless user experience. But it’s also about rethinking the content and delivering speedy content efficiently.
- Platform and plugin updates: Just like your phone, your website platform and plugins need regular updates. These updates often include bug fixes and security patches, so don’t neglect them. Think of it as digital housekeeping – essential for a healthy and secure website. Ask about our Care Plans for added peace of mind.
- SSL Certificate: An SSL certificate is a digital handshake that encrypts information flowing between your website and visitors. In simpler terms, it adds a layer of security to your website, protecting sensitive data like credit card details. It also prevents Google Chrome from flagging your website to visitors as ‘not safe’.
Take the next step:
Summer might seem like a time to relax and unwind, but your website shouldn’t follow suit!
By implementing these summer website checkup tips, you can ensure your online presence is thriving during the hottest months of the year.
From sprucing up your content with a seasonal twist to adding a touch of e-commerce flair, you’ll be attracting summer customers and keeping those conversions flowing.
Remember, a little summer TLC for your website can go a long way.
For help making your website the best it can be, or for proven ways to drive traffic to your business, contact your local Nettl partner.
