Why Audit Your Site?
In early 1995 when companies were first starting to get Web sites up and running they were just excited to have a Web site. The sites were brochure-ware. They were simply a few pages with a page on products, services and general contact information. Sometimes the contact link was just a link to pop up an email.
Then in 2000 there was a dot BOOM when every bad idea had an opportunity to get online. You could pay money online to do anything including your laundry. This was the short golden era for flashy sites that had no real business plan behind them. The concept of a Web site was still so new then, that Web sites of any kind were “cool.”
Today it is different. We have reigned in our wide-eyed grins. A Web site is a marketing tool to help businesses save money, save time, make money, educate, entertain and build community. At this time many companies have already redesigned their first version of their Web site. They may even be on version 4 of their site, a site that now has ecommerce or custom content management system tools for them to update their own content. In this site version they probably removed the “skip intro” flash animation that everybody said was so “cool” ten years ago. Or maybe not.
A Web Site Audit is a carefully prepared document that assesses all aspects of your Web site today.
So, here are a few questions to consider, before getting an Audit:
- Are you embarrassed to send customers to your existing site?
- Are your customers finding appropriate information on your site? How do you know if they are? Have you asked them?
- Is it easy to navigate your site?
- Is your Web site meeting your business goals? For example, if you are selling products or services, is your site accurately reflecting this business?
- Are you up to speed with current Web site standards? This includes style, content, voice, branding, functionality and more.
- Are you making the most of the Internet today?
- Do you think your site could be better?
Read about Dangerous first impressions...
