An Unsecured Website
To start with, do you know how to spot a secured website from an unsecured one? A way to find it is located at the top of the webpage, in the address bar. Indeed, when a website is considered trusted, it will start with HTTPS instead of HTTP. These letters mean HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, and it signifies that a third party believes it as safe. A small lock icon is also added close to the address bar too.
There are many reasons why you should have an HTTPS website in 2020. First, it is essential if you want a transactional site like an online shop. When you have the right protocol, it means that customers can purchase on your website safely. Moreover, search engines like Google or Firefox have started to better index sites that are HTTPS instead of HTTP. It is, therefore, in your interest to be considered as a trusted site by the web giants.
For your information, websites that are created with WebSelf automatically come with an HTTPS/SSL connection. It is something to consider regarding the redesign of a website.
SEO
What about the indexing of your website? Do you appear on the first results on Google when you look for your name or main keywords? If you answered no to these questions, it might be because your indexing is not optimal, or your competitors worked hard to climb the position ladder. Generally, search engines like websites that exist for a long time but that are frequently updated. It is then important to add new content from time to time to keep your site alive.
Here are some tips to help you with the indexing of your website. To begin with, each of your webpages should have a main title. This will allow you to structure your website better for search engines; it must, however, be representative of the content. You also need to add a title tag that will be the title on search engine results. This short description must have between 10 and 70 characters maximum. Then, it is also essential to include a meta description for all of your pages. You must explain to Google what is your pages about. A meta description must have between 50 and 160 characters. Of course, you need to use the same keywords, whether it is for your title tag or the meta description of a webpage. It will allow search engines to link the content with the keywords when people search for it. Go on the WebSelf editor and select the PAGES tab. Click on the gear icon and on SEO settings. It is the place where you can fill all basic info about your indexing.
Non-Optimized for Mobile Devices
Have you checked your website statistics recently? You might have seen that there are more and more users that use their mobile devices to browse your site. Is your website adapted to smartphones? Furthermore, even search engines started to give more importance to sites that are responsive, which means that they are mobile-friendly. As we begin the new decade, you need to be optimized for mobile devices if you want to be accessible to all.
If you have a website made with WebSelf, please note that it is automatically optimized to be available on mobile devices. We, however, suggest you check the conception of the mobile version on your site by clicking on the phone icon located top right of the editor.
It Does Not Answer Your Needs Anymore
Every website should have a main objective. It can be to gather together all information regarding your organization or to give notoriety to a business, for instance. With time, your current website might not answer your needs anymore. Instead of changing a page once in a while, why not do a complete rebranding of your website? This will surely give a new breath to your project, whether it is a company or not.
Do you need a transactional website to sell your eBooks or best products? Would you like instead add a blog to post your recent articles? Take the time to analyze your needs and create!
You Do Not Like It Anymore
Do you know the Japanese author Marie Kondo? She suggests a way that connects both cleaning and personal development. In sum, she proposes to get rid of everything that does not bring you joy. With this in mind, is your website still making you happy? If the answer is no, it might be time to do a rebrand. It can be an outdated style, or that does not represent you anymore. Start by looking at websites you like and try to include similar elements to your new website. It is also important to keep in mind your potential visitors during the rebranding process since they are the main users of your site. Do not hesitate to ask them comments to make sure this rebrand is a success!
In conclusion, today might be the best day to start the rebrand of your website. Start by looking for trends and styles you like and then ask yourself how you can answer the needs of your clientele better. Do not forget to adapt your website to mobile devices and to work on your SEO too. We have a lot of authentic examples if you need some inspiration!