Why your website needs regular health checks.
Why your website needs regular health checks.
I want you to take a moment and consider the things that turn you OFF when you’re cruising the internet looking for a service or product.
Slow loading pages or images? Yep.
Broken links? Most definitely.
A security certificate warning? I won’t even try to open the site.
Incorrect or out-of-date information? It makes me think they don’t care.
Unimpressed. Annoyed. Unsafe… Not exactly the emotions you want potential clients to feel when exploring your website! While all of these are a definite turn-off for potential clients, did you know they can also impact how Google sees your website – and therefore how it shows you in search results?
I recommend that all my clients have regular website health checks to be sure their sites are performing as they should be.
If everything “seems” ok with your website, should you still check it?
Everything pretty much always “seems” ok with websites right before major issues occur. From the white screen of death (yes, that’s a real thing…) to smaller issues such as a disappearing instagram feed or broken image, there are lots of small tweaks that together can make the difference between a site that is top condition, and one that is on the verge of a breakdown.
Just like you go to the dentist for checkups BEFORE you have a raging toothache, website checkups are designed to PREVENT issues from becoming issues. It’s always best – and cheaper – to fix the small stuff before it becomes big!
Can you do a website health check yourself?
Absolutely! I’ve below I have provided basic details on how to go about this yourself. For the most impact, however, it’s best to work with someone who knows exactly what to look for and how to properly optimize all the moving pieces so you can feel 100% confident that your site is in its best possible condition.
What needs to be done in a website health check?
Our website health checks are a deep dive into the backend of your website – the stuff you likely rarely look at or know what to do with. Often, problems that haven’t yet impacted the user experience on your website are already impacting the back-end – and how your site performs in search. We find these, and fix them.
SITE SPEED
We’ll look at how quickly your site loads and how to improve the experience for site visitors. Did you know that each one-second delay in page loading times results in a 7% reduction in conversions? So if your site loads in 5 seconds instead of 1, that’s a 28% reduction in potential clients. In fact, if a page doesn’t load in less than 3 seconds, 40% of people will simply abandon a website page before it even opens. Site speed is an absolutely key part of optimal website function. You can test your site speed using Google’s Page Speed Insights tool.
GOOGLE CORE WEB VITALS
We’ll review your site for optimization and page layout shifts that are impacting your Google Core Web Vitals. Using a caching tool and image optimization we will optimize your site for the new Core Web Vitals update that evaluates the user experience on your site as a determinant for how your site will show up in search. Curious to see how you are faring with the Core Web Vitals requirements? Same as above, use the Google Page Speed Insights tool.
BROKEN LINKS
Did you know that broken links can have a negative impact on your search engine optimization (SEO) rankings? Broken links suggest to Google that users will perhaps be frustrated when navigating your site. We make sure that your links are all intact, and fix any redirects that may need to happen. We also hide any pages that are not relevant to Google to keep your search profile clean. Looking for deadlinks? This 404 Checker tool will help you find them.
UPDATES
We’ll make sure all the backend elements of your website are up to date, from your theme & plugins to your PHP and SSL Certificate along with your website security setup. You can find these within your site dashboard as well as in your hosting plan.
How often should I do a website health check?
Every website owner should consider having a website health check done at least once a year. Twice a year would be ideal, along with weekly / monthly scans for security & backups. The websites that perform best are those that receive ongoing loving care and attention!
Book Your Website Health Scan Today!
Let us ensure that your site is in optimal condition to attract and convert potential clients. We’ll check your site speed, analytics, find broken links, take care of backend updates & more!
Now just $499
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
Hi there, I’m Sarah Juliusson, and yes I really am a Website Doula. I support your practice growth with creative website design, seasoned business guidance, and plenty of great resources to help you find your way. With 13 years in web design, and another 20+ years as a health & wellness pro, I believe in the value of your work as much as you do. Explore your options for a custom website today.