We’re often asked to look at existing websites and give recommendations.  It’s kinda’ what we do.  Well, here are our “Top 10″ ways to freshen up your web presence.

1. Focus on One Big Idea – A website about anything and everything quickly turns into a website about nothing.  Be sure your website is focused on your one big idea – whether that’s your mission statement or your vision or your sales goal.  If you have additional big ideas, maybe you should consider starting additional websites, so your online presence isn’t muddy.
2. Own Your Message – Know thyself.  What are the key features of your product or service?  What are the key benefits of using you instead of a competitor?  What do you want people to do after visiting your site?  Publicize your features and benefits.  Ask for the sale.
3. Know Your Audience – Who will visit your website?  Who will want what you’re offering?  Write to them.  Find ways of interacting with them, if possible.  The better you know your audience, the more effectively you’ll be able to communicate to them.  (For churches and schools – is your website for current members and students or future members and students?)
4. Get a Good Web Address – Make your web address short, simple, fun, and easy to remember.  Even if you have to go out and buy a new one, it’s worth the time and effort.  (more here)
5. Create an “About” Page – The “About” page is the most-visited page of any blog or website.  Tell people who you are, why your organization (or website) exists.  Make it short, interesting, and punchy.  Add pictures.
6. Make it Easy for People to Contact You – Put contact information in a prominent menu position or on every page of your website.  Don’t make people hunt for your location, phone number, or email.  I’ve seen beautiful (but entirely useless) church websites with no service times or locations and no way to contact a person for a response.
7. Have an RSS Feed – An RSS feed helps people get your website information all over the internet.  It can encourage return-visitors, and keep your audience up-to-date.
8. Help Readers Subscribe – Make your RSS feed prominent with a big “Subscribe via RSS” button.  Or set up a newsletter or email subscription service (like FeedBlitz).  That way, you don’t have to depend on people coming to your website.  You can push your website out to them (with their permission, of course).
9. Include Social Bookmarking – People are all-atwitter about Twitter and Facebook, Digg and Del.icio.us.  If someone finds an amazing product or idea or event on your website, you should make it very easy (yea, an obvious next step) for them to share that information with their friends.
10. Update Your Content – Eliminate old, outdated content.  Check for broken links.  Write something new every now and then.  If it looks like you haven’t visited your own website in the last 2 years, don’t expect others to visit either.

If you’d like help giving your site a facelift – or if you need a brand new web site – contact us for a free consultation.