Running a business is hard enough without having to become a tech whiz too. You’re busy building your brand, connecting with customers, and making things happen. The last thing you need is to feel stuck when your website needs a little love.
The good news? You absolutely can keep your website fresh and current, even if you don’t know HTML from your elbow. Let’s walk through some simple ways to update your website without needing a computer science degree.
Choose a User-Friendly Platform
This is the most important decision you’ll make. Your website platform (also known as a Content Management System or CMS) is the foundation. Pick one that’s easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy. Some popular, beginner-friendly options include:
- WordPress: Don’t let the name intimidate you! While it can be powerful, WordPress is surprisingly easy to use with the right theme and page builder (more on that below).
- Squarespace: Known for its beautiful templates and drag-and-drop interface, Squarespace is a great choice for visually-focused businesses.
- Wix: Similar to Squarespace, Wix offers a simple drag-and-drop editor and a wide range of templates.
Think of it like choosing a car. You want something reliable, easy to drive, and that gets you where you need to go without a lot of fuss.
Embrace the Drag-and-Drop
Forget coding! Drag-and-drop page builders are your new best friends. These tools allow you to visually design your website pages by simply dragging elements (text, images, buttons, etc.) into place. Many popular platforms, like WordPress (with plugins like Elementor or Beaver Builder), Squarespace, and Wix, offer this functionality.
Imagine you want to add a new customer testimonial to your homepage. With a drag-and-drop builder, you can simply drag a “testimonial” block onto the page, then paste in the text and upload a photo. No coding required!
Keep Your Content Fresh
Your website is a living thing! It needs regular updates to stay relevant and engaging. Here are a few easy content updates you can tackle:
- Blog Posts: Share your expertise, announce company news, or offer helpful tips. A blog is a fantastic way to attract new visitors and keep existing customers informed.
- Testimonials: Nothing builds trust like a happy customer. Regularly update your testimonials to showcase your success stories.
- Photos and Videos: Visuals make your website more appealing. Add new photos of your products, your team, or your workspace. Short videos are also a great way to engage visitors.
- Special Offers and Promotions: Keep your audience excited by highlighting current deals and discounts.
Learn the Basics of SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) might sound complicated, but the basics are easy to grasp. SEO is all about making your website more visible in search engine results (like Google). Here are a few simple SEO tips:
- Use Keywords: Think about the words people would use to search for your business. Include those keywords in your website content (but don’t stuff them in!).
- Write Compelling Titles and Descriptions: These are the snippets that appear in search results. Make them clear, concise, and enticing.
- Optimize Your Images: Give your images descriptive file names and “alt text” (alternative text). This helps search engines understand what the images are about.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Even with the easiest platforms, you might occasionally run into a snag. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Most website platforms have extensive help documentation, online forums, and even customer support teams. You can also find plenty of tutorials and guides on YouTube.
Think of it like learning a new recipe. Even if you’re following the instructions carefully, you might need to call a friend for advice. There’s no shame in asking for help!
Website Updates: The Takeaway
Keeping your website updated doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By choosing a user-friendly platform, embracing drag-and-drop tools, and focusing on fresh content, you can easily maintain a website that reflects your brand and attracts new customers. So go ahead, take control of your online presence, and watch your business thrive!