If you're looking for a sign that tells you to update/upgrade your website... Well, girlfriend, THIS IS IT. And I know for a fact that you're not alone with this dilema but this can give a negative impact to your user experience. Statistically you have less than 30 seconds to capture an audience. Make your first impression count. When you impress your client during the first 30 seconds it's up to you to create a positive experience. You should put in mind that users can not navigate flawlessly a site that does not have strategy and is functioning poorly.
Here are a few unbreakable rules that you should follow: 1. Same Window, New Window Here's the thing, you need to keep your users on the current window if you're linking them to an internal page within your website. If you're linking them to an external page, say for example, a Social Media Account, someone's website or your landing page, You need to redirect them to a new window but its up to you to decide whether you will redirect the user to a new window or let them stay on the current window. But what is the difference between a landing page and an internal page? An internal page is most evident with its URL. It houses the content for services, about page and contact page. In this case, an internal page is the extension of the home page. However, the landing page is NOT the homepage because landing pages are typically used to sell a specific service or educational course. 2. Favicon A rather small detail. Literally a Favicon is only 12 square pixels. It is often taken forgrantted. But you should not take this little guy forgrantted. You know why? It can amp up your SEO because once your favicon is on point they can increase your visibility in browser tabs and bookmarks. Make your Favicon a variation of your brand identity that is suited for small square spaces. Don't use your headshot or an image. 3. Hero Image Contrary to popular belief, thi is NOT another place to feature your amazing logo. Your Hero Image is like an apartment right next to Central Park in New York City, PRIME REAL ESTATE. This is the best place to talk to your audience about what you do, your services, etc. This is also the place for your CTA's or Call-To-Action tabs in order for your site to gain the traffic you desire. The 3 major components of a Hero Page are as follows: 1. Image Chose a photo that has your brand written all over it. A photo that best represents your aesthetic, your vibes and who you are as a person. If you don't use your own photos, credit the photographer/s in the Footer of your Homepage. 2. Text You have to be straightforward with your audience. Use words that speak to them directly. Identify your clients and speak to them in a way that you and your clients are most comfortable. 3. Call-To-Action (CTA) Do not use a lot of CTAs. The maximum number of CTA Buttons in a page is two. The primary CTA should redirect the client to the primary goal of the website and the secondary should be a less committal action item. A common primary CTA setup is having a "Let's Get Started" Button linking to your contact page. This is very good for your business because this is your chance to get users locked in to connecting with you. The second CTA gives your audience a chance to get to know you. This is a breathing room for your audience and future clients to take the next step in reaching out to you. With all of that being said, you must make sure the your primary CTA is present in all your internal pages. You've put on a significant amount of time and hard work to have a strategically beautiful website, don't do it in half measures. Give it your all. So, track down those links and pages that need updating and work on it.