A Smart Way to Start the Year: A Practical Website Checkup
The beginning of the year is a great time to review how your website is performing. You do not need a full redesign to see improvement. A short list of focused updates can strengthen trust, improve functionality, and make sure your website is actually helping your business grow.
If your goal is to simplify your site, reduce friction for visitors, and prevent missed opportunities, these updates are a strong place to start.
- Test All Forms and Contact Methods
Before anything else, make sure people can reach you.
Contact forms that fail silently can cost you leads without you ever knowing there is a problem.
Action steps:
- Submit every form on your website
- Confirm messages arrive in the correct inbox
- Check spam and junk folders
- Verify confirmation messages appear after submission
If visitors cannot contact you, nothing else on the site matters.
- Review Your Website on Mobile Devices
Most website visits happen on phones.
If your site feels cramped, slow, or difficult to use on mobile, visitors will leave quickly.
Action steps:
- View your site on several phones and tablets
- Test navigation menus, buttons, and forms
- Make sure text is readable without zooming
A smooth mobile experience is essential.
- Check Website Speed and Performance
Speed affects user experience, search visibility, and conversions.
Even small delays can reduce engagement.
Action steps:
- Run a speed test on your website
- Compress oversized images
- Remove unnecessary scripts or plugins
Improving speed is one of the fastest ways to improve overall site performance.
- Make Sure Analytics Is Installed and Working
Without tracking, it is difficult to make informed decisions.
Analytics help you understand how visitors find your site and how they interact with it.
Action steps:
- Confirm data is actively being collected
- Verify Google Analytics is installed
- Ensure tracking codes are functioning correctly
Reliable data gives you clarity on what is working and what needs attention.
- Update Plugins and Confirm Site Security
Outdated software creates risk and instability.
Regular updates help protect both your website and your visitors.
Action steps:
- Update your website platform and plugins
- Remove plugins you no longer use
- Confirm your SSL certificate is active
Security maintenance should be treated as a priority, not an afterthought.
- Remove Outdated Pages, Content, and Offers
Over time, websites tend to collect clutter.
Old promotions, discontinued services, or irrelevant pages can confuse visitors and weaken your message.
Action steps:
- Remove offers you no longer run
- Update service descriptions that have changed
- Delete pages that no longer support your business goals
If content no longer serves a purpose, it should not stay on your site.
- Refresh Testimonials and Social Proof
Testimonials help build confidence with new visitors.
If they are outdated or missing, potential clients may hesitate.
Action steps:
- Remove testimonials that no longer reflect your work
- Add recent feedback from current clients
- Display testimonials on high-traffic pages
Fresh testimonials signal that people are actively choosing your business.
Small Updates That Make a Big Difference
These improvements do not require a full website overhaul, but they can have a meaningful impact. By addressing these items, you can:
- Build trust with visitors
- Reduce missed leads
- Improve security and performance
- Start the year with a stronger foundation
Your website should support your business goals, not get in the way.
Need Help With Website Maintenance?
If you are not sure where to begin or would prefer professional support, we can help.
At Greatson Media, we build and maintain websites designed to perform, convert, and grow alongside your business. Request your website quote today and let us help you get your site ready for the year ahead.
