Is your self-hosted WordPress website missing the mark? There are so many ways to improve the way WordPress looks and performs. Applying minor or major changes may significantly improve the look and feel of your site when applied with a focus on improving user experience.
Follow my 10 Tips To Make WordPress More Inviting
1. Jazz up WordPress
Upgrade your theme and adding a crisp design and layout. Consider using a premium theme like Divi by Elegant Themes. Create stunning up to the minute custom designs with Divi, as the possibilities are endless or use one of the hundreds of pre-made layout. There’s no limit to how many sites members can use Divi on and there’s no limit to a member’s support and members have full access to all of their products. Divi is a great choice for those who want to look professional online. Alternatively, you may choose from thousands of WordPress themes at ThemeForest.
2. Consider Rebranding
Create a new brand identity with a new logo, new fonts and colour scheme. Rebranding has the potential to revive a business. The main reason for rebranding is to increase the ability of people to take notice and to reach new customers. My article on Branding and Logo Design provides clarity on what a brand is, the purpose of a brand and brand identity features.
3. Audit Web Content
Analyse and assess all web pages for content to be updated, repurposed or removed. Blog posts can also be audited, updated, redated, reimaged and repurposed. The main goal is to improve your content strategy by exposing weaknesses that may be hindering your objectives. Remove irrelevant, inaccurate or outdated content. Replace it with accurate and up to date keyword-rich and relatable content that resonates with your audience. I highly recommend a vigilant eye be kept on web content. See the next point to learn the easiest way to conduct an audit. Also, ensure consistency by checking social media and printed marketing material to ensure it is relevant and matches your branding and business objectives.
4. Meet Compliance Regulations
Most professionals need to conduct an audit check of website content to ensure their site meets compliance regulations. The easiest way to audit a site is by adding web page name headings on a Word Document, then copying and pasting relevant content under the matching headings. Save and edit the document, rewrite it and proofread it for spelling errors and correct grammar before making any web page changes. Check all your social media platforms to ensure compliance regulations are also being met. Also, check and double-check that all your printed marketing material is compliant.
5. Reorganise The Primary Menu
When main navigation menu items are hard to find, perhaps rename items on your menu, reorganise their order or consider adding a link or buttons on the homepage. On the Dashboard, go to Appearance>Menu. See my WordPress FAQ for more details on how to Add or Edit a Menu.
6. Re-image Your Site
Swap old images for new ones. Resize slow loading images. Edit images in Canva (easier) which offers a free version or Canva Pro for an annual fee. However, Canva Pro is made available for free to non-profits. Gimp is an open-source image manipulation program for more experienced users. Similar to Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
7. Regular WordPress Maintenance
Maintain WordPress regularly to keep up with the latest security patches and back up your site. Hackers are always looking for vulnerabilities to exploit. Affordable WordPress maintenance plans are designed to let you take care of business.
8. Declutter WordPress
Remove excess page text and replace it with a good web copy for better conversion rates. Remove unused plugins and leave only 2 themes. Leave 3 if you have a child theme. (parent, child and another theme) Check for broken links.
9. Mobile Phone Optimisation
Responsive web design is a must in an era when even our teens have access to mobile phones, which are little handheld computers we use while on the go. Test your website for mobile phone friendliness on Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test Tool.
10. On-page SEO – Search Engine Optimisation
Page titles, image tags, URLs and meta descriptions can also be checked to make sure they are Google friendly so that your site can be found on Google search results. Add an SEO plugin, and add SEO excerpt, keywords, meta description and featured images for all web pages. Use keyword-rich content on all pages and posts. Try the Free All In One SEO Pack plugin.