The 10 Web Site Resolutions You Can’t Ignore in 2010

Are you sick of “Top 10 “New Year’s Resolutions lists” yet? I sure hope not because I’ve got just one more for you here today that will make the difference in your level of online success.

I do this every year, and added to 2009′s Resolutions which still apply, you’ll have a running start ahead of your competition in 2010.

These are the issues I think are most important to your success and that I see many of my clients and clients-to-be struggling with. If you pay attention to only one “10″ list — this is the one that is critical to your program in the year ahead!

10. If you still have a static HTML site — make moving your site to WordPress — now! There is no way a static HTML site can offer you the Web 2.0 benefits and functionality you must have to compete online.
9. When did you last review your search engine rankings and SEO practices. Get in the habit of reviewing this info at least once each month. How can you possibly understand how to get where you want to be if you don’t even know where you are starting from?
8. When was the last time you reviewed your Web site’s statistical data? Links, referrers, bots, keywords — all this data provides you with a wealth of information that you need to make educated decisions moving forward. Make a point of reviewing this info once each month to gleam actionable gems of info.
7. Not Blogging yet? What the heck are you waiting for? When in history have businesses of any size had the venue and opportunity to communicate with their market in real time about the things their customers are interested in and concerned about? Never! The main excuse I hear is “I can’t write.” What? Well, you can learn, you need to learn — you need to Blog! This is a tool that any business cannot afford to ignore the potential of.
6. The Social Media train has left the station. Ignore these venues at your business’ peril. Determine where your target market hangs out and be there — or be square. Just starting out? Minimally setup a Twitter, Facebook Fan Page and LinkedIn business account so that you can have your Blog auto-post to get you started. You will need to include Social Media involvement into your time management budget.
5. Brush up on your Business E-mail Etiquette. How you type whether in response to site inquiries, on forums, Blog comments or on social media sites will lend to a perception about you that can enhance or hinder your business branding efforts. Type like a grade-schooler and don’t be surprised if you are not taken as seriously as your competitors who understand the importance of this underestimated topic.
4. Can’t have a Web site without a domain name that you own, that you ensure you keep and that you keep updated. Stop right now and review all your domain names to check they have your most current contact information and that they are set to auto-renew. Don’t rely on e-mails from your registrar to remind yo –, be proactive! This may seem trivial but I see clients lose domains or have them go off-line every week because they don’t pay attention to these details!
3. Ensure that getting in touch with you is easy — not a scavenger hunt. You must include in your navigation a Contact link/tab on every page so folks can contact you from anywhere in your site with just one click. On that page have your physcial address and utilize GoogleMaps if you need visitors to find you. Include your phone number, fax number and customer service e-mail address (coded in such a way to avoid spam harvesting) as well.
2. Update and engage, rinse and repeat. Post to your Blog at least several times each week. Post to your social media profiles on a regular basis with personal insights above and beyond your auto-posted Blog posts. Engage your target market by offering assistance and answering questions on the social media sites you frequent. Be there and be approachable. Online a hands-off approach results in most potential customers tuning you out.
1. The number one Web site resolution you can’t ignore is the fact that technology is rocking and rolling and you have to make an effort to keep up. If you are not learning; you are falling behind. Running a successful online business is all about being in the now; not the past. I know — it isn’t easy, but if you want your Web site to succeed you need to be on the edge and make an effort to be current with the latest trends and strategies. If you cannot do this yourself, choose partners you can trust to do so for you when needed.

About the Author:
Judith Kallos is a WordPress Consultant with 15 years on online business and marketing experience. She specializes in coaching business owners on how to leverage technology to their advantage.

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