Month: September 2023

Here’s some simple things to check:

1. Use HTTPS

Implement SSL/TLS encryption to enable HTTPS on your website. This encrypts data transmitted between the user’s browser and your server, ensuring secure communication.

2. Choose a Secure Hosting Provider

Select a reputable hosting provider that prioritises security, offers regular security updates, and has robust security measures in place.

3. Keep Software Updated

Regularly update your website’s content management system (CMS), plugins, themes, and other software components to patch known security vulnerabilities.

4. Regular Backups

Check your hosting provider schedules automated backups of your website and databases.

5. Security Plugins and Tools

Use security plugins and tools designed for your CMS, such as Wordfence for WordPress, to scan for vulnerabilities and monitor for suspicious activities.

6. File Upload Security

If your site allows file uploads, restrict file types and use server-side validation to prevent malicious uploads, such as executable files.

So what can you do?

1.Visual Appeal
Ensure your website is clean, organized, and looks great to impress your users.

2. Color & Typography
Have consistent typography and a pleasing color scheme to enhance your user’s perception of the site.

3.Loading Speed
If your site doesn’t load quickly, your user’s opinion isn’t going to be great. Use Google Lighthouse to see what you can do!

4. Clarity of Purpose
Users need be able to quickly determine what your website is about and its main purpose. A clear and concise headline or tagline helps establish this.

5. Trust Signals
Add elements such as security badges, testimonials, and clear contact information to quickly establish trust.

6. Professionalism
Check your site for errors, broken links, typos etc – any of which could ruin your credibility and trustworthiness.

7. Negative Elements
Be wary of intrusive ads, pop-ups or aggressive color choices which can all contribute to negative first impressions.

So what do you do?

1. Optimize Images and Media
   Save your images in formats like WebP and JPEG 2000. Compress your images using tools like ImageMagick, TinyPNG, or Squoosh.
   
2. Minimize HTTP Requests
   Reduce your calls to external sites and scripts. Shrink your number of assets by combining your CSS & JS files.
   
3. Browser caching
   Enable static assets on your site to be cached in the browser. If using WordPress, try tools like Rocket Cache.
   
4. Mobile Optimisation
   Design with mobile-first principles to ensure good performance on small screens eg simplified navigation, flexible layouts and deciding what content is necessary for mobile.
   
5. Optimise your fonts
   Use a minimal number of web fonts and consider using system fonts where possible eg Times New Roman and Arial.
   
6. Site performance
   Check your website’s performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Lighthouse.
   
7. Server Performance
   Choose a fast and reliable hosting provider for your site. Optimise server-side code and database queries.

Here’s how you grab them!

1. Key info
   Ensure your key information is above the fold ie logo, navigation, and call to action (CTA).
   
2. Strong
   Use a strong CTA eg ‘Sign up for our newsletter today!’,
   ‘Shop now and save 20% !’ or ‘Start your free trial!’
   
3. Visual
   Choose images and videos that pop out!
   
4. Clear
   Use clear and concise language. People are more likely to read and understand simple information.
   
   

1. Vagueness
   Vague or generic copy eg “Learn more” “Click here”. Instead try: “Sign up for our newsletter” “Download our free ebook.”
   
2. Too many CTAs
   One strong CTA is better than multiple weak ones!
   
3. Wrong locations
   Place your CTA somewhere prominent eg Above the fold, Below your headline, Next to a form.
   
4. Wrong colours
   Red is the most attention-grabbing color. Followed by orange and yellow.
   
5. Test, Test, Test!
   Try changing the copy, locations and colours to see what gets maximum impact!