20 Easy Things to Do Today to Improve Your Website: Procrastinators Guide to Digital Brilliance

Ready to give your website a makeover without breaking the bank or your brain? You've come to the right place! We've got a smorgasbord of quick and easy tweaks that'll have your site shining brighter than a disco ball at a 70s party.

By implementing these 20 simple improvements, you can transform your website from a digital wallflower into the belle of the internet ball. Whether you're a tech novice or a coding connoisseur, these tips are so straightforward, you'll wonder why you didn't do them sooner. So, grab a cuppa and let's turn your website from meh to marvellous!

1. Spruce up your homepage

Your homepage is like the front door to your digital abode. It's where visitors get their first impression, so let's make it a cracking one!

Think of your homepage as a virtual red carpet. Roll it out with a snazzy headline that grabs attention faster than a squirrel on caffeine. Make it witty, make it punchy, make it impossible to ignore.

Next, let's talk about your hero image. Is it more zero than hero? Time for an upgrade! Choose a visual that's so eye-catching, visitors will forget why they came to your site in the first place.

Don't forget your call-to-action buttons. Make them stand out like a penguin at a flamingo party. Use colours that pop and text that sizzles. "Click here" is so last decade - get creative!

Lastly, declutter like Marie Kondo on a mission. If it doesn't spark joy (or conversions), it's time to bid it farewell. Keep your homepage clean, crisp, and more inviting than a warm cuppa on a rainy day.

2. Add a catchy headline

You know what they say: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Well, your headline is that first impression for your website. It's like the digital equivalent of a chat-up line, but hopefully less cringeworthy.

Want to make your headline irresistible? Try using some interesting words. Skip the boring "better" and go for something more descriptive. How about "mind-blowing" or "life-changing"? Okay, maybe that's a bit much, but you get the idea.

Numbers are your friends here. People love lists, so why not give them what they want? "7 Ways to Revolutionise Your Sock Drawer" sounds far more intriguing than "How to Organise Socks".

Questions can be a great way to pique curiosity. "Are You Making These Common Tea-Brewing Mistakes?" Suddenly, everyone's questioning their tea-making skills.

And don't forget the power of a good comparison. "Walking vs Running: Why Slow and Steady Wins the Race" might just make couch potatoes feel better about their life choices.

Remember, your headline should be like a good joke - short, punchy, and leaving them wanting more. Now go forth and create headlines that would make even clickbait blush!

3. Optimise your images

Let's face it, your website's images might be as bloated as your Uncle Barry after Christmas dinner. Time to put them on a diet!

First up, give your images proper names. "IMG_12345.jpg" won't cut it. Think "fluffy-kitten-eating-spaghetti.jpg" instead. Search engines love that stuff.

Next, embrace the art of compression. It's like Spanx for your pictures - slimming them down without losing the important bits. Aim for that sweet spot between quality and file size.

Choose the right format too. JPEGs for photos, PNGs for graphics with transparency, and SVGs for logos and icons. It's like picking the perfect outfit for each occasion.

Don't forget to resize! Nobody needs a 4000x3000 pixel image of your company picnic. Scale it down to fit your website's dimensions.

Lastly, consider lazy loading. It's not about being slack; it's about loading images only when needed. Your visitors' data plans will thank you.

Remember, optimising images isn't just about looks. It's about speed, SEO, and not making your website feel like it's wading through treacle. Get cracking!

4. Improve your site navigation

Is your website navigation a labyrinth worthy of the Minotaur? Time to tame that beastly menu! A well-organised navigation system is like a friendly tour guide for your visitors, minus the cheesy jokes and flag-waving.

Start by decluttering your menu. If it's longer than your gran's grocery list, it's time for a trim. Stick to the essentials and resist the urge to showcase every page you've ever created.

Think about your visitors' journey. What are they looking for? Put those popular destinations front and centre. It's like arranging your cupboards with the biscuits at eye level – everyone wins!

Keep your labels clear and concise. 'About Us' is infinitely better than 'Our Existential Musings on the Nature of Our Corporate Entity'. Your visitors will thank you for not making them decipher cryptic menu items.

Consider a search function for those impatient souls who'd rather type than click. It's like adding a teleporter to your website maze.

Don't forget mobile users! Ensure your navigation works smoothly on smaller screens. No one wants to feel like they're playing whack-a-mole with tiny menu buttons.

5. Start a blog

Fancy yourself a wordsmith? It's time to dust off that keyboard and unleash your inner Shakespeare! Starting a blog is like opening a window to your digital soul, minus the draught.

You don't need a PhD in rocket science to get started. Choose a blogging platform that suits your tech-savvy level, from 'I can barely operate a toaster' to 'I could probably hack NASA'.

Pick a catchy name for your blog. Something that says, 'I'm witty and original', not 'I let my cat walk across the keyboard'.

Now, start writing! Share your thoughts, experiences, or your nan's secret recipes. Just remember, the internet doesn't need another post about what you had for breakfast.

Engage with your readers. Respond to comments like you're chatting with old mates down at the pub. But maybe leave out the drunk karaoke stories.

Consistency is key. Set a schedule and stick to it. Your three loyal readers (hi, mum!) will be waiting with bated breath for your next masterpiece.

Remember, blogging is meant to be fun. If you're not enjoying it, you're probably doing it wrong. Or you've accidentally started writing tax legislation instead.

6. Update your 'About Us' page

Your 'About Us' page is like your website's Tinder profile, but with fewer questionable selfies. It's time to give it a facelift!

Start by dusting off those cobwebs and adding some fresh content. Did your company recently save a litter of kittens or invent a revolutionary cheese grater? Pop it in there!

Don't be shy about showing off your team. Include some quirky facts about your staff - like Dave from accounting's secret talent for yodelling. It humanises your brand and gives visitors a chuckle.

Remember to keep it snappy. Nobody wants to read your company's entire genealogy. Think of it as speed dating - you've got mere seconds to make a lasting impression.

Spruce up those visuals too. Out with the grainy headshots, in with some candid snaps of your team in action. Bonus points if you can sneak in a office dog photo!

Lastly, don't forget to update your contact information. Nothing says 'we're on the ball' quite like a phone number that actually works.

7. Ensure mobile responsiveness

Let's face it, your website needs to look smashing on mobile devices, or you might as well be using carrier pigeons to send messages. It's 2024, for heaven's sake!

First things first, embrace responsive design like it's the last biscuit in the tin. Make sure your layout adjusts smoothly to different screen sizes. No one wants to pinch and zoom like they're examining a rare butterfly specimen.

Next, take a good look at your fonts. If visitors need a magnifying glass to read your text on mobile, you've gone horribly wrong. Choose legible fonts that won't make people's eyes go crossed.

Don't forget about those pesky buttons and links. If they're too close together, you'll have people accidentally booking holidays to Timbuktu when they meant to check your opening hours.

Images are lovely, but not when they're hogging all the mobile data. Optimise them for smaller screens, or your visitors' phones might spontaneously combust from the effort.

Lastly, test your site on various devices. Borrow your gran's ancient flip phone if you must. If it looks good there, you're probably on the right track.

8. Add social media buttons

Want to make your website more shareable than a plate of biscuits at tea time? Pop some social media buttons on there, mate! These little beauties are like digital megaphones for your content.

Picture this: someone's reading your brilliant blog post about the proper way to queue, and they're itching to share it with their mates. But alas, no buttons in sight! Don't let your visitors down like a soggy bottom on a Bake Off showstopper.

Adding these buttons is easier than making a cuppa. You can find ready-made code snippets for all the top social networks. Just copy, paste, and voila! Your site's now more connected than a London tube map.

Pop these buttons on your blog posts, landing pages, and anywhere else you want your content to spread faster than gossip at the local pub. It's like giving your visitors a virtual nudge and saying, "Go on, share it! You know you want to."

Remember, placement is key. Stick them where they're easy to spot, like a sticky sidebar or near your content. Just don't go overboard - you don't want your site looking like a Christmas tree covered in social media ornaments.

9. Improve website speed

Is your website slower than a sloth on sedatives? Time to give it a caffeine boost! Website speed is crucial for keeping visitors happy and search engines smiling.

Start by compressing those hefty images. You wouldn't try to squeeze an elephant through a letterbox, would you? Same goes for your website - streamline those visuals!

Next, bid farewell to unnecessary plugins. They're like party guests who overstay their welcome. Be ruthless and show them the virtual door.

Consider upgrading your hosting plan. It's like moving from a cramped bedsit to a swanky penthouse - your website will thank you for the extra space.

Don't forget to enable browser caching. It's like giving your visitors a map so they don't get lost every time they pop round.

Minify your CSS and JavaScript files. Think of it as giving your code a haircut - trim the excess and watch it zoom!

Lastly, optimise your database. It's probably cluttered with old data, much like that junk drawer we all have. Time for a clear-out!

10. Use engaging visuals

Want to jazz up your website faster than you can say "cheese"? Slap some eye-catching visuals on there! Nothing says "look at me" quite like a well-placed image or infographic.

Think of your website as a party. Text is like small talk, but visuals are the life of the shindig. They grab attention, tell stories, and make complex ideas digestible. Plus, they're perfect for those visitors who'd rather watch paint dry than read a wall of text.

Don't just stick any old picture on your site, though. Choose visuals that complement your content and brand. You wouldn't wear a clown suit to a black-tie event, would you? (Well, maybe you would, you rebel.)

Remember to optimise your images for the web. Nobody wants to wait ages for a picture to load - they'll be off faster than you can say "buffering". Keep those file sizes trim and your visitors happy.

And don't forget about alt text! It's like a secret handshake for search engines and screen readers. Plus, it's handy when images decide to go on holiday and refuse to load.

So go on, give your website some visual oomph. Your visitors' eyeballs will thank you for it!

11. Create a compelling call-to-action

Want to turn your website visitors into devoted fans? A cracking call-to-action (CTA) is your secret weapon. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a cheeky wink and a "fancy a cuppa?"

First, choose action-packed words that'll make your audience's fingers itch to click. "Buy now," "Get started," or "Join the fun" are classics, but why not spice things up? How about "Unleash your inner unicorn" or "Become a biscuit-dunking champion"?

Keep it short and sweet, like a witty one-liner. You don't want your CTA to rival War and Peace in length. Make it pop with a dash of colour that screams "Look at me!" without blinding your poor visitors.

Consider adding a touch of FOMO (that's Fear of Missing Out for you cool cats). "Limited time offer" or "Only 3 spots left" can work wonders. Just don't go overboard, or you'll sound like a pushy market trader.

Lastly, make sure your CTA button is easier to spot than a neon-clad cyclist in the fog. Place it where it's impossible to miss, like that annoying advert that always pops up when you're trying to read something important.

12. Fix broken links

Ever clicked a link and ended up in digital limbo? It's like expecting a delicious biscuit and getting an empty tin instead. Disappointing, right? Well, your website visitors feel the same when they encounter broken links.

Time to play detective and hunt down those pesky 404s! Start by using tools like Ahrefs Site Explorer or Google Search Console. They're like magnifying glasses for your website, helping you spot those sneaky broken links.

Once you've caught the culprits, it's time to decide their fate. You could simply remove them, like tossing out that mouldy cheese from your fridge. Or, if you're feeling generous, redirect them to a relevant page. It's like giving lost tourists directions to the nearest pub.

Don't forget about incoming links from other sites. These are like friendly neighbours sending visitors your way. If their signposts are broken, give them a nudge to update their links. It's a win-win: they look good, and you get more traffic.

Remember, fixing broken links isn't just about tidying up. It's about creating a smooth journey for your visitors. So grab your digital toolbox and start mending those broken pathways. Your website will thank you, and so will your visitors!

13. Add client testimonials

Want to boost your website's credibility faster than a politician's promises disappear? Pop some client testimonials on there! These little nuggets of praise are like digital gold, showing potential customers that you're not just blowing hot air.

Slap a few glowing reviews on your homepage, and watch visitors' trust grow quicker than a teenager's phone bill. But don't just stick to boring text - mix it up with some eye-catching visuals or even video testimonials.

Why not create a dedicated testimonial page? It's like a hall of fame for your business, minus the questionable induction ceremonies. Plus, it gives your happy clients a chance to bask in the limelight.

Social media shoutouts make brilliant testimonials too. They're like the cool kids of the review world - casual, authentic, and oh-so-trendy. Screenshot those Twitter raves and Instagram love-fests for instant credibility boosters.

Remember, testimonials are your chance to let others sing your praises without looking like a shameless self-promoter. So go on, give your website visitors a reason to believe in you - besides your charming personality, of course!

14. Implement SEO-friendly URL structures

Ready to give your website's URLs a makeover? It's time to kiss those clunky, incomprehensible web addresses goodbye and embrace the sleek world of SEO-friendly URLs.

First things first, ditch those pesky numbers and random characters. Your URLs should be shorter than your gran's Christmas shopping list. Keep 'em concise and to the point, like a well-crafted tweet.

Fancy yourself a keyword connoisseur? Sprinkle those babies into your URLs like fairy dust. But don't go overboard, or Google might think you're trying too hard.

Hyphens are your new best friend. Use them to separate words in your URLs. Underscores? They're so last season. And spaces? Don't even think about it, you rebel.

Remember, your URLs should read like a condensed version of your page title. If you can't figure out what the page is about from the URL alone, you're doing it wrong.

Oh, and while we're at it, bid farewell to those pesky stop words. "The," "and," and "to" can take a hike unless they're absolutely crucial to understanding your content.

Lastly, keep it consistent across your site. Your URLs should follow the same structure, like a well-organised sock drawer. Your visitors (and search engines) will thank you for it.

15. Analyse your site traffic

Ever wonder if anyone's actually reading your website? Time to put on your detective hat and dig into those traffic stats! It's like playing hide-and-seek with your visitors, except you're the one doing all the seeking.

Lucky for you, there's a smorgasbord of tools to help you crack the case. Google Analytics is the trusty sidekick every website owner needs. It's free, it's powerful, and it's probably smarter than your average bear (or website owner).

Want to know where your visitors are coming from? SimilarWeb's got your back. It's like having a crystal ball, but for web traffic. You'll feel like a proper internet wizard in no time.

Fancy yourself a bit of an SEO sleuth? Screaming Frog SEO might be right up your alley. Don't worry, it doesn't actually scream. But it will help you find those pesky broken links and 404 pages faster than you can say "where did all my visitors go?"

Remember, analysing your traffic isn't just about counting heads. It's about understanding your audience. Are they night owls or early birds? Mobile addicts or desktop devotees? Once you've cracked the code, you'll be well on your way to website stardom.

16. Add an FAQ section

Ever wondered why your website visitors keep asking the same questions over and over? It's time to give them a one-stop shop for all their burning queries!

Adding an FAQ section to your website is like giving your visitors a cheat sheet. It's the perfect way to save yourself from endless emails asking, "Do you ship to Mars?" (Spoiler alert: you probably don't).

Think of your FAQ as a virtual customer service rep who never sleeps and doesn't need coffee breaks. It's there 24/7, ready to tackle those pesky questions that keep popping up.

But don't just slap any old questions on there. Be strategic! Listen to your customers and address their real concerns. Is your return policy more confusing than a quantum physics exam? Pop it in the FAQ!

Keep your answers short and sweet. Nobody wants to read a novel when they're just trying to figure out your shipping costs. And please, for the love of all things digital, make it easy to find. A hidden FAQ is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Remember, a good FAQ section can turn frustrated visitors into happy customers faster than you can say "frequently asked questions". So go on, give your website the gift of clarity!

17. Offer a newsletter signup

Want to keep your visitors coming back for more? A newsletter signup is your secret weapon. It's like inviting them to join your exclusive club, minus the fancy handshake.

Pop a simple form on your website and watch the magic happen. Ask for their email address – that's it. No need to interrogate them about their life story or favourite cheese.

Make it irresistible with a cheeky little incentive. Maybe a free e-book, a discount code, or a virtual high-five. Who could resist?

Craft a witty call-to-action that'll make them chuckle. "Join our merry band of email enthusiasts!" or "Get our newsletter: It's like a hug for your inbox!"

Place your signup form where it's easy to spot. Think of it as hide-and-seek, but you want to lose. Stick it in your header, footer, or sidebar. Bonus points if you use a pop-up that doesn't make people want to throw their device out the window.

Remember, your newsletter is a promise. Deliver the goods with content that's more entertaining than watching your neighbour attempt DIY. Keep it short, sweet, and packed with value.

18. Test your forms

Alright, chums, let's talk about testing your forms. It's about as exciting as watching paint dry, but trust me, it's crucial.

First off, pop on over to your website and find those pesky forms. You know, the ones you've been avoiding like the plague.

Give them a good once-over. Are all the fields there? Does everything look ship-shape? If not, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get cracking.

Now, channel your inner rebel and try to break the form. Fill it out with nonsense, leave required fields blank, or type in a novel-length response. See what happens.

Don't forget to test on different devices. Your form might look brilliant on your fancy desktop but turn into a right mess on mobile.

After submitting, check if you've received the data. It'd be a bit of a bother if all those form submissions were vanishing into the ether, wouldn't it?

Finally, make sure your error messages are clear and not too snarky. You want to guide users, not make them feel like complete plonkers.

Remember, a well-tested form is a happy form. And happy forms make for happy visitors. So go on, give those forms some love!

19. Incorporate clear contact information

You've got a cracking website, but how can your adoring fans reach you? Don't leave them hanging like a forgotten tea bag! Pop your contact details where they can't miss 'em.

Slap your email address front and centre. Make it as obvious as a neon sign in Piccadilly Circus. Your visitors shouldn't need a treasure map to find it.

Got a phone number? Brilliant! Stick it up there too. Just imagine all the lovely chats you'll have with potential customers. Or telemarketers. Hopefully more of the former.

If you've got a physical shop, don't forget to include your address. Otherwise, folks might think you're running your business from a secret underground lair.

Feeling fancy? Why not add a contact form? It's like a digital postbox, but without the spiders. Make it short and sweet – nobody wants to fill out War and Peace just to send you a message.

Remember, your contact info should be easier to spot than a tourist in London. Make it stand out like a sore thumb, but in a good way. Your website visitors will thank you for it!

20. Include a search bar

Ever felt like you're on a treasure hunt when trying to find something on a website? Well, it's time to give your visitors a treasure map! Adding a search bar to your site is like handing them a shiny metal detector.

Pop that search bar in a prominent spot, like the top-right or top-centre of your page. It's the digital equivalent of a friendly shop assistant asking, "Can I help you find anything?"

Make sure your search bar stands out like a sore thumb (in a good way). Use contrasting colours or a magnifying glass icon to catch the eye. You want it to be as obvious as a penguin at a flamingo party.

Remember, a search bar isn't just for big e-commerce sites. Even if you're running a small blog about your cat's adventures, a search function can help readers find that hilarious post about Mr. Whiskers getting stuck in the laundry basket.

So, go on, give your website visitors the power to find what they're looking for without playing hide and seek. It's like giving them a superpower, minus the cape and tights.

Website Performance

Buckle up, folks! It's time to turbocharge your website's performance. Say goodbye to those sluggish load times and clunky mobile experiences. Let's dive into some nifty tricks to make your site zip along like a caffeinated cheetah.

Speed Up Your Load Time

First things first, let's put your website on a digital diet. Compress those chunky images and bid farewell to unnecessary plugins. They're like that extra slice of cake – tempting, but not doing you any favours.

Next, embrace the magic of caching. It's like having a personal assistant who remembers everything for your visitors. No more waiting around while your site scratches its head, trying to recall what it's supposed to show.

Got a need for speed? Consider upgrading your hosting plan. It's like moving from a rusty old bicycle to a shiny new sports car. Your visitors will thank you for the smooth ride.

Optimise Mobile Experience

Time to make your website as flexible as a yoga instructor. Responsive design is your new best friend. It ensures your site looks fab on everything from tiny smartphones to massive desktop screens.

Simplify your mobile menus. Nobody wants to play finger Twister trying to navigate your site. Keep it clean, keep it simple, and watch those mobile conversions soar.

Lastly, bid adieu to those pesky pop-ups on mobile. They're about as welcome as a wasp at a picnic. Give your mobile users a clean, uncluttered browsing experience, and they'll stick around longer than your gran at a bingo night.

Content Refinement

Don't let your website content gather digital dust! A little sprucing up can work wonders for your online presence. Let's dive into some nifty tricks to keep your content fresh and fabulous.

Update Outdated Information

Time to bid farewell to those ancient stats and prehistoric product listings! Give your website a thorough once-over and zap any outdated info. Swap out those crusty old figures for shiny new ones that'll make your visitors go 'Ooh!' and 'Aah!'.

Keep an eye on those pesky time-sensitive phrases like 'coming soon' or 'new for 2023'. Nothing screams 'neglected website' louder than a 'hot new trend' from three years ago.

Don't forget to double-check your contact details, team bios, and company policies. You wouldn't want potential customers ringing up your long-gone receptionist, would you?

Enhance Readability

Is your website text a dense jungle of words? Time to whip out your metaphorical machete and start chopping! Break up those mammoth paragraphs into bite-sized chunks that won't give your readers a headache.

Sprinkle in some snazzy subheadings to guide your visitors through the content. It's like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs, but less messy and more SEO-friendly.

Why not jazz things up with some bullet points or numbered lists? They're like the tap dancers of the text world – they grab attention and keep things moving along nicely.

And remember, white space is your friend! Give your content room to breathe. It's not just aesthetically pleasing; it's a kindness to your readers' eyes.

SEO Enhancements

Ready to give your website a boost in the search rankings? These quick and easy SEO tricks will have you climbing the Google ladder faster than you can say "algorithm update". Let's dive into some keyword wizardry and meta description magic!

Keyword Optimisation

Time to play word detective! Grab your magnifying glass and start sleuthing for those juicy keywords. Pop them into your page titles, headers, and content like sprinkles on a cupcake. But don't go overboard – Google's not a fan of keyword stuffing. It's like trying to fit into your skinny jeans after Christmas dinner – uncomfortable and a bit obvious.

Try using long-tail keywords too. They're like the hipsters of the SEO world – less competitive and more niche. And don't forget to keep it natural. If your content sounds like a robot wrote it, you've gone too far. Remember, you're writing for humans, not search engine bots (no matter how charming they might be).

Improve Meta Descriptions

Think of meta descriptions as your website's chat-up line. You've got about 160 characters to make searchers swoon and click on your link. No pressure, right? Make it snappy, relevant, and irresistible. Include your main keyword, but don't force it if it sounds clunky.

Avoid being vague or clickbaity. Nobody likes a tease. Instead, give a clear, concise preview of what's on the page. And for heaven's sake, make each meta description unique! Copy-pasting the same one across your site is like turning up to a party in the same outfit as everyone else. Awkward.