I’m currently weathering the storm – and by storm, I mean below-zero temperatures, followed by a week of relentless snow, and now a rapid thaw with freezing rain. Nature’s way of keeping us on our toes!
Now, picture this chaotic backdrop. What’s my move during this weather rollercoaster? Well, when I’m not out capturing winter photos (thanks to horrible road conditions), you’ll find me in a cozy corner with some tunes playing and a warm cup of tea in hand. It’s in these moments that I can focus all my attention on one specific thing that doesn’t require a ton of planning. Wait for it… social media and website audits.
Back in my project manager days in the software field, this was my escape from the daily meeting madness. Call it strange, but I proudly wear the full-time geek badge.
Funny enough, I still do it. Schedule a meeting with me, and if your website has a broken link, I’ll point it out.
Below, I’m going to walk you through the concept of a digital audit – recommend how to break it down to ensure your online spaces stay smooth and glitch-free.
Auditing Your Digital Presence
Have you ever found yourself navigating a website, desperately searching for a business’s contact information, only to feel lost in the digital wilderness?
Imagine discovering a new restaurant in town, you are eager to try it out, but unable to find its address or operating hours on social media or through a Google search.
Or perhaps,
while exploring someone’s social media profile, the “LEARN MORE” button returns an error, leaving you without a way to connect with the business.
As consumers, we’ve all been there – the frustration is real, and it could lead us to consider other options.
For business owners, such moments represent missed opportunities.
In today’s digital age, easy access to information is paramount.
A tiny typo or a simple omission can create significant issues. Amidst the myriad tasks of managing websites and social media profiles, simple details are often overlooked.
I’ve made the mistake myself, and I frequently come across websites with issues.
Often times, I find minor typos in links or an update about your business that did not occur on all online platforms.
This is why I recommend incorporating regular digital audits to guarantee that your information is up-to-date, consistent, and that all links are functional.
A digital audit comprehensively reviews your online presence, ensuring information is up-to-date, consistent, and links are functional.
Here are some key steps:
- List all platforms you are on, including your website, Google Business, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Linktree, etc.
- Visit each platform and review profiles, descriptions, and contact information for constancy.
- Test and ensure all popups, sign-up, and “Contact Us” forms work as expected.
- Check footers and headers on your website for broken or missing links.
- Click on all links and buttons on all platforms. Do these all work as you wish.
- Review content for outdated references and information. Are you listing old workshops, events or has your offerings change?
Performing a high-level run-through once a quarter can catch potential issues, while a more in-depth examination once or twice a year ensures your brand remains consistent.
Consider this: after reading something you wrote ten times, you’re likely to overlook problems, while someone new to the content might spot errors that you missed.
Enlist a trusted person, to review your digital footprint to uncover issues that you may have overlooked. Having a fresh perspective when reviewing your platforms can uncover issues that may have escaped your notice.
