Websites are like noses…everyone has one and a lot of us don’t really like the one we have.

Unfortunately it can be hard to put your finger on exactly why you don’t like your website. And sometimes you like your website but it doesn’t work the way it should…kind of like a nice-looking nose with a deviated septum.

Here are ten questions you should ask yourself about your website:

1. Does Your Header Grab Their Attention?

Visitors see your header on every page. Does it tell them who you are, what you do and how to contact you?

2. Does Your Website Pass the “Three Second Rule?”

Look at the first screen.

Web experts say visitors decide in the first three seconds whether to stay on a site or move on. In other words, the first screen on your home page needs to tell visitors you understand their problem…and you can offer a solution.

3. Is Your Website Mobile-compatible?

More than 50% of online activity happens on mobile devices like tablets or smart phones. Look at each page of your website on your smart phone…is it understandable and effective?

4. Do Visitors Know How to Get in Touch With You?

Part of being approachable is being easy to contact. Give people lots of options, like a contact form and a phone number…and sprinkle them liberally on each page of your website.

5. Does Every Page Have a “Call to Action”?

People online want to get somewhere. Tell them where to go…nicely, of course.

Never leave visitors at a dead end. Each page should lead somewhere (“Click to order”, “To learn more click here”, etc.).

6. Is Your Content and Copy “Customer-Oriented”?

Your visitors don’t need to know how awesome think you are. They want to know you understand their problem…and you can help them solve it.

Look at your company from your customer’s standpoint. If they think you understand their problem…they’ll believe you might be able to help them solve it.

7. What’s Your Superpower?

Every business in every niche has some unique quality about it. Highest quality…most eco-friendly…best customer service…lowest price.

Well…maybe your visitors are on a tight budget. Or they passionately believe in saving our planet. Or they always want to buy the best.

Let your visitors know your superpower. It might align with their needs.

8. How Well Do You Google®?

Ninety-two percent of all search traffic uses Google. If your website doesn’t show up on Google searches…you might as well be invisible.

Use SEO and social media to increase traffic to your website. More traffic = potential customers.

9. Is Your Content Up To Date?

When was the last time you updated your website…or added new content? Regular content updates do two things:

• Better search results…Google® likes new stuff
• More credibility…updated content lets your customers know you’re staying up to date

10. Is Your Website Secure?

An SSL (secure socket license) certificate is like a digital key. It allows secure (encrypted) connections between your web server and browsers like Google®.

Why should your website have an SSL certificate? It keeps any information (names, addresses, credit card numbers) your visitors give you safe from hackers. Plus, Google® favors secure websites in its rankings.

Time to Get to Work

In today’s world your website may be the first real look your potential customers get at your business.

First impressions count. Visitors will judge your business based on what they see on your website.

If they find helpful, easy-to-find information…they’ll assume you can help them.

But if your site is out-of-date…or confusing…or all fancy graphics with no substance? Good luck turning them into customers.

Your goal should be to start a conversation with your target audience. The more they talk to you and you talk to them…the more likely they’ll find you helpful. And once they find you helpful, it’s a short step to get them to hire you.

Your website is an early step in this conversation. Make your site welcoming and helpful…the kind of place that encourages your potential customers to spend a little time with you.