Congratulations! You’ve finally launched your website. You can practically hear the confetti falling in Charleston’s sunny streets. But hold on a second—just because your website is live doesn’t mean the job is done. In fact, the first 90 days are crucial for setting the stage for your online success. Let’s break down what you should be doing during this critical period.
1. Monitor Performance Like a Hawk
Once your website is live, it’s time to keep an eye on how it’s performing. Use tools like Google Analytics to track your visitors, their behaviors, and sources of traffic. Are folks finding you through Google, or are they stumbling upon your site from a Charleston blog post?
- Check Traffic: Look for patterns—are you getting more visitors during the weekends or weekdays?
- Analyze Bounce Rate: If visitors are leaving as quickly as they arrive, your content might need a little more pizazz.
- Monitor Load Times: In the Lowcountry, we like to take it slow, but not when it comes to website loading! A slow site can turn potential customers away faster than a summer storm.
2. SEO: The Never-Ending Story
Just because your site is live doesn’t mean you can forget about SEO. In fact, this is the perfect time to refine your strategy. Start by checking your keyword rankings and ensuring your content aligns with what people are searching for.
“SEO is like a garden. It requires regular maintenance.”
Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:
- Update your meta titles and descriptions.
- Ensure all images have descriptive alt tags.
- Use internal and external links strategically.
- Consider blogging about local Charleston events to catch local searches.
3. Content is Still King
In the first 90 days, you want to establish your brand as an authority in your field. This is where fresh, engaging content comes into play. If you’ve got a blog (and you should), commit to a consistent posting schedule. Not only does this improve your SEO, but it also gives visitors a reason to return.
- Share local insights, tips, and tricks that relate to your business.
- Highlight your community involvement—Charleston loves businesses that give back!
- Incorporate engaging visuals. After all, a picture says a thousand words, especially when it features a scenic view of the Battery!
4. Get Social
Now that your website is live, you need to promote it! Use social media to share your new content and engage with your audience. Don’t just post; interact!
“It’s called social media for a reason!”
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Post regularly on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Join local Charleston groups where your target audience hangs out.
- Run a promotion or giveaway to encourage shares and likes!
5. Gather Feedback
Your website is like an evolving masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from your users. Whether it’s through surveys, a feedback form, or just casual conversations, understanding their experience can help you make necessary adjustments.
- What do they love? What could be improved?
- Are they discovering your site easily, or is it like finding a needle in a haystack?
- Would they recommend your site to others? If not, why?
6. Set Goals for the Next Quarter
After 90 days, it’s time to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? Set specific, measurable goals for the next quarter based on your findings. Whether it’s increasing traffic by a certain percentage or improving your bounce rate, having clear objectives will keep you focused.
As a local business in Charleston, don’t forget to leverage your unique community angle. Your website is more than just a digital brochure; it’s a living entity that can grow with your business. So keep that momentum going!
If you need help managing your website’s financial aspects or want to focus on growing your business, give us a call at (855) 532-7550. We’re here to help!