(0:57) Last week I told you to check your contact email addresses. If you haven't sent a test, then stop reading this and do it now. It's that important.(0:52) One of my readers reminded me of a related Internet faux pas that is all too common - out of date websites. I've written about this before but it's a topic that bears repeating. When was the last time you updated your website? When was the last time you checked every page for accuracy and completeness?
(0:45) Today's digital mediums are popular because they are vibrant and dynamic. To compete, you need to ensure your website is as well. Do you have someone who is responsible for this?
(0:40) It is critical for your website content to be easily modified by someone in house. If you can't, then fix that issue first. Then setup a schedule and get to work on making your website vibrant and dynamic. Here are some of the most common issues I find:
(0:34) Information that is completely out of date.
Home pages that show events from last week, last year, or even years ago. Pricing lists that do not have current prices. Lists of amenities with missing services or things that are no longer offered.
(0:27) Web links that no longer work.
Whether it is a link to another page on your site or to an external site, it is frustrating to click on a link that is broken.
(0:22) An out of date copyright.
It is disconcerting to visit a website and see a copyright footer from several years ago. I have no idea if the content is truly that old or if you've simply neglected to keep the date current. Either scenario does not reflect well on your business. Also consider tagging each page with a "Last updated" date.
(0:13) Finally, consider updating content on a regular basis. Change images to reflect the seasons or to include photos from a recent event. Include tips or recipes or some other bits of information boaters might find useful.
(0:08) If you want to stay competitive, your website is not something that you can just setup and forget. Make it useful, interesting, and compelling and you will see more traffic. And that can mean more business.
(0:02) And that's the marina minute.
