As 2024 winds down, businesses reflect on accomplishments, challenges, and goals. But one important asset often overlooked is the company website—a cornerstone for marketing, sales, and customer engagement. Conducting an end-of-year website audit isn’t just a best practice – it’s essential to ensuring your online presence is ready to hit the ground running in 2025.
Here’s why a website checkup matters and the key elements to review for a successful start to the new year.
Why Conduct a Website Checkup?
- Performance Optimization: A fast, seamless experience keeps users engaged and boosts search engine rankings.
- Security and Compliance: Safeguarding customer data and adhering to regulations protect your reputation.
- Content Accuracy: Outdated information or broken links can frustrate users and harm credibility.
- Competitive Edge: A refreshed, user-friendly site positions your business ahead of the competition.
What to Check During Your Audit
1. Speed and Performance
Run speed tests to ensure fast loading times, especially on mobile devices. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can highlight opportunities for improvement. Compress large files, optimize images, and consider caching solutions for better website performance.
2. Mobile Responsiveness
With mobile-first indexing driving SEO strategies, your site must adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes. Test user experience across devices to confirm navigation, buttons, and forms work flawlessly.
3. SEO Health
Conduct an SEO audit to identify broken links, outdated metadata, and opportunities for keyword enhancements. Ensure your content aligns with 2024 trends and prepare for upcoming search engine algorithm changes.
4. Security Protocols
Update your SSL certificate, review access permissions, and scan for vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity threats evolve, so upgrading firewalls and ensuring backups are up-to-date is non-negotiable.
5. Content Refresh
Evaluate blogs, product descriptions, and landing pages. Archive obsolete content and replace it with new, engaging material that aligns with your 2025 goals.
6. Analytics and Tracking
Verify that tracking tools like Google Analytics 4 are correctly set up and functioning. Review your year’s performance data to identify trends and set actionable KPIs for the upcoming year.
7. Accessibility Standards
Ensure your website meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) for inclusivity. Tools like Wave can help detect accessibility barriers, improving user experience for all visitors.
Set the Stage for Success in 2025
A website audit at year’s end isn’t just maintenance—it’s a strategic move. By addressing these elements, you’ll create a platform that attracts customers, builds trust, and delivers measurable results in the new year.
Start your checkup today to ensure a strong digital foundation for whatever 2025 has in store.
After all, a little preparation now can lead to big payoffs later.
Here’s a simple Website Audit Checklist Template you can use to evaluate your website. It’s organized by key categories and includes essential items to review:
Website Audit Checklist
1. Speed and Performance
Conduct speed tests (e.g., Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix).
Optimize images and compress large files – use the WEBP image format for the web.
Minimize HTTP requests and implement browser caching.
Ensure hosting services meet website traffic demands.
2. Mobile Responsiveness
Test website on various devices and screen sizes.
Confirm all forms, buttons, and menus are functional on mobile.
Optimize font sizes and spacing for mobile readability.
3. SEO Health
Audit metadata (titles, descriptions, and alt text).
Fix broken links and redirects.
Update content for relevant keywords and trends.
Verify proper use of header tags (H1, H2, etc.).
4. Security Protocols
Ensure SSL certificate is active and functional.
Update plugins, themes, and CMS versions.
Scan for malware and vulnerabilities.
Confirm secure password policies and role-based access controls.
5. Content Refresh
Remove or archive outdated content.
Update contact information and company details.
Ensure product and service descriptions are accurate and up to date.
Create a content calendar for 2025.
6. Analytics and Tracking
Verify proper setup of Google Analytics (e.g., GA4).
Review performance metrics (e.g., bounce rate, conversions).
Ensure tags and pixels are correctly configured for ad campaigns.
7. Accessibility Standards
Test website against WCAG guidelines.
Add alt text to all images.
Ensure proper color contrast for readability.
Provide keyboard navigation options.
8. Visual Design and Branding
Verify consistent use of brand colors, fonts, and logos.
Check for outdated design elements and consider a refresh.
Ensure all images and videos are high-quality and relevant.
9. Functionality and User Experience (UX)
Test all forms (e.g., contact, sign-ups) for submission errors.
Check cart and checkout process (for e-commerce sites).
Evaluate website navigation for ease of use.
10. Backup and Recovery
Verify recent backups are complete and accessible.
Test recovery processes for emergencies.
Ensure storage for backups meets regulatory requirements.
How to Use the Checklist
- Assign team members to specific categories.
- Mark items as complete, in progress, or needing attention.
- Review progress weekly until all items are addressed.
- Document findings and action steps for 2025 planning.
This structured approach ensures a thorough review and sets your website up for a stellar year ahead!
DOWNLOAD WEBSITE AUDIT CHECKLIST
Contact us if you need help with website maintenance or auditing your website.
Stacy Layman
Director, Marketing and Creative Services
Jacksonville, Florida