How Websites Can Avoid Becoming Obsolete

Remaining relevant in the fast-paced and ever-evolving digital landscape is crucial for websites. It’s not just the threat of Web 3.0 technologies; competitors can also usurp your site, deeming it useless.

What can you do now to keep on top of your game and of value to your customers and audience?

Regularly Update Content

You’re probably had enough of hearing about the need for more relevant content on your website. However, it can not be repeated enough.

Your site must have regular fresh content that’s informative and engaging to keep your visitors interested enough to stay online longer.

Update existing blog posts and articles. Add new personalized articles too. The payback for your hard work is when your content hits the mark i.e., it resonates with your visitors, they will reward you by sharing it with their followers, and your site gets more direct traffic.

Social sharing buttons

Add social sharing buttons to make it easy for your visitors to share your content.

Get enough social and direct traffic, and soon you won’t be so concerned about how many visitors you get from search! If your site is not reliant on search traffic, then whatever happens to it won’t be the end of your site.

Content Plan

Therefore create a content plan so your team is regularly updating blog posts, articles, product information, and other relevant content to provide value to visitors and encourage repeat visits.

Reach out to your audience to find out what they want to read and watch on your site. To add value to your customers, you must first find out what they need. Then your job is easier – provide a solution. Use AI writers to assist you with topics and article research; however, ensure your voice shines through your content.  If you rely too much on AI writers, your audience may not pay much attention.

Mobile Optimization

With the increasing use of mobile devices, websites must be optimized for mobile responsiveness. A mobile-friendly design ensures a positive user experience on smartphones and tablets.  Smartphones are the go-to for everyone today.  Your site must be intuitive to navigate on a mobile.  Larger font size, quality images, videos, and fast loading.

Faster Loading Times

Speed is critical for user satisfaction and search engine rankings. Optimize website loading times by compressing images, using caching mechanisms, and choosing a reliable hosting provider.

Our recent experience

Not long ago, we were obsessed with page load times, focusing a lot of time and money on SEO. The issue wasn’t SEO. It was our hosting service and hosting provider. As soon as we had exhausted every other option, we took the plunge and moved our site to a different hosting provider.   Moving our site wasn’t as challenging as we thought it would be, and miraculously, our page load times went up as soon as we switched the DNS.

The lesson is, don’t accept slow page load times. If you’ve optimized your site, it’s likely to be your hosting plan or hosting provider!

Embrace New Technologies

Stay up-to-date with the latest web technologies and trends. Consider adopting technologies like Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), voice search optimization, or web-based augmented reality (WebAR) features, depending on your website’s niche.

Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offer additional functionality compared to regular websites. For example, Starbucks has a PWA for its ordering system, allowing customers to place orders and browse the menu without downloading a separate mobile app. One major advantage of this PWA is its offline availability, enabling customers to continue browsing and adding items to their carts without an internet connection. Once the connection is restored, customers can seamlessly complete their orders.

You can see how PWAs can provide value so they remain relevant to users. Remember the impact of software on page load times and optimize your apps.

WebAR

WebAR (Web-based Augmented Reality) refers to the use of augmented reality technology on web browsers without downloading or installing any additional applications or plugins. It allows users to experience augmented reality content directly through a web page using their smartphones, tablets, or computers with compatible browsers.

WebAR leverages technologies like WebXR (Web Extended Reality) to deliver AR experiences. WebXR is an API that provides access to immersive technologies within web browsers, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). It enables developers to create interactive AR content that can be easily accessed and experienced by users through a web link.

The key advantages of WebAR are its accessibility and ease of use. Users don’t need to download dedicated AR apps, which can streamline the AR experience and make it more widely available to a broader audience. WebAR can be used for various applications, such as marketing campaigns, product demonstrations, educational content, and entertainment experiences.

Our recent experience

We recently tried Saatchi Art ‘view in my room’ WebAR app to visualize artwork for a wall in our workplace. In our experience, the visual of the painting was too small for the wall. This is easily fixed by measuring the wall and entering the height and width. It was fun to use, and eCommerce using WebAR would improve conversion rate.

Data Security and Privacy

With growing concerns about data breaches and privacy, prioritize security measures to protect user data and gain their trust.  Create a site security plan, including regular pen testing to identify vulnerabilities.  Get PCI DSS and CCSS compliant for credit card and cryptocurrency payments. Search our site for articles on data protection and cybersecurity measures.  We also have a dedicated category on cybersecurity.

Multilingual Support

If relevant, consider adding multilingual support to reach a broader audience and appeal to users from different regions. Even if English is the language of the Internet, representing 59% of all web content, your targeted visitors may be French or Spanish.   WordPress has a tutorial video on setting up a multilingual site, which is worth watching if your site uses WordPress CMS.

Final Words

There are many ways to stay relevant with your audience, from adding interactive elements like surveys, quizzes, and games to the strategies mentioned in this article.

Website owners must also adapt to changing user behavior and collaborate and partner with influencers, other businesses, and organizations to grow and innovate.