As the year comes to a close, many small business owners focus on financials and goal setting. One area that often gets overlooked is the website. Your website is a business asset, and year end maintenance ensures it stays secure, effective, and ready for growth in the new year.
This checklist will help you clean up, optimize, and prepare your website for long term success.
1. Review Website Performance Data
Start with data, not assumptions.
Look at analytics to identify top performing pages, high exit pages, and conversion rates. Understanding what worked and what did not gives you clarity for future improvements. A data driven approach prevents wasted effort.
2. Remove Outdated Content
Old content sends the wrong message.
Review blog posts, service pages, and announcements. Remove anything that is no longer relevant or accurate. Refresh pages that still have value by updating language, images, and calls to action.
3. Check for Broken Links and Errors
Broken links hurt both user experience and search visibility.
Run a site scan to identify broken pages, missing images, and outdated redirects. Fixing these issues improves credibility and keeps visitors engaged longer.
4. Update Plugins, Themes, and Software
Outdated software is a major security risk.
Make sure your CMS, plugins, and themes are fully updated. Remove any tools you no longer use. A clean system runs faster and reduces the chance of website downtime.
5. Improve Conversion Paths
Year end is the perfect time to refine how visitors become leads.
Review your contact forms, landing pages, and calls to action. Are they clear and easy to use? Are you asking for too much information? Small changes here can lead to major increases in inquiries and bookings.
6. Optimize for Search Visibility
Search engines reward websites that stay updated.
Refresh metadata, headings, and internal links. Make sure your service pages clearly explain what you offer and who you help. SEO improvements made now can drive traffic well into the new year.
7. Backup Your Website
Before starting a new year, protect your work.
Ensure your website is backed up properly and that backups are stored securely. This simple step can save you from costly losses later.
Set Your Website Up for a Strong New Year
A website that is maintained consistently performs better, converts more visitors, and supports business growth.
If your site feels cluttered, underperforming, or hard to manage, it may be time for expert support.
Let Us Handle Your Website Strategy
Instead of guessing what your website needs, get a clear plan from professionals like Custom Virtual Solutions.
Schedule a free website audit and strategy call today and let us help you clean up, optimize, and prepare your website for a more profitable year ahead.
