September often feels like a fresh start for businesses.
The summer holidays have come to an end, customers are getting back into their usual routines, and many business owners are turning their attention to the final few months of the year. That makes September the perfect time to give your business website a quick health check.
Your website is often the first impression a potential customer has of your business. But when you're busy running that business, it's surprisingly easy for outdated information, old images, broken links or unclear messaging to creep in.
So, before the autumn rush begins, here are 10 things every small business should check on their website this September.
1. Is all your business information up to date?
Start with the basics.
Check your:
Telephone number
Email address
Business address
Opening hours
Services
Prices, where displayed
Team information
If anything has changed during the year, make sure your website reflects it. Incorrect information can frustrate potential customers and immediately reduce trust in your business.
2. Does your homepage still explain what you do?
Take a look at your homepage as though you've never seen your business before.
Within a few seconds, would you understand:
What does this business do?
Who does it help?
Where does it operate?
What should I do next?
Your homepage needs to communicate your key message quickly and clearly.
If your business has evolved but your homepage hasn't, September is a great time for a refresh.
3. Does your website work well on mobile?
Your customers aren't necessarily sitting at a desk when they find you. They could be searching while commuting, watching television, sitting in a coffee shop or walking around town.
Check your website on your own phone.
Is the text easy to read?
Are buttons easy to tap?
Do images display correctly?
Is the menu simple to navigate?
A good business website should provide a great experience whatever device your customer is using.
4. Are your calls to action clear?
What do you actually want someone to do when they visit your website?
Call you?
Request a quote?
Book an appointment?
Send an enquiry?
Visit your shop?
Don't make potential customers hunt around for the next step.
Clear calls to action can make a significant difference to how effectively your website turns visitors into enquiries.
5. When did you last add fresh content?
If the last news article or blog post on your website is several years old, visitors may wonder whether your business is still active.
Fresh content gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise, answer common customer questions and talk about what's happening within your business. It can also provide search engines with more useful information about your business and the subjects you specialise in.
Think about the questions your customers regularly ask you. They could be your next five blog posts.
6. Is your website ready for Google AND AI search?
The way people search online is changing.
Traditional Google searches remain hugely important, but customers are also increasingly using AI-powered search tools and assistants to find information, compare services and answer questions. Clear, helpful and well-structured website content makes it easier for both people and search technology to understand what your business does.
Your website should clearly explain your services, locations, expertise and frequently asked questions rather than relying on vague marketing language.
7. Are you showing customers why they should trust you?
Before contacting a business for the first time, many customers look for reassurance.
Your website can provide that reassurance through:
Customer testimonials
Reviews
Case studies
Accreditations
Qualifications
Awards
Examples of previous work
If you've received some brilliant reviews or completed great projects this year, make sure they're not hidden away on social media.
Add them to your website too.
8. Is your website easy for everyone to use?
Good website design isn't just about how a website looks. It's also about how easily people can use it.
September is a particularly good time to think about website accessibility, with awareness around literacy, learning and inclusion taking place throughout the month.
Look at things such as:
Clear, readable text
Good contrast between text and backgrounds
Descriptive headings
Meaningful link text
Alternative text for important images
Simple navigation
Content written in clear language
Making your website easier to use benefits everyone.
9. Are there any broken links or outdated pages?
Websites naturally change over time. Pages get removed, external websites move and links that once worked can suddenly lead nowhere. Click through the main pages of your website and check that important links and buttons still work.
Pay particular attention to your:
Contact buttons
Social media links
Downloads
Booking links
Product links
External resources
It's a simple check, but an important one.
10. Is your website helping your business grow?
Finally, ask yourself the most important question:
Is my website actually doing its job?
A business website shouldn't simply exist. It should help people discover your business, understand what you offer, trust your expertise and take the next step towards becoming a customer.
If your website feels outdated, doesn't represent your business anymore or simply isn't generating the enquiries you'd like, it may be time to do something about it.
Make September the month your website works harder
A website doesn't need to be completely redesigned every September.
Sometimes a few carefully considered updates can make a big difference. But if your current website is difficult to update, looks dated or no longer supports where your business is heading, it could be time for a conversation.
I create professionally designed, mobile-friendly websites for businesses of all sizes, with ongoing support to make managing your website straightforward.
Is your website ready for the months ahead?
Get in touch and let's make sure your website is working as hard as you are.
Share this post: