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As a website owner, your online presence is one of your most powerful tools for reaching your audience, engaging customers, and driving business goals. However, maintaining an effective, secure, and user-friendly website involves more than just great content. Here are seven crucial aspects you should understand to make your website thrive.
1. Choosing the right content management system (CMS)
A Content Management System (CMS) is the backbone of your website. It’s what allows you to easily manage and publish content without extensive technical knowledge. One of the most trusted CMS platforms available is Drupal, known for its robust security, flexibility, and scalability.
If your website has complex requirements, like those needed for government agencies or large enterprises, Drupal can handle it. It’s designed to support multiple integrations and is continuously updated to meet web standards. For government projects, the CivicTheme initiative offers a Drupal-based design system that makes it easy to build accessible, scalable, and cohesive websites that comply with Australian government standards.
When choosing a CMS, consider your current and future needs, the size of your website, and how easily you can update or scale it. An effective CMS will save time and resources in the long run.
2. Make it mobile-friendly
With more users accessing the web through smartphones, having a mobile-friendly website is non-negotiable. Mobile responsiveness means your site should look and function well on various screen sizes, from desktops to tablets and smartphones. Search engines like Google prioritise mobile-friendly websites in search results, impacting your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
Using frameworks like CivicTheme can simplify this process, as they are built to ensure responsiveness from the start. Test your website on different devices and screen sizes to ensure a smooth user experience everywhere.
3. Prioritise website security
Website security is critical, especially in an era where data breaches and cyberattacks are becoming more frequent. As a website owner, you must take proactive measures to protect your site. Using a CMS like Drupal is beneficial since it’s built with security in mind, offering features to secure your data.
SSL Certificates: Secure your site with HTTPS to protect data transmitted between your website and visitors.
Regular Patching: Keep your software, plugins, and core CMS up to date to prevent vulnerabilities. Services like Salsa Digital’s Service Desk can assist with patching and maintenance.
Firewalls and Monitoring: Employ security layers such as firewalls, and keep an eye on potential threats.
4. SEO is a long-term game
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) determines how easily users can find your website via search engines. It involves optimising your content, meta tags, and even image alt texts to make your site more discoverable. Additionally, your site's performance, mobile-friendliness, and security all play a role in SEO rankings.
To boost your SEO:
Create high-quality content: Write informative, relevant, and engaging content.
Use keywords strategically: Research and use keywords that your audience searches for, but avoid keyword stuffing.
Improve page load speed: Slow websites frustrate users and hurt SEO. Compress images, use efficient hosting, and leverage caching.
If you're using Drupal, you can take advantage of modules designed to streamline SEO efforts.
5. Focus on design and user experience
Your website’s design isn't just about aesthetics; it significantly impacts usability and how visitors perceive your brand. A clean, intuitive design can improve engagement and reduce bounce rates. Whether you’re designing a website for the first time or revamping an existing one, tools like CivicTheme provide a cohesive and accessible framework that you can use to maintain a consistent look and feel.
Beyond design, testing your user experience is essential. Conduct usability tests and consider Salsa Digital’s Pulse Check to assess your site’s performance, design, and accessibility. This helps identify pain points and improve the overall user experience.
6. Keep everything up to date and supported
One of the most crucial tasks for a website owner is to ensure that your site is always up to date. This includes software, themes, and plugins. Regular updates not only enhance features and performance but also patch security vulnerabilities.
Your CMS, like Drupal, should be regularly updated. Salsa Digital’s Service Desk can manage these updates, ensuring your website remains secure and efficient. Staying up to date is vital for maintaining optimal performance and security.
Additionally, consider ongoing support. As your website evolves, having a support team can be invaluable for troubleshooting issues, implementing updates, and advising on best practices.
7. Follow DSS 2.0 guidelines for Australian government websites
If you are managing a website for an Australian government entity, understanding the Digital Service Standard 2.0 (DSS 2.0) is essential. DSS 2.0 provides a framework to ensure that government websites are user-centric, secure, and inclusive. These standards emphasise:
User-centred design: Focusing on the needs and behaviours of users.
Security and data privacy: Protecting user information and ensuring robust security practices.
Performance metrics: Regularly reviewing and optimising the site to improve user experience.
Following these guidelines not only ensures compliance but also enhances the overall quality and accessibility of your site.
Web accessibility is critical for inclusivity, ensuring all users, including those with disabilities, can access your content. Accessibility features, such as screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and appropriate colour contrast, make your site more user-friendly for everyone.
In Australia, government websites must meet accessibility standards, which align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Implementing these standards not only broadens your audience but also improves SEO and overall site usability. CivicTheme is designed with accessibility in mind, providing a strong foundation to build accessible web solutions.
By focusing on accessibility, you contribute to a more inclusive digital landscape and comply with legal requirements for web accessibility.
Conclusion
Being a website owner comes with responsibilities beyond just publishing content. From choosing the right CMS to ensuring accessibility and security, there are multiple factors to consider. Taking proactive steps to maintain your site will not only improve the user experience but also protect your brand and data. By leveraging resources like Drupal, CivicTheme, and Salsa Digital’s expertise in hosting, security, and support, you can build a sustainable and high-performing website that meets the needs of your users.
