We are at the end of another year and it’s time to start preparing for 2026! Here are some tips for you to help get your website ready for the new year.
1. Conduct a Full Website Audit
Evaluate your website’s performance, content, and design. Check for broken links, outdated information, and slow-loading pages. Tools like Google Analytics can provide valuable insights into user behavior, helping you identify areas that need improvement.
2. Look at Your Analytics
How did your website perform over the last year? What pages got the most hits and the least hits? Where is your website traffic coming from? Reviewing this information can help you implement (or change) an SEO strategy. If you don’t have Google Analytics set up on your website, you should add it in combination with Google Search Console.
3. Update Your Content for GEO/AEO
- Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) involves tailoring your content so it shows up in AI-powered search results and featured snippets. The goal is to deliver clear, credible answers that directly address what users are searching for.
- Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the shaping and promoting your content so AI systems, like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Grok, and Gemini, can readily interpret, pull from, and reference it in their answers. Unlike traditional SEO, which aims to rank entire pages in search results, GEO focuses on making specific passages relevant and accessible within AI-powered reasoning engines.
You may want to consider adding an FAQ section at the bottom of a page or post to answer questions. Write the way people speak and search, include question-based subheadings like “What is…” or “How do you…” that match common queries about your content. Answer questions directly, write content with concise, definitive answers in the first sentence or two of each section. AI systems favor content that gets straight to the point before expanding on details.
4. Update Contact Information and Team Pages
Will you have new hours for 2026, or maybe you’re upgrading to a larger space? Did you change your Instagram handle or sign up for a new social media account? Make sure to update your contact page with this information, as well as your Google Business Profile page. This helps customers and clients be in the know and makes it easier for them to find you. If you have a team page, review it and remove any members who are no longer part of the team or adjust anyone who has a new position.
5. Test Your Webforms
Make sure your forms are working correctly by testing them out. Sometimes plugins can break, or there can be code complications that you may not notice easily. Testing your forms out will ensure that you are getting potential leads and will let you know if your form is having any issues. Make sure that you are actually receiving the submissions too, if not, you may have to set up an SMTP mailer.
6. Refresh Testimonials
Do you have any testimonials on your website? Are they recent? Add any new ones that are missing and remove ones that are no longer relevant.
By implementing these tips, you’ll not only enhance the user experience but also position your website for success in 2026. Stay ahead of the competition, adapt to industry trends, and make your online presence a true reflection of your brand’s excellence. Here’s to a great new year for your website and your business!
Need assistance completing these tasks? Get in touch with Sitka Creations, our web team would be happy to help.
