Websites are an important part of everyday, routine life for millions upon millions of individuals. From searching for a recipe to purchasing a new outfit to researching for school, these webpages are the source of massive amounts of information that human beings utilize. There is virtually no topic that cannot be found online. New pages continue to be added daily and new topics covered all in an online platform.
Because of this popularity and level of access, many businesses are turning toward these pages as a way to reach out to a broader audience and connect with consumers around the globe. Pages that run well—be it for business or a personal page—literally have millions of potential visitors every day. For enterprises and those run on profit or donation, these visitors are essentially profit opportunities waiting to happen. But, in a moment those visitors can be taken away if a page is not running correctly.
When it comes to developing a website, there are several key factors that need to work together in order for an individual to have a successful visit. If one or more of these tools do not work, then, it can be extremely costly. That is why it becomes crucial for a website to diagnose issues and look for problems regularly as a failed website or internal problem can have rippling and damaging effects for years to come. If this seems a bit harsh or drastic, the truth is that it is not. The following explains more about why diagnosing website issues is such an important part of running a successful page and why looking for problems can create more benefits than drawbacks.
What Are Considered Fixable Problems?
A failed website, as aforementioned, is classified in this article as one that has connectivity breakdowns, fixable failings, and other issues that make a user’s experience difficult or impossible. Moreover, for this discussion, the website problems outlined refer to those that are able to be fixed via the website owner itself. This means those problems that need to be addressed by the owner or page runner via a third party vendor or on their own.
This discussion does not refer to issues that are out of the realm of correction by the page creator or owner itself. That is to say those problems with a power outage, for example, uncontrollable by the individual owner or developer are not considered issues relevant to this discussion. A failed plugin or broken links, however, are fixable and therefore relative to this discussion on diagnostics.
The Types of Fixable Problems that Can Arise
The truth is that technology can be finicky and create issues even without the knowledge of the owner, developer, or page runner. There are things that will glitch and items that will fail that occur in the blink of an eye. But, that does not mean that just because a problem occurs at a level of seeming randomness that it should be left that way. Even if the problem, therefore, is not the direct result of user error or mistake, does not mean the page owner does not have fault in allowing it to remain that way.
In order to highlight the importance of diagnostic tests on a website, it is important to outline the common issues that do arise and how they can impact a page’s performance. Though this discussion applies to any page, there is a strong emphasis placed on the role that websites play in business and why these enterprises should pay special attention to their webpage and its functionality.
1. Failed Navigation
Navigating a website should be easy. It should put the viewer or the individual perusing the webpage first and foremost in its development. After all, webpages are created for traffic purposes. That is to say that by placing a public domain online, those that create it are seeking some sort of audience—regardless of what that audience will look like or how it will be demographically composed. When a page is congested or uneasy to navigate, then, a consumer can be turned off and not want to look at that page anymore. It is then, in essence, a failed visit.
Navigation problems are a common issue that arises on websites. Unfortunately, many pages are put up and then not reviewed on a regular basis. This means that problems with user-friendliness can remain in the forefront rather than being corrected because no one is looking for the problems so that they can be fixed. IF a page is not easy to navigate, it can be seen as a failed or failing page that needs immediate address.
2. Mobility Friendliness
In today’s every growing mobile world, more and more individuals are keeping internet access right at their fingertips. From laptops, tablets, and smartphones, webpages and the internet can literally be accessed anywhere in the world that has internet access. Unfortunately, webpages do not look the same on every device. While desktop computers, laptops, and tablets may open a page one way, a smartphone or other device may not. That is why it becomes so important to have a mobile friendly page that allows the content in its correct and created form to be accessed clearly and with efficiency.
Webpages that are not mobile friendly can open in such a way that information is literally cut off or in a way that requires unnecessary user interaction. When a page opens incorrectly or is incompatible with a user’s device, then, it is likely that that individual will become frustrated and may leave that page altogether. Therefore, those looking to keep an up to date and accessible page should spend time diagnosing website issues to ensure that the website is and remains mobile friendly.
3. Updating Too Little
Updating a webpage can take time, energy, and resources. But, this is a vital process in keeping a website fresh and accessible. While changing the overall look and format of a page is not necessary on a regular basis, keeping the content relevant is. A page with outdated information or stagnant content can cause a user to lose interest and a visitor to feel unimportant as a page that cared about consumers is more likely to cater to their new needs. Therefore, one problem that diagnosing website issues can correct or bring to the forefront of understanding is the need for regular updates.
4. Broken Links
Another problem that a website can face is in its use of links to the external world. Links are an important part, even if they are internal links to other pages on the same site. If a link fails, it can be frustrating to the user as well as cause problems in consumer and visitor retention. Therefore, those that want to ensure that their page is running to the greatest benefit of the individual must consider addressing these website links often. If there is a broken link or one that no longer functions on its own, it should be updated or removed immediately. A broken link will only show the visitor that updates are not done on a regular basis.
5. Lack of SEO
Search Engine Optimization or SEO is an important part of a webpage’s success. It is the algorithm that helps drive a page to the top of the google search engine list and increases its chances of click through by a consumer. A page that is not well focused on SEO can miss great amounts of opportunity for success and promotion. Though not a problem in the sense of connectivity or integration, the understanding and integration of SEO that make your page stand out is greatly important to its success. Therefore, it must be a point of focus for any page owner, developer, or operator. A failed SEO plan can have a page getting lost in the fray and seeing little traffic.
What Are The Results of a Failed Page?
It may seem that diagnosing website issues is just about the visitor and, to an extent, it is. But this is more than just important for altruistic reasons. It is also important for profitability. The following explains more how webpages that do not work or suffer from issues can greatly impact return on investment and customer retention.
1. Loss Revenue
If a website is struggling to function properly, especially if it is a business page, there is more than just time that is lost. There is also the chance that potential revenue is missed as well. A website with multiple problems often frustrates an individual and may have them coming back later, if they come back at all. This results in a loss of revenue or potential revenue that may never be recouped. Therefore, it becomes vital for an owner to find someone well versed in diagnosing website issues as the bottom line can be greatly affected.
2. Loss of Consumer
While a website experiencing difficulties can be very problematic in revenue, even those that are not profit based in their website goals can see a loss. That is to say that if a consumer is not asked to purchase a product or buy a service, even information sharing can result from a failed website experience. This can help a cause or a group page to see a loss of informational consumer that can hurt a greater mission. Therefore, all website creators need to be quick in diagnosing website issues with the proper team of individuals.
3. Poor PR
A website is a great tool for marketing and sending a message about what the business page stands for or cause represents. Most specifically, an easy to navigate page is something that customers and visitors often respond to, even if subliminally. A difficult to use page is likely to cause more of a reaction than easy to use one, especially when it comes to word of mouth and discussion. It can also have a greater impact. That is to say that if a page fails an individual they are likely to share that information with others that they know or may even leave a negative review about the company or organization based upon their experience. Anecdotally negative press can be very much problematic for the public image of the company attached to the website, creating a backlash that can cause both of the aforementioned issues. Therefore, diagnosing website issues and fixing them quickly can help keep a positive image about a page and, in turn, the company.
How To Diagnose Problems
Of course diagnosing website issues can be a difficult task for those that do not have a background in programming or website development. It can also be difficult for those that do not have someone in house that can serve this role in their company or organization. Therefore, it becomes important to find an outside and competent individual or team that can do this work for a website owner. This quality team can help to identify problems as well as prescribe fixes that will help keep the page functioning properly and with efficiency.
A diagnostic team that handles website issues will regularly check and update the system as well. This can save valuable time internally at an organization and ensure that the website is handled in a professional and knowledgeable way. Regular updating by an outside party can greatly show your commitment to a page as well as create a positive PR message.
For many, though, diagnosing website issues is something that is outside their realm of comfort and can seem like a big expense to undertake. However, the right company that is well versed in quickly, efficiently, and on a regular basis can truly pay for themselves. That is to say that protecting against lost revenue, lost profitability, and lost public perception is something that far outweighs the cost of doing business. Therefore, it is essentially an investment that is necessary for a page to run successfully. Consider hiring a company that can do your diagnostic website testing today and protect yourself tomorrow! diagnosing website issues
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