A website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. For small businesses, WordPress is a popular choice due to its flexibility and ease of use. However, despite its user-friendly nature, many small businesses make avoidable mistakes that can harm their online presence. In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 common WordPress mistakes small businesses make and, most importantly, how to fix them.
1. Ignoring Regular Updates
Failing to update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins can leave your website vulnerable to security threats and bugs.
Fix: Set up automatic updates or regularly check for updates manually to keep everything secure and running smoothly.
2. Using Too Many Plugins
While plugins add functionality, using too many can slow down your website and cause compatibility issues.
Fix: Regularly audit your plugins, deactivating and deleting those you no longer need. Stick to well-supported plugins with good reviews.
3. Not Optimising for Mobile
With over half of all web traffic coming from mobile devices, a site that isn’t mobile-friendly can turn potential customers away.
Fix: Use a responsive theme and test your website on multiple devices to ensure it looks great on screens of all sizes.
4. Neglecting SEO Best Practices
Many small businesses overlook basic SEO practices, making it harder for potential customers to find them online.
Fix: Install a reputable SEO plugin, and ensure you understand your primary keywords, are creating keyword content and are optimising your titles, meta descriptions, and alt tags.
5. Slow Loading Times
A slow website can frustrate visitors and increase bounce rates.
Fix: Optimise your images, enable caching, and consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to improve loading times.
6. Poor Site Navigation
Confusing menus and navigation can make it difficult for visitors to find what they’re looking for.
Fix: Simplify your menu structure and include clear, intuitive labels. Consider adding a search bar to help users navigate your site.
7. Not Backing Up Regularly
Without regular backups, you risk losing your entire site’s content in the event of a crash or hack.
Fix: Use a backup plugin or service to automatically back up your site regularly. Store backups in a secure offsite location.
8. Weak Security Practices
Small businesses are often targets for hackers due to weak security practices.
Fix: Strengthen your site’s security by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and installing a security plugin like Wordfence.
9. Ignoring Google Analytics
Without tracking your site’s performance, you won’t know what’s working and what isn’t.
Fix: Set up Google Analytics and Search Console, and regularly review your data to make informed decisions about your website and marketing strategies.
10. Poor Content Management
Publishing content without a strategy can lead to inconsistent messaging and poor user experience.
Fix: Develop a content calendar and ensure all content is well-written, relevant, and optimized for your target audience.
Get Your Free Consultation and Site Audit
Avoiding these common WordPress mistakes can help your small business maintain a professional and effective online presence. However, identifying and fixing these issues can be time-consuming and complex. That’s where we come in!
At In a Day we specialise in helping small businesses like yours optimise their WordPress sites for success. Contact us today for a free one-hour consultation and site audit. We’ll help you identify areas for improvement and create a tailored plan to enhance your website’s performance.
Don’t wait—take action now and ensure your website is working for you, not against you!
Andy Henderson, the Director and Head Trainer at In a Day, manages the day to day operations of our Brisbane (Carina) Training facility. Andy has more than 20 years experience in Search Engine Optimisation, Web Design, and in excess of 10 years WordPress website development.