@Kattastic,
Hi, I just so happen to design websites and also work with clients who have an ineffective or low ranking site. I will tell you how, after a lot of trial and blown hard drives, I was able to streamline and prioritize the components of effective and efficient web design and management.
There is no feasible way to elaborate on code and the truly technical processes, so I will try and help by going over some key maintenance issues and techniques for after you launch your newly improved website!
You will know best as to wether your site needs to be only modified in order to improve the attractability or if your budget will allow you to scrap the old design for a fresh,exciting new design. I will assume you are starting fresh and so once you consult with your design specialist the process begins, a mock interface is formatted and presented to you for any last minute changes or additions. From this point there begins an optimization process designed specifically for the purpose of presenting the most engaging and pleasurable user experience when it comes to utilizing your services.
According to the product, service or entertainment venues you provide, the content, images and level of engagement you provide for your visitors will be the deciding factor in your success as a formidable presence in the arena of online consumerism and product branding.
Because you are a working professional and handle the face to face personal service for your customers, hiring either an experienced freelance contracter or enlisting the help of a reputable consulting firm is a necessary investment. Once this is done, your contracter will handle the specialized aspects of the site's construction. Once the interface is complete you will be able to customize the content and aesthetic elements with ease.
When curating the content there are some guidelines to take into consideration.
When writing the content you will be focusing on breathing life into what you offer and only including the most current, groundbreaking and relevant information available. Your content will showcase any topic in which your customers have expressed interest in or that your competitors either do not offer or do so at an inflated rate which you either match or undershoot. Once you decide on your content, before you even pen one word of the draft, go online to Google and search for the specific products offered by them and find the Google Adwords instructable and the Webmaster toolkit. These two Google products will guide you through the process of perfecting your content in order for maximum optimization within the major search engines. Once you maximize your content correctly, you can expect to see your website begin to rank in a much more visible position in relation to SEO. Once your site begins to consistently rank high, Google offers a Webmaster toolkit which will show you how to track the analytics regarding the performance of your site and the implements therin. For instance, peak traffic time, what is being searched for as well as just who exactly is visiting and where they are visiting from.
I know this may not be everything you want to know, but just these crucial basics will ensure a promising start, and of course, you will have a much better perspective on how effective your site is.
Respectfully,
Elizabeth, Mountain Home, AR