When it comes to navigating websites and mobile apps, usability and a good user experience is key. Here are some tips for improving your website:

Check your entire website and fix any broken links. This is free and easy to do. There is nothing worse than going to a website, clicking on a link for a phone number or another piece of contact information, and finding the link is broken. I would automatically be annoyed and turned off as member. It sounds a bit dramatic, but if I can't trust you to have a well-functioning and up-to-date website, how can I trust you with my money?
Plain language your website. Website visitors don't have time to translate difficult-to-read website text. Make the content clear, concise and easy to understand. Posting confusing information and instructions means you'll have to spend more resources explaining the confusion. Save yourself time and money, and plain language your website. The Federal government has a website solely dedicated to this effort. Check out some tips here.
Ensure your content is up to date. This is also free and easy to do. Again, nothing makes you lose credibility quicker than listing an outdated phone number or incorrect interest rates on your site.
Make your website accessible to people with disabilities. This includes ensuring you post alternate text for any images or graphics, and captioning all audio and video elements. To learn additional tips, visit the Americans with Disabilities Act website.
If you don't already use a website analytics platform, start now. Website analytics help you track website traffic and enable you to make informed decisions when making website changes. For example, if 75% of your website traffic is going to the "login" button on the homepage, but it's currently buried at the bottom of the page, this tells you that it should be more prominently displayed for improved usability. Web analytics can also tell you where people are coming to your site from – for example, a Google search or Facebook page – giving you insight into which methods of what advertising platforms are working.
When making website changes, use a focus group to test out the usability of your updates. If you're on a budget, use people within your organization who may be less familiar with the content and can give you honest, objective feedback. If you do have a budget, try User Testing, an organization that helps you capture critical insights into a visitor's web experience.
Make a full listing of your products and services available online. If a member or potential member is shopping for products, they'll want to know what is available.
Add a "search" function if you don't have one already. It makes website navigation so much easier and dramatically improves a website visitor's experience.

If you've recently improved your website, send your success stories to me at the email address below.

Instant Insights /

Improving Your Credit Union's Online Presence

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