How to Conduct an Audit on Your Gym’s Website
As a business owner, you’re probably familiar with the term ‘audit’. While financial audits are commonplace, website audits might be a little more obscure. As more and more consumers (in this case, potential members) use web searches and other tools to find new gyms to do businesses with, it has become more critical than ever that gyms are sharing the right information – and using the right keywords – on their websites.
Here is a quick how-to for conducting an audit of your gym’s website, followed by a checklist to make the process easier.
How to Conduct a Website Audit
Just as financial audits involve retracing and recapping every single transaction, a website audit requires review of every single page of your website. Typically, a website audit is performed for a few reasons:
- To optimize content and become a thought leader in the space.
- To make it easier for consumers and members to find the answers they’re looking for.
- To fix any issues or problems that might be inconveniencing visitors.
This being said, it’s a best practice to perform a website audit every year or so. This will ensure you’re continuously updating and changing the messaging on your website, adding new photos and content, and keeping things fresh for visitors.
When conducting a website audit, the first thing you should do is make a list of all of the pages on your website. Build a spreadsheet that lists the name of the page, the URL, the ‘goal’ of the page (aka is there a Call To Action link?), and any notes you may have.
Then, it’s time to conduct the audit. Run through every single page with a fine-tooth comb, making note of any places where new content, updates, or edits might be required. Is there language that is outdated? Is there a video testimonial with a trainer that is no longer with your gym? Is there a page that simply isn’t loading anymore? All of these require changes, which is why this audit can be so valuable.
And finally, it’s time to make the changes. Start with the red-flag items, like broken links or missing images, first. Then, move on to messaging and content changes. Because it might take you a while to completely re-design your website or film a new testimonial, it’s okay to save these bigger updates for the end.
What to Look for During a Website Audit
Here is a quick checklist of things to look for during your next website audit:
- Call To Action (CTA) buttons that are easy to find
- Errors, typos, or incorrect content
- New hours, locations, or contact information
- Design, user experience, and the overall ‘feel’
- Engaging, updated content
- Multiple CTAs that link to sign-up forms
- Images that don’t render correctly
- Broken links or pages
- Pictures and videos of your gym and team at work
Want to jump-start your website audit? The Paramount team can help! Give us a call today for your personalized consultation and website review!
