You did it! You are looking at your brand new website! You just completed a seamless redesign process with P&P, and are now sitting proudly in awe of the attention to detail, beautiful design, and brilliant strategy that will convert leads to loyal partners.

Now what?

1. Tell the World – Hold Up A Sec

Of course you want to announce your slick new site to your social media channels and email list post-launch. We recommend that you treat it like a soft opening of a new restaurant. Plan for a “soft launch” phase while your developer takes care of any last minute issues.

Typically, after 3-5 business days it’s safe to make the big announcement and welcome all of your fans to your new website.

Want some ideas on how to do that?  P&P can help you craft your messaging.

2. Websites Are Not Calipari Alumni

There’s no one-and-done when it comes to web maintenance. Here are a few tips to keep your new site organized and running smoothly:

• Update plugins at least once per month
• Limit the addition of new plugins unless absolutely necessary
• Regularly test your site by using it like a typical visitor. Don’t forget to test special features (like filters and calendars), fill out your newsletter sign-up form, and submit data on all forms.
• Use the custom post types and blocks that were created for you

P&P spends a lot of time cleaning up old websites. Proactively keeping your new site up-to-date and organized will prevent future headaches.

3. Content, Content, Content

The best way to keep your new site fresh is to regularly create content. 

Custom content types are designed by your web developer for your specific needs, like events or team profiles. Updating them is pretty intuitive. If you have an upcoming event, you add an event. If someone joins your team, you put them on your site. Easy. 

WordPress also has two default content types: pages and posts. As a general rule of thumb, create a page for content that will live on the site forever. Create a post for more time-sensitive content.

It’s a good idea to define the types of content you’re creating to help prevent future confusion, especially during any staff transition.

4. Maintain Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Accessibility

P&P puts great care into making sure sites are search engine optimized and accessible. It’s worth it to keep it going so people continue to easily find you.

SEO and accessibility go hand-in-hand. Keep an eye out for a future P&P blog post about the two. In the meantime, here are some basics for keeping your site in good shape:

• Add an alt tag to every image
• Use headings
• Use descriptive link text (not “click here”)
• Set keywords, a page title, and a page description using Yoast SEO
• Include transcripts for all video or audio content
• Make sure new plugins follow SEO and accessibility best practices

5. Ask for Help

Successful websites require routine care and maintenance. Given all of the other tasks you’re juggling in your organization, you may need a little extra help. P&P offers maintenance plans so you don’t have to take on content strategy, testing and updates solo. If you need a little help, let us know!