Your website was great when you launched it, but it’s been, what, 18 months? Two years? Life and business have evolved. You’ve changed, your services have shifted, and , if we’re honest, some of your site is feeling a little “meh.”
But the idea of spending $3K on a redesign or blocking out 40 hours for a full overhaul? Yeah, no thanks.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a full redesign to feel proud of your website again. There are small (but mighty!) website updates you can do solo, in an afternoon, that make a real difference for both you and your clients.
This isn’t about perfection or polish. It’s about a low-pressure website refresh that helps you feel more aligned, confident, and ready to share your link again.
Even if you only pick 2–3 of these today, your future self and your website visitors will thank you.
Why Even Small Website Updates Matter (For You AND Your Clients)
Think of your website like a cozy front porch. If the paint’s peeling, the welcome mat’s curled up, and the mailbox is missing a number… it might still “work,” but it doesn’t feel like the warm, inviting space you want people to step into.
Here’s what happens when your site isn’t up to date:
- Old copy can confuse potential clients and dilute your niche
- Broken links quietly erode trust and hurt your SEO ranking
- Poor navigation = missed sales or booking opportunities
- Your visuals (or lack of them) might be telling the wrong story
- Your website sets the tone. It’s your online home, your digital handshake. Let’s make it feel fresh again with zero coding and minimal caffeine.
If you’re curious how this fits into the bigger picture, check out this complete website maintenance checklist for ongoing updates.
1. Fix Broken Links (30 minutes)
Broken links aren’t just annoying, they’re a signal. They tell your visitors (and Google): “Hey, nobody’s home.”
Use a free tool like:
- Broken Link Checker
- Screaming Frog (for more advanced scans)
- A WordPress plugin like Broken Link Checker
Prioritize these fixes:
- Navigation menu
- Homepage links
- Main service pages
- Social media icons
- Old blog posts
Check your 404 page too. Is it helpful? Friendly? Or just a sad error message?
Need extra motivation? Here’s a deeper dive into how broken links impact your SEO and user experience.
2. Update Outdated Copy (30–45 minutes)
If your homepage still says you help everyone with everything, it’s time for a mini copy glow-up.
Focus on:
- Homepage hero section
- Services page intro
- About page (especially the first paragraph)
Ask yourself:
- Does this clearly say who I help?
- Is it aligned with my current offers?
- Is there a clear next step?
Micro-copy swap idea:
Old: “I’m a business coach for entrepreneurs.”
New: “I help female service providers simplify their systems so they can finally take Fridays off.”
Keep it specific. Keep it current. Keep it you.
3. Swap Old Photos & Fix Brand Mismatches (30 minutes)
We’ve all been there. Your last brand photoshoot was two hairstyles ago, and your blog graphics still use your pre-Canva-era font. No shame.
Quick fix:
- Swap out 2–3 outdated images (headshot, homepage hero, old freebies)
- Check for font or color inconsistencies across pages
- Make sure your logo and testimonials match your current brand vibe
Sneaky mismatch zones:
- Blog featured images
- Sidebar graphics
- Footer elements
- Lead magnet thumbnails
And no, you don’t need a fancy photoshoot. A well-lit phone photo taken this year > your 2021 headshot in front of that weird beige wall.
4. Simplify Confusing Navigation (20 minutes)
If your menu reads like a Cheesecake Factory menu, with too many options and unclear labels, it’s time to simplify.
Aim for:
- 5–7 top-level menu items
- Clear, action-based labels (ex: “Services & Packages” vs. “Stuff I Do”)
- Your money-making pages up front and center
- A “Contact” or “Book” link visible on both desktop and mobile
Before vs. After:
Before: Home | About | Services | Blog | Shop | Freebie Library | FAQ | Contact
After: Home | About | Services | Work With Me | Contact
For more inspo, check out these web design tips that help women-owned businesses convert visitors.
5. Make Your Contact Info Easy to Find (15 minutes)
You’d be surprised how many service providers hide their contact info without meaning to. If someone’s ready to reach out, let’s not make them dig for it.
Checklist:
- “Contact” or “Book” link in top navigation? ✅
- Visible CTA on Services, About, and Homepage? ✅
- Footer contact link? ✅
- Forms actually work (and show a thank-you message)? ✅
- Booking link opens smoothly on mobile? ✅
Not everyone prefers the same method. Give people multiple paths: form, email, booking calendar.
Celebrate These Small Wins
You made it! Even if you only tackled two things today, you’ve taken real steps toward a more user-friendly, client-aligned site. No redesign needed.
Remember: this isn’t about a perfect website. It’s about a working website that reflects who you are now and helps the right people say yes to your offers.
Next step? Mark your calendar for a quarterly “website power hour” where you revisit this list and knock out anything you missed.
And if you’d like a little extra help, check out my free Website Audit Checklist or reach out for a cozy, no-pressure mini website audit.
Because your website works 24/7. Let’s make sure it’s working for you.
Grab Your Free Quick Website Audit Checklist
This one-page guide helps you spot what’s working (and what’s not) on your site, fast. No tech stress. No overwhelm. Just clarity, calm, and simple action steps you can take today.
