Update 4 December 2017 … I thought about this list over the weekend as I was putting up the chrissie tree and though it would be useful to update it. On reflection, the list is as similar today as it was when I first put it together a few years ago!
The one thing I would add though is to make sure you’ve got your social media channels covered – just because you (and your customers) may be on holidays over the break, that doesn’t mean Facebook, Insta or Twitter don’t keep rolling on. It may also be a great time to reconnect with your customers in a more social way, and of course, to remind them about your fabulous products and services!
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This is the very first in a series of hint sheets to help you with all aspects of managing your website (that can also apply to managing your social media pages too!). This one covers managing your site over the Christmas period – a busy time of year, but with some thought and planning, your website doesn’t need to languish!
1. Do you have a procedures manual or checklist for your site?
Sounds incredibly boring I know, but it’s important to have something somewhere that has all the important info about your website. And no, that’s not on your computer or in your head, but somewhere safe but accessible for whoever needs to know! You need to include things like who has access to change things on your site, where it’s hosted, who to call in an emergency (like on the horrible day when your site isn’t there for some inexplicable reason). How you manage this will depend a lot on how big your website is and how frequently you update it.
2. Do you have a backup go-to guy?
Do you have a backup person who you can rely on to make changes? Someone who knows enough about your website that they can do the basics? Do they know they may be called on if you’re away? You should have a backup person regardless of the season, but it’s especially important if you’re planning on taking a break!
3. Do you post regularly to your blog?
Whether that’s daily or weekly (or even monthly), make sure you’ve got some posts tucked up your sleeve! You can schedule them to appear even if you’re not there to do it. If you’re not going to be posting to your blog, let your readers know! I’m not suggesting you tell the world you’ll be away – just that you may not be posting as regularly as you usually do. Use the opportunity to share a seasonal message, and let them know when you’ll start posting again in the new year. The same could easily apply to your Facebook posts.
4. Do you send out a regular eNewletter?
See #3, although you probably wouldn’t schedule any newsletters to go automatically – after all, would you believe that someone is actually working on Christmas Day to send you a special newsletter? I think not!
5. Do you have a contact form on your website?
Add an ‘autoresponder‘ to let visitors know if there will be any delay in responding and when you’ll be back on deck. If it’s appropriate, let your customers know if there’s any emergency contact numbers. When you are back, make sure you you do get back to those customers promptly. Again, I’d never suggest you tell people you’re away, just that you may not be able to respond as promptly as you usually do.
6. Do you have backup?
See #2! Make sure you have some backup to help manage your website (which you should have regardless of time of year!). This is especially important during peak times or when you’re taking a break. The same applies to your social media pages! You might think that nothing will happen, but I speak from experience when I say that it can and does! I’ve spent several Christmas Eve’s being on-call because a website has not been available for a variety of reasons – and none of them are good on Christmas Eve!
7. Do you have an online store?
Do you have a plan for managing and processing orders in the lead up to Christmas and over the Christmas/New Year period? You would have this sorted, especially if you’ve been selling online for more than 12 months, but if you’re new to it and this is your first Christmas selling online, make sure you have the help you need to get everything out in time! And a backup plan for customers just in case!
8. Remove those elves and Santas!
Nothing worse than seeing websites with Christmas images after the event! Make sure you remember to remove them, and restore your usual gfx etc. Update email auto responders if you’ve changed them, and if you have an email list, us the opportunity to get in touch with your customers you’re back with gusto for the New Year!
9. Get ready for the new year
If you have events planned that you need to advertise, or new features for your website that you are thinking you’ll get out there in the new year, don’t leave it until then to do something about it! January goes fast and February has a way of sneaking up on you!
10. If you have a plan, you won’t have to worry about a thing!
That way (and this is the most important thing of all), you can have a fabulous, safe and happy Christmas and New Year!
Don’t be afraid to get professional help to manage your website!
If you need backup support call me on 0409 660 489 or click here.
I look forward to hearing from you soon!
