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When was the last time you actually looked - really looked - at your website? If you're like most busy business owners, you launched your site, celebrated with the team, and then promptly forgot about half the content sitting on it.
We get it. You're running a business, not moonlighting as a website content manager. But here's the thing: learning how to perform a website content audit isn't just about tidying up old pages; it's about making sure your website is actually working for you, not against you.
Think of your website as a shopfront. You wouldn't leave a "Closed for COVID-19" sign in your window in 2025, would you? Yet you'd be surprised how many websites are still running with pandemic messaging, outdated service offerings, or contact information that leads nowhere.
Your website needs the same attention you'd give your physical business space:
Your business has evolved since you first went live. Maybe you've pivoted your services, your audience has shifted, or the way you talk about your services has completely changed. That DVD training package you used to offer? Not exactly flying off the digital shelves these days. Your website content needs to keep pace with where your business is now - not where it was three years ago (or maybe even one year ago).
Here's something else to consider: AI tools and search engines are increasingly recommending businesses based on what's actually on their websites. If your content is still talking about services you no longer offer, or missing information about what you're brilliant at now, you're essentially invisible for the things that matter most. You want AI to recommend you for what you're genuinely great at doing today, not for some outdated offering that's gathering digital dust.
As Bundaberg website designers, we typically recommend giving your site a proper once-over at least once a year. Think of it as an annual health check for your digital presence. But there are also some trigger moments when a content audit becomes particularly important:
Start by listing every page on your website. Yes, every single one - including those "About the Team" profiles for people who left in 2022 and that blog post about your Easter trading hours from three years ago. You can do this manually by clicking through your site, or use a tool like Screaming Frog if you want to get fancy.
For each page, note down:
Now comes the fun part (and by fun, we mean potentially cringe-inducing). Go through each page and ask yourself:
Be ruthless here! That inspirational quote-heavy "Our Philosophy" page that seemed profound at 2 am while writing content? Maybe it's time to let it go.
Review your website analytics to see which pages are actually being visited and which ones are digital ghost towns. Pages with high bounce rates or zero traffic might need reworking or retiring altogether. Meanwhile, your top-performing pages deserve some extra love - make sure they're optimised and up-to-date.
Tools to use:
Every page should have a clear next step for visitors. Whether it's "Book a consultation", "Get a quote", or "Call us today", make sure your calls to action still make sense for your current business model. If you're directing people to a disconnected phone number or an email inbox you abandoned, that's a problem worth fixing.
How do customers actually work with you these days? If your website talks about in-person workshops but you've moved entirely online, or vice versa, that disconnect will confuse people. Make sure your website reflects your actual customer journey, from first contact through to purchase or booking.
Once you've got your audit complete, you'll likely have pages that fall into a few categories:
Here's something we've learnt as a Bundaberg website designer: shipping a finished, polished website is important, but expecting it to stay perfect forever is unrealistic. Your business is alive and changing, and your website should be too. The goal isn't perfection, it's relevance and the ability to connect with your customer.
We often build websites with clients who want everything just right before launch (and fair enough), but then they feel like the site is "done" and shouldn't be touched. The truth is, a website that accurately reflects your current business will always outperform one that's technically perfect but outdated.
Look, we know you're busy. You didn't get into business to become a website content manager. But setting aside a few hours once or twice a year to review your site can save you from losing customers who bounce because your information doesn't match reality.
Some businesses find it helpful to schedule their content audit around a specific time - maybe your financial year-end, your business anniversary, or the start of each year. Whatever works for you, just make it happen regularly.
And if you're looking at your site thinking, "I know this needs work, but I have absolutely no time for this", that's where working with a web designer can help. We can conduct the audit, make the updates, and ensure your website is representing your business the way it deserves to be represented.
Knowing how to do a website content audit isn't about being precious or a perfectionist about your site. It's about ensuring the digital version of your business matches the real one. It's about being findable for the right reasons, by the right people, for the things you actually do now.
Your website should be working hard for your business, not quietly undermining it with outdated information. So set aside some time, make a coffee, and take a proper look at what's actually on your site. Future you (and your future customers) will thank you for it.
Need a hand getting your website content back on track? We're here to help you audit, update, and optimise your site so it actually reflects the brilliant business you're running today. Contact us to learn more.
