The 10-Minute Website Health Check: A DIY Toolkit for Small Businesses

Quick, Free Checks to Spot What’s Slowing Down Your Website and Holding Back Your Sales

Introduction

Your website is your digital storefront. It’s often the first interaction potential customers have with your business and, like any physical storefront, it needs to make a great first impression. But is your website operating at its best?

That’s where a “website health check” comes in. Think of it as a quick tune-up to make sure your site is primed for performance. For small business owners, these quick checks can spell the difference between winning a customer or losing them to a competitor.

The good news? This health check doesn’t require a tech degree or special expertise. All you need is 10 minutes, a little curiosity, and free tools. By the end, you’ll have identified quick fixes to boost your site’s performance, attract more visitors, and improve your bottom line.

This guide is perfect for:

• Small business owners managing their own websites

• Entrepreneurs using Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress

• Marketers who inherited a messy site

• Anyone who knows their website should be doing better

Here’s how to get started...

First Impressions Matter (1 Minute)

Your website gets one chance to make a strong first impression. Most visitors will decide whether to stay or leave within a few seconds. Let’s make those seconds count.

✅ Checklist:

• Is your logo visible and clickable? A clear, clickable logo helps users find their way back to your homepage.

• Is your headline clear about what you do? Your headline should instantly communicate your value or services. Visitors shouldn’t have to guess.

• Can you spot a Call-to-Action (CTA) within 3 seconds? Whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Contact Us,” or “Get a Free Quote,” your CTA should be obvious and compelling.

Free Tool Tip: Use your phone to record yourself or have a friend narrate their first impression of your website as they scroll through. Are they confused or engaged? You’ll gain valuable insight into how others see your site.

Page Speed & Mobile Friendliness (2 Minutes)

Slow-loading pages and a poor mobile experience can drive potential customers away. Fortunately, there are quick ways to check these critical aspects.

✅ Checklist:

• Does your site load in under 3 seconds? If it doesn’t, many visitors won’t hang around.

• Does your site look great on a phone? More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. Ensure your site’s design isn’t just desktop-friendly.

🛠️  Tools to Use:

• Google PageSpeed Insights: Discover how fast your site loads and get actionable fixes for improvement.

• Google Mobile-Friendly Test: Ensure your site functions properly on mobile devices.

Bonus Tip: Take note of any specific “red flags” or suggestions these tools provide, like large image sizes or unoptimized code.

Is It Easy to Navigate? (1 Minute)

Your menu is like a map. If visitors can’t quickly find what they’re looking for, they might leave in frustration.

✅ Checklist:

• Is your menu simple and clear? Include only what’s absolutely necessary (e.g., Home, About, Services, Contact).

• Can users find essentials in one click? Your “Contact,” “About,” and “Services” pages should be just one click away from the homepage.

🔧 DIY Test: Ask someone outside your business to locate your phone number or pricing in under 10 seconds. If it’s harder than it should be, it’s time to simplify.

SEO Basics Check (3 Minutes)

Your website won’t work for your business if no one can find it. That’s where search engine optimization (SEO) comes in.

✅ Checklist:

• Does each page have a unique title tag? These titles tell search engines (and users) what each page is about.

• Are your images named meaningfully? Instead of “IMG_0023.jpg,” use descriptive names like “blue-coffee-mug and remove the file type”

• Can Google “see” your services on your homepage? Your homepage should mention your key services clearly in the text.

🛠️ Tools to Use:

• Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (free version: Analyze your site’s SEO performance.

• Ubersuggest: Find opportunities to improve your rankings.

• Extensions like SEO Minion or MozBar: Quickly check meta titles, headers, and other SEO essentials.

Conversion Clarity (2 Minutes)

Great websites don’t just look good; they convert visitors into customers. Clear actions and standout buttons are key to making that happen.

✅ Checklist:

• Is there one clear action you want the visitor to take? Each page should have ONE primary goal (e.g., buy a product, book a service). Clarity wins customers.

• Do your buttons stand out? Use bright colors and precise language like “Start My Free Trial” or “Schedule an Appointment.”

💡 Pro Tip: Confused users don’t convert. If a visitor can’t immediately see what to do next, it’s time to refine your page layout.

Trust Signals & Credibility (1 Minute)

Trust is essential. If your site doesn’t feel credible, visitors will hesitate to do business with you.

✅ Checklist:

• Do you show testimonials, reviews, or client logos? Social proof reassures potential customers.

• Do you have a secure HTTPS domain? Visitors look for that little padlock icon in the browser.

• Is there a real photo of you, your team, or your business? People connect with people, not faceless brands.

💡 Quick Fix: If you’re missing a trust signal, add one today. Even a short testimonial or a screenshot of a Google review can make a big difference.

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Celebrate Your Wins & What’s Next

Congratulations! With just 10 minutes, you’ve taken the first step toward a healthier, more effective website.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Celebrate the wins. Maybe your site already loads quickly or your homepage headline is perfection.

2. Create a fix list. For areas needing improvement, write down the specific tweaks to tackle next. Small, gradual changes can have a massive impact.

3. Need help? Not sure where to start with bigger fixes? Book a free discovery call with one of our website experts. We’ll guide you through the process with zero tech overwhelm.

Your website should work as hard as you do. With these simple checks, you’re well on your way to ensuring it does just that.