I've recently re-listened to The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles and in this book Wallace Wattles emphasizes that success stems from taking action in the present moment. He explains that by focusing on what you can do now, you set in motion the creative forces that bring your vision to life. This concept is especially powerful for those managing an outdated website. The key to progress is not waiting for the perfect time or resources—it’s beginning where you are, with what you have, to create something better.
Start With Clarity: What Do You Want for Your Website?
Before you act, you need to get crystal clear on your website's purpose. Ask yourself:
- What do I want my website to achieve?
- Who are my customers, and what do they need?
- How do I want my customers to feel when they interact with my website?
Having a clear vision will guide your actions and ensure every step you take aligns with your goals. Whether it’s improving navigation, boosting product pages, or enhancing customer trust, clarity helps you act intentionally rather than reactively.
Signs Your Website Is Outdated
To act effectively, it’s important to recognize where your website needs improvement. Some common signs include:
1. Navigation Doesn’t Reflect Growth
- Your product offerings may have evolved, but if your navigation hasn’t kept up, customers may struggle to find what they’re looking for.
- Act Now: Audit your menu structure. Does it align with your current product ranges? Are popular or new categories easy to find?
2. Product Pages Lack Depth
- An outdated website often has sparse product descriptions, missing details, or low-quality images.
- Act Now: Enrich your product pages with detailed descriptions, high-quality visuals, and customer reviews to build trust and answer questions upfront.
3. No Filtering on Collection Pages
- Collection pages that lack filtering options frustrate customers and lead to lost sales.
- Act Now: Add filters for size, color, price, or other key attributes. This simple update improves user experience and helps customers find what they need quickly.
4. Trust Value Is Neglected
- A website that doesn’t foster trust often misses opportunities to connect with customers on a personal level.
- Act Now: Include links to your social media platforms, embed live social feeds, and start a blog that speaks to your audience’s needs and interests. Add a newsletter signup to build a stronger relationship over time.
Acting in the Present: Small Steps With Big Impact
As Wattles teaches, your actions in the present moment create the future you desire. If your website feels overwhelming to tackle, focus on one area at a time. Here are some practical steps to start transforming your website today:
1. Audit Your Navigation
- Write down your current menu items and compare them to your product ranges. Does anything need to be updated, renamed, or rearranged? Even small tweaks can make a big difference in usability.
2. Enhance Product Pages
- Pick your top 5 products and rewrite their descriptions. Highlight the benefits of each product, answer common customer questions, and include high-quality images. This will set a standard for the rest of your catalog.
3. Enable Filtering
- Reach out to a developer or explore your platform’s tools to add filters to your collection pages. Consider what matters most to your customers—whether that’s size, price, or style.
4. Foster Trust and Connection
- Add a section for customer reviews or testimonials. Start a blog and commit to posting one article that speaks directly to your audience’s needs. Embed your Instagram or TikTok feed to showcase your brand’s personality and social proof.
The Creative Power of Consistent Action
Wattles reminds us that “every act can be made strong and efficient by holding your vision while you act.” As you update your website, keep your vision of a customer-friendly, trust-building, high-performing site at the forefront of your mind. Each update—no matter how small—brings you closer to that vision.
By acting in the present, you not only improve your website but also cultivate the mindset of abundance and progress. Your website becomes a reflection of the thriving business you’re building, one intentional step at a time.
So don’t wait. Start with what you have, where you are, and take one small action today. The website (and business) of your dreams is within reach—if you act now.
