Is your website making or breaking your business?

A company's website is the window to brand style, personality and what the organization offers. Websites are also gateways to other online channels such as social media sites, blogs or e-news. So, how do you make sure your website is working for you rather than against you?

1. Update content regularly. The last thing you want is someone to leave your site because you have old information. Make sure the most current information, news, events and other items appear first and older items last.
2. Make it media friendly. Do you have a page dedicated to quick snippets of information the media can use if they're working on a story? Consider adding a "news" or "media room" where journalists can go to pick up quick information about your company.
3. Provide adequate contact information. Do you have an easy-to-locate "contact" page? Do you list your location and ways to get in touch via email and phone? Although forms are a great way to capture leads, think about listing your contact information in plain sight so as not to discourage those that may want to get in touch for a quick question or need.
4. It's about the customer. Provide information that your customers want. Ask frequent visitors of your site what kind of information is helpful to them. Your website should answer a variety of questions your customers might have about your business without doing a ton of digging.
5. Interact and engage. Find ways to engage your customers on your site. This can be through use of video, blogs that solicit feedback and comments, or a widget that shows your latest Twitter interactions. And if you're on social media sites, make it easy for your customers to find those links and continue the conversation there.

This month, make it a point to assess your own website and think about what you can do to improve. Schedule time for regular website updates and assessments so that you're always putting your best face forward for your customers.

Melissa Harrison is CEO at Allée, a strategic marketing, branding and PR firm in Albertville. Contact her via email, Twitter or Facebook.