Not everyone has the time (or emotional stamina) for a full-blown website review. But what if you could spot your site’s biggest issues in the time it takes to finish a cappuccino?
Grab your drink, set a timer for 10 minutes, and let’s gently poke at your website together. No spreadsheets. No stress. Just a checklist that tells you where your site shines — and where it might need a little dusting.
Minute 1–2: The Blink Test
Open your homepage. Don’t scroll yet. Just look at what’s above the fold — the bit people see before they touch their mouse or trackpad.
Ask yourself:
- Do I know what this site does within 3 seconds?
- Is there a clear next step (like a button or call to action)?
- Does it feel visually clean and modern?
If you have to squint or guess, make a note. First impressions matter more than we like to admit.
Minute 3–4: The Phone Flip
Pull out your phone (the device 70% of your visitors are likely using) and load your homepage. Then:
- Is it easy to navigate with your thumb?
- Do the fonts look readable, or are they ant-sized?
- Are images behaving themselves or spilling off the screen?
Bonus: tap a few buttons. If they take forever to load or go nowhere, that’s your cue.
Minute 5–6: The Scroll & Skim Test
Scroll through your main pages — homepage, about, services. Don’t read every word. Skim like you’re bored on a train.
Check for:
- Headings that make sense on their own
- Paragraphs that aren’t mini essays
- A clear visual flow (are your eyes guided down or do they feel lost in space?)
If you get bored or confused, your audience probably will too.
Minute 7–8: The Broken Bits Check
Click your main menu links. Try your buttons. Fill out your contact form (don’t worry, you can pretend).
You’re looking for:
- Dead links
- Forms that don’t send (or feel like interrogation)
- Buttons that say “Submit” but don’t tell you what you’re submitting
Think of this as your website’s annual health screening. Slightly awkward, but absolutely necessary.
Minute 9–10: The Gut Check
Last question: Does your website feel like you? Is the tone friendly (if you’re friendly), calm (if you’re calm), or confident (if you’re… well, you get it)?
A polished website is great. But a personality match? That’s what keeps people around.
If your site sounds like a stranger, that’s a sign your copy needs a little rewriting — nothing drastic, just more of you in the words.
Final Sip: What Now?
You now have a short but mighty to-do list. Start with the easiest fix. Then the next. Soon, your site will be less “meh” and more you’ve got to see this.
No major overhaul needed. Just 10 thoughtful minutes — and maybe another cup of coffee.