I’m writing from my parents’ patio in North Carolina. It’s a perfect late summer day in the Appalachians — a light breeze, birds and bugs chirping, the sun out but clouds coming in for the afternoon.
Work lately has leaned toward the stress-inducing side. I’ve been well aware of the hard, tough, uncertain parts of running this little business. There are so many things I wish I was better at.
And… it’s a joy to be sitting on this breezy patio checking things off my list, working from this patio chair, watching the clouds roll in. It’s easy to forget about the joys my business gives me, like getting to work in the times and places I want to.
I don’t see it unless I step back, and I love this about my work with clients. I get to ask them what they love most about their work, how they help their clients and customers, and how their work enables and fits in their lives, so we can tell that story on their website.
Even in the best of scenarios, there are tough things about work. This month I’m delighting in being able to see and feel some of the good ones.
This Month’s Observation: The Only Constant Is Change
In my last newsletter I mentioned Squarespace’s new editor, Fluid Engine. This is only available on Squarespace 7.1, their current builder platform, even though there are many Squarespace 7.0 websites still out there. Often in the website world developers create new version of a product and focus their development energy there, even though you can still use the old product version.
The bummer is that Squarespace never created an easy migration tool to change 7.0 sites to 7.1, so I have several clients who haven’t made the move yet. The downside to not moving is that you miss out on new updates and features built into the new platform — in this case more accessibility features, this new Fluid Engine page editor, and more design flexibility overall even in the (now old) basic 7.1 editor. Usually things get better as they get updated.
Recreating your website on 7.1, or updating sections of your site to Fluid Engine so you have more design flexibility, is fairly straightforward. But I find these changes (or times when you run into walls with your current platform) the perfect time to take a big picture look at your website and consider a redesign or a refresh. You might want to change the overall structure, your copy or images, or the way someone gets in touch — so having to think about the new tech can be a good thing!
Reach out if you have any Squarespace 7.0, 7.1 or Fluid Engine questions.
Website & SEO Updates from Around the Web
7 Best Website Performance Test Tools
Automated tools like these are a great first step in identifying errors or problems on your website. I recommend auditing your website on an annual basis to make sure everything is in good shape.
The Unexpected Star of NASA’s Webb Images – the Alt Text Descriptions
Ann Handley’s recent newsletter pointed me to this hope-giving article. “They are able to convey the wonders and beauty of these in words, making these breathtaking views accessible.”
Tips for Leveraging the Power of Voice Search Optimization
Voice search is growing and is well worth keeping in mind.
Shopify Makes Strategic Investment in Marketing Automation Startup Klaviyo
“Klaviyo is the latest in a string of investments and acquisitions aimed at broadening the e-commerce platform’s reach.”
How to Craft a Click-Worthy Google Business Profile Post
A good explainer about Google Business Profile posts from a GBP expert.
From My Blog: Easy Ways to Make Your Website More Accessible
I bring up website accessibility with all of my clients, and many of them wish I hadn’t mentioned it. The world of website accessibility is murky, sometimes expensive, and the guidelines are always evolving.
Still, I believe every step you take in the more-accessible direction makes the internet a better place. In that spirit, I’m sharing 12 things you can do (many on your own) to make your website more accessible. Read the post.
