Been thinking a lot about websites recently. Windows 10 was released yesterday (plan to get it for free) with a shiny new browser called Edge. Looking forward to seeing how it performs versus Chrome and Firefox (stopped using IE a while back, so this may bring me back into the fold).

Then I also pitched a brand on an AODA audit for a new website they have in the pipeline to check its accessibility level. Still a lot of sites out there that could be improved.

So that got me thinking about Herb Communications' website. Can I trust it not to scam people into nasty malware and other crap? Websites are usually the first impression that someone gets of your brand, so it's literally seconds to make it a positive one.

Luckily I heard about Is It Hacked? via the Solo PR Pro group I joined. Ran Herb Communications through it, held my breath ... and everything seems OK. Phew! (But it does come with a disclaimer, "Note: this site just checks for common problems, a pass from here doesn't guarantee your site isn't hacked." Well -- at least it's a start to get people thinking about this kind of thing.)

Many a time brands are content to create a great website, but then forget to keep it properly maintained and updated. Websites are organic and you should be able to change anything you want, on the fly, instantly.

Keep it fresh and clean, evolve it over time, run it through some FREE checks such as the one above and get an idea of where you stand. It isn't the be-all and end-all of website maintenance but it keeps you on your toes and brings your own personal digital communications front of mind.

There's only so many hours in the day to help clients, but you have to help yourself first if you're to succeed.

John.