Let’s Be Realistic: Post #3 – DIY Friendly Website Updates You Can Do Yourself
There is a lot of advice out there in the birth business world, and much of it is unrealistic, spun by people trying to get you to spend big money on services you do not need. The truth is, there are plenty of small, realistic ways to get your birth business noticed without breaking the bank. That is exactly why I started the Let’s Be Realistic series, to show you tried and true, down to earth ways to market your birth business. No frills, no gimmicks, just simple and actionable steps to help improve your marketing in 2025 on a small budget. In this series I am going to walk you through each step. And if you need any help, you know where to find me.
This series was born out of all the sales calls I have had where I have to start with “let’s be realistic.” The truth is, we all want to jump in, fix everything at once, and spend 2025 becoming a marketing guru. But that is not sustainable or realistic. So what are the marketing goals that you can actually reach in 2025? That is what I am going to share with you in this series. Small ways to take steps in the right direction without burning yourself out.
Simple Ways to Keep Your Website Updated Without a Designer
Your website is your online home base. Even if you love social media, people will almost always check your website before they reach out to you. The problem is that websites can feel intimidating to update if you are not a designer. The good news is that you do not have to spend hundreds of dollars every time you want to change a photo or fix a line of text.
Here is how to keep your website looking fresh, relevant, and up to date without hiring someone every time, and how to make sure those updates help people find you online.
Swap Out Photos Regularly
Update your homepage or About section with a few new photos every couple of months. This gives visitors a modern look at your birth center and ensures you are not showing outdated spaces or images. When you add new photos, take a few extra minutes to optimize them for SEO. Rename the file before uploading so it includes relevant keywords, such as “springfield-birth-center-lobby” instead of “IMG_1234.” Add alt text that clearly describes the image in plain language, for example “Lobby of Springfield Birth Center with comfortable seating.” This helps search engines understand your content and can improve how often your site appears in local searches.
Refresh Your Hours and Services
Check your contact page and services page every month or two. Make sure your hours are correct and that every service you offer is listed clearly. If you add something new, update it right away. For SEO, make sure the service descriptions use the words potential clients might actually search for, such as “water birth” or “prenatal care” rather than only using internal terms you use in your practice.
Add a Small Announcement Section to Your Homepage
If you have classes coming up, events, or are currently accepting new clients, a short note on your homepage makes your business look active. For SEO purposes, use keywords naturally in the announcement. For example, “Join our free birth class at Springfield Birth Center this Saturday” will help Google understand what you are offering and where you are located.
Update Your About Page Once a Year
You change, your team changes, and your approach to care can evolve over time. Update your About page annually so it reflects who you are now. While you are at it, make sure your About page includes your location and main services in the text. Phrases like “serving families in Springfield with midwifery and birth center care” help with local search ranking.
Check Your SEO Without Paying a Fortune
If you want to make sure people can actually find your website, you need to check your SEO regularly. This does not require a huge budget.
SEO Space is a great option for Squarespace users. It guides you through checking keywords, meta descriptions, and site speed in a way that is easy to understand. Ubersuggest is another budget friendly option that works for any website platform. Google Search Console is completely free and will tell you exactly what search terms people use to find your site. Even a quick check every few months can show you what is working and where you could improve.
Why This Matters
An outdated website can make it seem like your birth center is not active even if you are busier than ever. Small updates like new photos, accurate hours, and current announcements keep your site looking fresh and professional. When those updates are paired with a few simple SEO best practices, they can also help more local families find you.
Here is the truth. You do not need a brand new site or a big budget to keep your website in great shape. Small and consistent updates not only make your site look better but also improve your chances of showing up when families search for care in your area. If you are not sure where to start or you want help walking through these steps, I am here for you. Let’s keep it realistic and make your website work for you.