Website Tech Check: Is Your Site Ready for the Season?

Key Takeaways

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin

July marks the halfway point of the year and the beginning of a season where audiences change online behavior. Whether they’re on vacation, attending summer events, or engaging with your organization through mobile devices, your website needs to be prepared.

At Goldlilys Media, we help mission-driven organizations stay digitally sharp through our Brand, Build, and Beta process. July is the perfect time to review your website’s performance, stability, and readiness, especially before the holiday lull or back-to-school ramp-up.

Here’s your quick tech check to ensure your website is ready for the months ahead.

1. Is Your Site Mobile-First and Fast? (Build Phase)

With more users browsing from their phones during travel and events, mobile optimization is crucial.

• Test your site on multiple devices
• Check tap targets, scrolling behavior, and load time on mobile
• Use PageSpeed Insights to identify lagging elements

A slow site in July is a missed opportunity for summer traffic.

2. Are You Tracking What Matters? (Beta Phase)

The start of Q3 is a great time to review analytics and ensure your goals are still aligned.

• Is Google Analytics 4 properly set up?
• Are you tracking form submissions, donations, or event clicks?
• Can your team easily access and interpret reports?

Data isn’t helpful unless it guides decisions.

3. Have You Scheduled Summer Content? (Brand + Build)

July is often light on staff availability. Make sure your content pipeline is automated or pre-scheduled.

• Blog posts, newsletters, or event promos
• Update your homepage with timely messaging
• Check for broken calendar links or outdated images

Consistency builds trust, even when you’re out of office.

4. Are Core Features Still Working? (Beta Phase)

Double-check forms, donation flows, sign-up pages, and search functions.

• Run a test donation or registration
• Review your site’s error logs
• Fix 404s or plugin conflicts before traffic spikes

A broken form during a peak campaign could cost you donors or attendees.

5. Have You Updated Plugins, Themes, and Security? (Build Phase)

Site maintenance often gets pushed aside during busy seasons. Make time now to:

• Update WordPress themes and plugins
• Run malware scans and check firewall settings
• Review SSL certificate and privacy policy compliance

A secure site builds credibility, and peace of mind.

6. Is Your Website Aligned with Your Audience’s Seasonal Needs? (Brand Phase)

As people’s habits shift in the summer, your website should reflect that. Content that resonates in the spring may feel out of touch by July. Audit your key pages to make sure they:

• Speak to current user behavior (vacations, events, community programming)
• Include updated calls-to-action that match what your audience is prioritizing
• Feature relevant visuals and timely announcements

Your website is your most visible team member, make sure it’s dressed for the season.

7. Is Your Team Trained to Handle Quick Fixes? (Beta Phase)

Even the best-designed websites need human support behind the scenes. Make sure your team knows how to perform basic tasks:

• Updating content without breaking layouts
• Publishing emergency notices or changes
• Reporting issues efficiently

If you work with a rotating team, volunteers, or staff with limited tech experience, now is the time for a quick refresher or SOP doc.

A confident team makes for a confident web presence.

8. Are You Maximizing Engagement Opportunities This Month? (Brand + Beta Phase)

July isn’t just a lull, it’s also full of engagement potential. From Independence Day campaigns to summer events and fundraisers, make sure your website supports:

• Seasonal landing pages or promo bars
• Lead magnets that capture visitor interest
• Event RSVPs, donation pushes, or sign-up incentives

Think about what your audience is doing right now and how your website can meet them where they are.

Visibility is valuable, but engagement is what creates momentum.

Bonus: Do You Have a Plan for Emergencies? (Beta Phase)

Prepare your team for unexpected issues while key staff are away.

• Who’s on-call for support?
• Do you have backup and restore processes in place?
• Are login credentials secure and accessible to the right people?

Conclusion: Preparation is Your Digital Advantage

A quick tech check now saves you stress later. July is a unique opportunity to stay ahead while others are distracted. Whether it’s mobile optimization, security updates, or ensuring forms work seamlessly, each action helps your site support your mission all month long.

Need help running your tech check? Let’s make sure your website is summer-ready.

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr