Jonny Ross Fractional CMO

#130 How to Run an Effective Annual Website Review & Reboot Your Blog for 2026


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In this timely episode of the 90-Day Website Mastery Podcast, Jonny Ross and Pascal Fintoni deliver the ultimate guide to conducting a meaningful annual website review as we approach the end of 2025.

This isn't about ticking boxes, it's about aligning your website with your business vision, reigniting your passion for blogging, and making strategic adjustments that will set you up for success in 2026.

The episode recaps on practical frameworks for structuring your review meeting, identifies what to prioritise versus what can wait, and introduces a powerful mindset shift: one blog for search, one for the soul.

Jonny and Pascal also react to Louis Evans' compelling article "The Time Is Ripe to Reboot Blogs," discussing how to move beyond keyword-dumping and bland marketing content toward authentic, valuable insight hubs.

Plus, discover two game-changing tools: Durable.co for rapid website prototyping and Google's NotebookLM for AI-powered content strategy. And learn the immediate actions you can take to improve social sharing and prepare your "Best of 2025" content.

If you're a business owner, marketing leader, or website manager looking to feel proud of your website again, this episode is your roadmap.

❓ How Do I Structure a Simple Annual Website Review?

Performance Analysis:

  • Review Google Analytics to identify what content is working and what isn't.
  • Analyse user behaviour, traffic sources, and conversion patterns.
  • Identify your best-performing pages and understand why they succeed.

Technical Health Check:

  • Ensure your website works seamlessly across all devices (mobile, tablet, desktop).
  • Test page loading speed and implement improvements.
  • Check for broken links, 404 errors, and security vulnerabilities.
  • Verify backup systems are in place.

SEO Audit:

  • Review internal linking structure—are you linking to your best content?
  • Ensure target keywords appear on key pages (especially your homepage).
  • Update outdated blog posts with fresh information.
  • Check for technical SEO issues using tools like Google Search Console.

User Experience & Design:

  • Assess whether your website reflects your brand personality.
  • Evaluate navigation, readability, and visual appeal.
  • Consider how visitors feel when they land on your site—not just what they see.

Conversion Optimisation:

  • Review calls-to-action (CTAs): Are they clear, compelling, and properly placed?
  • Test button placements and messaging.
  • Ensure visitors are guided toward meaningful actions.

Compliance & Accessibility:

  • Verify privacy policies, cookie policies, and GDPR compliance.
  • Check accessibility standards to ensure inclusivity.
  • Review terms and conditions if applicable.

Align with Future Vision:

  • Before diving into fixes, capture your business vision and ambitions for 2026.
  • Ensure your website review addresses future goals, not just current repairs.
  • Think like an athlete: review past performance while preparing for upcoming challenges.

Create a Prioritised Roadmap:

  • Identify quick wins versus longer-term projects.
  • Focus on changes with the biggest impact and smallest effort first.
  • Break improvements into bite-sized tasks: tomorrow, next week, next month, Q2, Q3.
  • Choose the right timing—if Q4 is too busy, schedule your review for Q2 instead.

❓ How Do I Reboot My Blog for 2026?

Move Beyond Keyword Dumping:

  • Stop treating your blog as a keyword dumping ground.
  • Avoid creating content solely to rank for specific terms without genuine value.
  • Return to the original purpose of blogging: sharing passion, expertise, and helpful resources.

Embrace Authentic, Long-Form Content:

  • Prioritise depth over frequency—quality always beats quantity.
  • Share real stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and founder perspectives.
  • Let your personality and expertise shine through every post.
  • Remember: "One for search, one for the soul"—balance SEO-driven content with passionate, authentic pieces.

Consider Rebranding Your Blog Section:

  • Explore terms like "Insight Hub," "Knowledge Centr," or "Resource Library."
  • While "blog" still resonates with some audiences, strategic rebranding can elevate perceived value.
  • Position your blog as the best industry resource, think digital magazine quality.

Focus on E-E-A-T Principles:

  • Experience: Share lived experiences and real-world applications.
  • Expertise: Demonstrate deep knowledge and authority in your field.
  • Authoritativeness: Build credibility through consistent, high-quality content.
  • Trustworthiness: Be honest, helpful, and transparent in all communications.

Enhance Visual Appeal and Layout:

  • Format blog posts like magazine articles with shorter paragraphs, bullet points, and quality imagery.
  • Embed diverse media: podcasts, videos, audio snippets, interactive tools, infographics.
  • Create visual interest to keep readers engaged.
  • Think about first impressions—layout matters for storytelling.

Tell Meaningful Stories:

  • Share the passion and people behind your business.
  • Move beyond generic marketing speak to genuine connection.
  • Allow readers to understand not just what you do, but why you do it.

Stop Second-Guessing SEO Constantly:

  • While SEO matters, don't let it stifle creativity and authenticity.
  • Write for humans first, search engines second.
  • Genuine value and helpfulness will naturally improve search performance.

❓ What Website Tools Should I Be Using Right Now?

Durable.co (Jonny's Pick):

  • AI-powered website builder that creates complete websites in seconds.
  • Perfect for rapid prototyping, inspiration, and testing ideas.
  • Generates instant visuals including layout, colors, imagery, and content suggestions.
  • Ideal for brainstorming website redesigns or exploring new brand directions.
  • Use it to create "teaser" visions that motivate your team and guide your goals.
  • Available on free tier for testing and exploration.

NotebookLM by Google (Pascal's Pick):

  • Free AI assistant that continues to improve monthly.
  • Upload links to videos, podcasts, or articles for instant analysis and insights.
  • New "Reports" feature analyses your website and recommends content types based on themes.
  • Create audio overviews, mind maps, and detailed summaries of your content.
  • Perfect for brainstorming blog series, content strategy, and website reviews.
  • Use it to prepare for client meetings or generate fresh content ideas.
  • Pascal and Jonny are considering a dedicated NotebookLM training course, let them know if you're interested!

❓ What Immediate Website Changes Should I Make Now?

Jonny's Call to Action: Enable Social Sharing Buttons

  • Bring back strategic social sharing buttons on key blog posts and pages.
  • Be selective—add them to your best, most valuable content only.
  • Choose the right platforms for your audience (LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, etc.).
  • Make it easy for engaged readers to promote your content.
  • Avoid button overload—quality over quantity.

Pascal's Call to Action: Prepare Your "Best of 2025" Content Now

  • Start planning your year-end roundup content before the holiday rush.
  • Decide on the format: long-form article, ebook, video series, or social media campaign.
  • Create a system or workflow (use AI tools like NotebookLM) to shortlist your best:
  • Blog articles, LinkedIn posts, Guest appearances, Social media highlights, Client success stories
  • Don't leave it as a rushed, last-minute job. Plan the structure and process now.
  • Position this content as a valuable resource, not just a retrospective.

🔑 Key Takeaways — What You’ll Learn (with timestamps)

01:55 – You Ask, We Answer: How would you structure a simple annual website review?

02:35 – Jonny's framework: Performance, technical, SEO, user experience, conversion, and compliance

04:53 – Pascal's approach: Think like an athlete: review past performance, plan for future goals

06:55 – Breaking down the review into quick wins and a prioritised roadmap

08:33 – Website Stories: "The Time Is Ripe to Reboot Blogs" by Louis Evans

11:54 – Jonny's perspective: Blogs have lost their spark—time to reconnect with audiences

12:23 – Rebranding blogs as "Insight Hubs" or "Knowledge Centres"

16:32 – "One for search, one for the soul": Pascal's blogging philosophy

18:00 – Website Engine Room: Jonny's pick—Durable.co for rapid website prototyping

20:14 – Pascal's pick: NotebookLM by Google and its new "Reports" feature

24:44 – Website Call to Action - Jonny's advice: Enable social sharing buttons on key content

25:36 – Pascal's Call to Action: Prepare your "Best of 2025" roundup content now

🔎 SEO Keywords & Tags:

Primary Keywords:

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Secondary Keywords:

website technical health check, SEO audit process, conversion rate optimization, user experience evaluation, blog rebranding strategies, insight hub vs blog, knowledge center content, content quality over quantity, social sharing buttons optimization, year-end content planning

Long-Tail Keywords:

how to structure annual website review meeting, moving beyond keyword dumping blogs, one for search one for soul blogging, best of 2025 content roundup planning, magazine-style blog layout design, embedding multimedia in blog posts, strategic social sharing button placement

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  • Jonny Ross
  • Pascal Fintoni

About the Hosts

Jonny Ross is a leading digital marketing consultant and SEO strategist with decades of experience helping businesses transform their online presence.

Pascal Fintoni is a digital skills trainer and video marketing expert, known for making complex tech topics accessible and actionable.

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Jonny Ross Fractional CMOBy Jonny Ross

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