If you're experiencing poor performance or suspect that your enterprise website could offer more to your customers and leads, you'll likely need to take some of these steps to optimize Sitefinity.
1. Update and Upgrade
It's generally a good idea to keep up with Sitefinity updates as they are released. So if you're experiencing poor performance, that's a good thing to look at first. Not only will this help with performance, but you'll get access to the latest features.
And if you're using an old version of Sitefinity, you'll definitely want to upgrade to the most recent one. But skipping over multiple versions can be really overwhelming if you don't know exactly what you're doing. Upgrading Sitefinity can be a complex process involving multiple operations, including replacing Sitefinity precompiled logic, modifying database schema, configuration files, assembly references, and a lot more. If you're a marketer reading this, the steps might appear like jumbled tech jargon. Luckily, if you're utilizing version 12.0 or newer, Progress has made the process easier with Sitefinity CLI.
Keep in mind that If you do need to upgrade, you'll want a team of Sitefinity experts to guide you. With any upgrade process, especially with older versions, errors can end up breaking Sitefinity.
We helped an insurance company client that needed to make the enormous leap from Sitefinity 3.7 to Sitefinity 13.1. Since they were using a version older than the 4.0, we had to perform a migration instead of an upgrade. We actually couldn't upgrade them directly to 13 since Sitefinity stopped supporting the migration process after 9.1. So we migrated all their custom user controls, pages, images, user data, scripts, and styles to Sitefinity 9.1, and from there, we could upgrade the client to version 13.1.
Our team delivered the project under budget, and through the pain-free process, we also removed third-party dependencies and optimized their codebase. The client is now in a great position to make extensive design updates.
2. Check your Implementation and Deployment
Suppose your organization is using the latest version of Sitefinity and still having trouble optimizing it. In that case, you may need to look at the actual implementation and deployment of the platform. A development team unfamiliar with the quirks and nuances of Sitefinity implementation may have unknowingly caused issues resulting in slow performance, poor page loading, not properly functioning interactive elements and overall customer disappointment with your site's performance.
One common implementation complaint we hear is that content will be updated in Sitefinity, but the changes aren't reflected on the live site. This problem has to do with the way Sitefinity caches information and an improper configuration of customized widgets. The platform is supposed to let the widget know when there are changes, but if your implementation team didn't know about Sitefinity's caching nuances, it contributes to a whole host of issues.
In some cases, problems with Sitefinity implementation results in a maintenance nightmare, with marketers relying on IT to update the site. But the ability to update content without IT is likely one of the very reasons you want to use Sitefinity in the first place.
3. Optimize for Mobile
There are currently 3.5 billion smartphone users worldwide, and mobile web traffic accounts for 52.6% of global web traffic. So it's safe to say if your website isn't mobile-friendly, you'll be left behind.
If your organization uses Sitefinity 10.1 or newer, then providing Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) pages can increase speed, reduce bandwidth, and better infrastructure utilization. It streamlines your content and optimizes it for mobile. The configuration of these pages helps to maintain mobile-friendly layouts and ensure channel consistency for an improved web experience.
4. Integrate for Better Data
One great way to get more value out of Sitefinity is to integrate with the other platforms your organization uses to provide the best possible experience for your end-users. CRM, ERP, HR, and other systems integration provide more reliable and consistent information and better visibility of your customer's behavior and buying habits.
Sitefinity has a few built-in connectors with popular platforms, but don't fret if you don't see the platforms your organization uses.A custom developer like InGen can integrate the applications you're already using so you can have access to the data you need in one place. You'll be in good hands with our in-house Sitefinity experts.
Engage the Experts
When it comes to Sitefinity, you're better off using a development team that are Sitefinity experts. Those teams are better equipped to implement the platform while avoiding the common challenges. If your organization employed a team of developers to implement or manage Sitefinity, there are probably many opportunities to optimize Sitefinity that have been overlooked. But, don't think too poorly of them. They may have just been unfamiliar with the subtle nuances and needs of Sitefinity.
The best Sitefinity development teams communicate and work together to make the overall goals of the site come into focus.InGen has already found and nurtured the right CMS developers—that's one of the great benefits of working with our web professionals.
Teaming up with Sitefinity experts with a complete understanding of the platform can mold it into the perfect fit for you and your end-users. If you're looking to optimize your Sitefinity-run website, then you've found the right experts. InGen's development team can take you through all the steps needed for an efficient, effective enterprise website that converts.
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