How to know if it’s time for a website redesign
7 signs you need a new website
Are you wondering if it’s time for a new website?
As a web designer, I often get tempted to create a new one for myself when I’m designing websites for my clients. I get excited and inspired by all the pretty sites I’m designing and cool new things that I can add, and I want it all!
But that’s not a great reason to get a new website.
So how do you know if it’s really time for a redesign? Here are a few sure signs it’s time.
1 – You’re embarrassed to send people to your website
Do you feel like your website is scaring away potential clients? When someone asks for your website address, do you sort of cringe and reluctantly give it to them, still hoping that they don’t actually see it? Are you embarrassed when someone says they went to your website?
Do you feel like your website is really out of date? Are you really jealous of your competitors’ sites? Maybe your website doesn’t look like the rest of your brand or doesn’t seem like “you”. Or maybe you just threw your website together a few years ago so you had “something” on the web, but now it just doesn’t seem good enough.
Whatever the reason, you need to have a website that gives you the confidence to promote your business.
2 – Your website isn’t mobile friendly
Does your website look good on every screen size: phone, tablet and desktop? If not, it’s time to consider moving to a responsive website that adjusts to different screen sizes.
Did you know that mobile traffic currently accounts for over %50 of all traffic on the internet?
So, if your website only looks good on desktop or laptop computers, you’re making your website difficult to navigate for a large percentage of people on the web.
Not only will a responsive website help with your visitor’s user experience on your website, but a mobile friendly site is also important to SEO. Google is now “mobile first”, which means it ranks mobile friendly sites higher in search results then non friendly ones.
3 – Your website is too difficult to manage and update by yourself
Do you have to get in touch with your web designer every time you want to update something on your website? Do you find it a hassle to make a simple change?
You shouldn’t have to be a tech expert to do regular day to day things on your website. If you can’t add a blog post by yourself, change a product description or add a new image, you need a website that’s on a platform that’s easier to use and simple to manage.
This is one of the reasons I love using Squarespace for my small business clients. It’s so easy to use and manage (plus it makes gorgeous websites). It also has a simple great drag and drop editor and comes with 24/7 support.
Related Post: 7 reasons I choose Squarespace for my clients
4 – Your brand, services and/or products have changed
This is one that I can personally relate to, as I definitely needed a new website when I changed the services that I was offering. And it has been a reason that many of my clients have needed a new website.
After a few years in business it’s pretty common to take a look and see what’s working and what isn’t. Many business owners (including myself) then take this opportunity to streamline (or expand) their product or service offerings, update their target market or rebrand their company.
Your website should change with your offerings to reflect the current state of your business, your products and your brand.
5 – Your website content is not up to date
Do you remember Jodi, who worked for your company three years ago? Your website does. Her profile is still on your Team page!
Are you still getting calls for a product you no longer offer, but haven’t updated on your website? Do all of your links work or are some of them broken?
You can simply update the content on your website, but if you need to do a big content overhaul it’s often a good time to redo your design as well.
6 – Your website is difficult to navigate
Does your website make it easy for visitors to find the information they need? Is your info buried in layers of subpages?
Your website shouldn’t be a treasure map, with all of your important information buried somewhere in a maze. If visitors can’t easily find what they want, they will simply press the back button to find the info from your competitors. Your information should be easy to find, with call to action links leading your visitors straight to them.
You also want to keep your main navigation to a minimum, with 5-6 links only.
7 - You don’t have a website
Is the idea of getting a website intimidating to you because you aren’t tech-y? Are you too busy to get started on building a site? Are you fine with just having social media presence?
A website can help build credibility and trust and makes your business look more professional. People need to know they can trust you before they will work with you.
You also get total control over your information with a website, something you don’t have with a social media profile. You can put your brand out there without competing with the social media site branding and logo.
A website can also get listed in search engines.
Over 70% of businesses do have a website, and that number has been growing over the last few years. So, your competitors are probably online with their websites available in Google. That means you’re missing out on potential clients if you’re not there.
Do you need a new website?
Did you connect with one (or more than one) of these signs? Are you ready for a new website?
I create websites that are both professional and easy to use, maintain and update. Check out my two week website process and see if it’s for you. Or make an appointment to have a chat. I’d love to discuss your website options.
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