10 Signs That It’s Time To Update Your Company’s Website

Are you proud to show off your website?

When your site was first launched it probably met the needs of your business quite well. However, with technology changing at an ever increasing rate, it doesn’t take long before an older site fails to meet even the basic needs.

A whopping 81% of shoppers conduct online research before they make a purchase. (Adweek Nov ’14)

So, more often than you may realize, your website is the first impression customers have of your product and services.  Websites tell your story, create new profits, bring in customers, provide information, and educate the public on the services you offer. Customers are also using their mobile devices more than ever to search for local businesses. If your site is not mobile friendly, or is hard to navigate, users will skip over your site and head to your competition.

A truly effective website requires frequent updates, ongoing maintenance, and security monitoring. We’ve come up with 10 simple tips will help you determine if your website needs some revamping.

1. Your website was launched before 2012.

Change is constant, and today’s customers have come to expect a certain standard for design and features when using a site. Today’s users expect websites to be interactive and engaging. Thanks to fiber optic cables and satellites, the speed of accessing the Internet has dramatically improved. These advances have made it possible to use more images and videos on your site. If your site is more than 5 years old, it is time to re-design it to make it more interesting and user friendly.

2. You’ve experienced a significant change in your business. 

What aspects of your business have changed that are not reflected on your website? Have you updated your branding or added new products and/or services? Has your target market evolved as your business has grown? Are your “About Us” or “Our Staff” pages current?  If these areas of your website are falling behind, it’s time for an update.  Your brand identity and message on your website should be consistent with your other marketing materials.

3. Your site is ranking poorly in the results of the search engines. 

If your site is not showing up on the first page of a Google search, then your search engine optimization (SEO) techniques are no longer relevant and are out of date.  It is important for websites to rank well in the results of search engines in order to drive traffic to the site. Face it, very few users ever click on the second page of a search result.

4. Your site is not functioning properly. 

If your site has expired links, is difficult to load, or has features that are not functioning then it is time to redesign it. A poorly functioning website will dramatically impact the credibility of your business.

5. Business requirements have changed.

As your business grows, your website should also grow.  Businesses may have a need to implement new programs such as e-commerce or add new features such as online payment systems, event registrations, etc.

6. You can’t edit your own website.

You should have the choice to edit and update your site, if this is something you want to do. Websites can be easy to manage and updated through the use of content management systems such as Drupal, WordPress, and Joomla.

7. Your site is no longer user friendly.

A great website allows for smooth and easy engagement of users. Visitors to your site will lose interest and move on if the site is hard to search, the menu is cumbersome, or the pages are difficult to read or uninteresting.

8. Looking at it is almost painful.

Whether it’s a new visitor that leaves too soon, or a returning visitor that becomes bored, users need to be visually stimulated in order to spend time on your site.  If the design and general “feel” of the site looks outdated then it is time for a redesign.

9. Your site is not mobile friendly.

We all know that mobile usage has skyrocketed, and will continue to do so. Have you viewed your website on a mobile device recently? If your website is not designed to be easily navigated on mobile, you are losing business.  We can help you determine if your site is mobile friendly, and to what degree.

10. It was not designed with a specific goal in mind. 

Websites should have a specific end result that a business wants from the user. It can be something as simple as printing a coupon, filling out the “contact us” form, or ordering a product. Whatever the objective, it is a necessary component of an effective website.

If you have the feeling that it’s time to update your website, contact the Barbauld Agency to start a conversation. We look forward to learning about your business and creating a custom quote for a new website at no obligation.