Is your website outdated?

Seven Telltale Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Website

Has it been a while since you’ve touched your website? Wondering if it’s time for a redesign? If you’re here, then you’re likely already aware of the importance of a strong online presence. So how do you make sure you’re putting your best foot forward on the web? Frequent website maintenance—writing new blog posts, refreshing copy, or adding new projects to your portfolio—should be routine for your business. But there comes a time when even these updates aren’t enough. That’s when you’re in need of a total digital makeover.

To help you evaluate where your current website stands, we’ve come up with seven categories to consider:

1. Age: Is it older than an iPhone 5?

I know what you’re thinking—who still uses an iPhone 5? But let’s be honest, if you wouldn’t trust an outdated iPhone for your personal use, then you definitely shouldn’t trust an outdated website for your business. Of course, different industries beg for different rates of redesign. If you’re in the digital or technology industries, your website should reflect your business’ savvy (especially if you expect another company to trust you with their redesign). For these industries, a good rule of thumb is to update the site every three years. However, if you’re in a more niche market, there may be more flexibility in your website’s life expectancy.

2. Aesthetic: It’s more cluttered than your grandma’s basement.

Within 10 seconds of your website loading, visitors will judge the credibility and trustworthiness of your company. Aesthetic and organization are key components when selling your brand. So ask yourself, What’s the viewers’ first impression when my site loads? Is it densely packed content, difficult to sift through and hard to navigate? Is it an outdated homepage that hails from 2003? If so, you may be losing visitors at a faster rate than you realize and a redesign is in order.

3. Ease of Navigation: Visitors shouldn’t need a GPS to find what they need.

When designing your website, try to anticipate your customers’ needs. Then, make it easy for them by presenting the information they need in a succinct manner. Clean, clearly labeled landing pages allow you to emphasize what’s important without requiring users to dig.

4. Responsive (Mobile-Friendly): Can your visitors browse while on-the-go?

Over 50 percent of all website traffic is generated via mobile phones. So, if your website isn’t accessible across a variety of devices, you’re running the risk of of losing major traffic. Since Google now prioritizes responsive sites, your website’s compatibility with mobile viewers also affects your SEO. If you want to rank well and cater to your visitors most effectively, a responsive website is a must-have.

5. Traffic: Are your visitors hanging out or bouncing out?

How are you monitoring your website traffic and conversions? Analyzing your website’s traffic is crucial to determine whether or not the content you’re providing is effective. Your visitor bounce rate—the number of people who only view one page before leaving—indicates how successful you are at engaging prospects. Bottom line: a fast loading, well-organized page with quality content will keep visitors engaged for longer periods of time.

6. eCommerce: What’s your strategy for conversions?

Whether you are a B2B or B2C company, you should always strive to make it easy for prospects to take action on your site. If you’re selling a product: Does your site have e-commerce capabilities? If you’re a B2B company: Do you have a form for visitors to inquire? Are your CTAs strategically placed and carefully worded? If not, we can help you craft the perfect ones.

7. Competitive Sites: Are you crushing it or getting crushed?

If you’re unsure of your site’s standing within your industry, start by checking out your biggest competitors. Are any outranking you in search results? By comparison, is your design more up-to-date, functional, and engaging? If those sites are significantly more appealing and progressive, consider planning a redesign to keep your competitive edge.

Still uncertain whether or not your site needs a redesign? Don’t hesitate to contact us, start a discussion, and find out.