Considering a web redesign is no joke.
There are seemingly endless decisions to make, design elements to consider, functionality to think about. And hey- you have a site and it’s working just fine, right? But how do you know when it’s time to take the plunge, make a serious upgrade or even a website redesign?
Change is tough and often overwhelming. However, making an effort to stay on top of the latest web trends is key to your survival in the world of the web. And the payoff can be exponential! In the case of a small to medium sized business, your site is likely to take center stage when keeping in touch with your client base and staying top of mind. In other words, your site needs to be up to snuff or you will get left in the pixel dust of the Internet.
If you think it may be time to up the ante but are still hesitant to pull the trigger, try asking yourself the following questions:
- Do you cringe every time you give out your web address?
If your answer is, “Heck yes!” you should probably stop right here. Your website along with your logo, business card, letterhead and promotional material are all things that you should be handing out with confidence. Your website should embody the essence of your business and the philosophies you and your company hold dear. Bottom line: you should be excited to share it with the world! - Are you able to add/edit content on the site?
Do you have to harass your web designer every time you need to change the text or make an update? As you know, keeping content current and relevant is key to a healthy ranking on Google. Additionally, this fresh content helps your existing and potential customers find you and connect with your business. Most modern sites are now built using Content Management Systems (CMS) which allow anyone to make updates quickly and easily. If this feature is missing from your current site, it’s time for a new one. - Is your website mobile friendly?
Many of us are glued to our phones throughout the day. Purchases are being made on a whim, directions are being sought out en route and needs are being met, despite being away from trusty home computers. This means that if your site is unreadable or awkward on a mobile device, there is a good chance you’re missing out on important connections and potential sales. - Is your site looking dated?
How does your site measure up to the rest of the pack? Web trends are always changing and if your site is 5 years old or more, then it’s safe to assume your web presence is beginning to show it’s age. If your site is cluttered, difficult to navigate or moving at a snails pace, there’s a good chance you’re annoying your visitors. And let’s not forget the trust factor. Recent studies show that if your design is dated and clunky then you risk being branded as untrustworthy. Examples of a dated website include: an incorrect date in your footer, a Flash intro on the home page, or a site that doesn’t resize when adjustments are made to the browser window. - Is your site slow?
Online visitors have incredibly high expectations when it comes to load time. Did you know that 47% of consumers expect your site to load in 2 seconds or less?! A slow load time not only hurts your business and customer loyalty your Google rankings as well. Thankfully, there are a number of ways for developers to increase load times and online efficiency. If your site seems to be limping rather than running, it may be time to arrange a consult with a web team to explore your options.
Gone are the days of the ‘online brochure’. A well-oiled, thoughtful and easily navigable site is the wave of the future. You want your clients to stay engaged and a fresh, fully-functioning website is an investment worth making. Plain and simple: a well-designed website is essential to the health and longevity of your business.
If you’d like to learn more or schedule a free, one-hour consultation with a member of our team, send us a message!
