How to Know If It's Time for a Website Overhaul

Is it time to redesign your website? If you’ve been thinking about it but you’re not sure, here are some signs that you definitely need a new website.

The 90s are calling and they want your website back.

You’d be surprised how often I run across business websites that look like they haven’t been updated in 20 years. But even if your website isn’t that old, it might still be outdated. Here are 5 signs that your website is, as they say, over the hill.

1. The design is dated.

Take a look at the websites of your closest competitors. Is your website dated by comparison? If so, it might be time for a refresh.

2. It’s not responsive.

More people access the Internet via mobile devices than on a computer. Statistics vary by website but I’d bet anything that at least 30% of your visitors are coming to you via phone or tablet.

Having a mobile-friendly website is essential but it’s better to have a responsive website. What’s the difference? A mobile-friendly site has two versions––one for desktop and one for smartphones. A responsive website adapts to look good on any screen size, including tablets of varying dimensions. 

To give you an example, Wix and SHOWIT allow you to build a separate mobile-friendly version of your website. In contrast, Squarespace websites are responsive. You don’t have to build a separate version of your site because it automatically adapts to fit all screen sizes.

3. It uses flash.

Flash is so 1990s and most search engines severely penalize or even block websites running on flash. If your website still runs on flash, you need to update ASAP.

4. It has limited functionality.

Does your website integrate seamlessly with your business tools and processes? Does it make your life easier and save you time or is it slowing you down?

One of the many things I love about Squarespace is how easy it is to integrate third-party tools like Mailchimp and Acuity Scheduling. This can save you so much time, streamline your process, and ultimately make your business run so much smoother.

5. It’s cluttered and hard to navigate.

Clean and simple is where it’s at with web design these days. If your website is cluttered, disorganized, and hard to navigate, it’s going to drive customers away.

You have lots of traffic but low conversions.

This is a sure sign that something is wrong with your website. If lots of people visit your site but you’re still struggling to get clients, sell your product, or get people to sign up for your email list, your website is likely the culprit. 

It could be that your website is outdated. But even if you have a clean, modern, drop-dead gorgeous website, that doesn’t mean it’s converting well. Without a clear strategy behind the design, you’re probably losing clients and customers.

You’re attracting the wrong kind of client.

Maybe you have no trouble booking clients but the clients you attract are not the sort of people you want to work with. Maybe they’re bargain shoppers who don’t value your work and try to negotiate a lower rate or they’re just not in the demographic you want to target. 

Attracting the wrong clients could be a problem with your website, copywriting, branding, or all of the above, so it’s important to carefully evaluate the problem to determine its source. 

Your website isn’t aligned with your business.

Having a website that’s aligned with your business goals isn’t just about attracting your ideal client (though that’s certainly a big part of it). It’s also about the contentment that come with that feeling of alignment. It’s important that you feel good about your business. And having an aligned website is a big part of that. 

You don’t have a website for your business.

Even if you own a brick-and-mortar business, having a website is extremely important. Having a website gives your business credibility and visibility. Most people Google a shop, restaurant, spa, etc. before visiting. If there’s nothing to be found, they might not feel comfortable spending their hard-earned dollars at a place that can’t be bothered to provide more information online. So if you don’t have a website yet, consider this a call to action. 

Ready to overhaul your website? Schedule a free discovery call and let’s talk about how I can help you craft a website that moves your business forward.