5 Clues You Need a Website Update
Are you considering a website update but not sure if you really need it? Here's some sure signs that you do.
Not Mobile Responsive
Is your website mobile responsive, meaning that it looks great and functions well on any size device? Today, more people are using their phones rather than desktops to visit websites and do internet searches. According to Blue Corona:
In 2018, 52.2% of all worldwide online traffic was generated through mobile phones, up from 50.3% in the previous year (Statista, 2018
57% of all US online traffic now come from smartphones and tablets (BrightEdge, 2017)
These numbers will most likely continue to grow each year, but the main point is that, if your website gets cut off or doesn't work well on a mobile device, you are losing business.
This definitely means it's time for a website update to make it mobile responsive.
Old Design
Remember the orange shag rugs and bright flowery wallpaper from the 70's? What would you think if you were in the market for a new house and went into one that still had this type of decor? You would immediately want to update the look, right? It's the same with your website. If it looks updated, it is most likely time for an update.
Full-screen sites have been in for quite some time now. So, if your website still has the fixed "box" look with a colored or patterned background, it would be good to get a makeover.
Clutter has been out for quite some time. If your visitors get overwhelmed by the number of elements on your webpage, they will promptly leave. Light on the number of graphics has become the way to go.
It's good to periodically look at your competitor's websites to see the style they have. If you are seeing a consistent look that yours doesn't have, it's time!
In 2018, the clean look is in with bold bright colors and large fonts. People expect business owners to keep up with the times, otherwise, they may assume you are out of business or not doing that well. Your website is basically your business card, so keep it current.
An up-to-date custom website design gives your web visitors a good first impression of your business, and that is essential if you want them to actually become your customers. Check out our post on web design trends of 2018 to see if your website measures up.
"Getting a quality website is not an expense but rather an investment.”
― Dr. Christopher Dayagdag
Slow Loading Pages
People used to be much more forgiving when it came to slow loading webpages, but that's not true any longer. In our fast-paced busy world, no one is going to wait around for a slow loading website to come up. According to Think with Google, 53% of mobile site visits leave a page that takes longer than three seconds to load. It seems a bit "impatient" but it tells us that our website better load very quickly or our potential customers will be gone.
Web designers have ways of speeding up webpages, so if your site is loading slowly, consult with a professional to get it up to "speed" (yes, pun intended!)
Low Conversions
Is your website converting to the desired action at a good percentage? If not, a website update may be needed. Even if your website design still looks great, you may need to change the navigation system. If your visitors are not given a clear path to what they came looking for, they'll be gone and become your competitor's customer.
Your website needs to be crystal clear in leading your visitors to what they want. The need to hunt for information is not allowed!
Make sure you limit the number of clicks that someone has to do in order to get to the product/information they want. Also, your contact information needs to be front and center. I am continually frustrated in the number of websites that don't list their phone number anywhere. Call me old-fashioned, but I still like to be able to pick up the phone and get a real person on the other end. Give options to contact you - call, email, or text. Make it easy for your prospective customers to connect with you.
Outdated Content
Have you updated your content in the last year? Google likes fresh new content to be regularly added to your website. If you haven't added anything new or updated your current content lately, then it may be time to do so. This can also be a great time to give the design a fresh updated look.
Making a website update will take time and some money, if you hire a professional to do it. However, you should look at it as an investment in your business and should not be skimped on.
Perhaps this quote will sum it all up.