How do you know when you need a website redesign? We believe there are some tell tale signs. Let’s take a look at how you can spot the five signs it’s time for a website redesign.
Digital marketing is important. We know the Internet isn’t going away anytime soon, so for small businesses, marketers and individuals, having an online presence is necessary for connecting and engaging with customers and other professionals.
The biggest tool for your digital marketing efforts is your website. Websites are the most powerful online communication tool for companies. So what does it say when your website is… not so great? It says your business is not trustworthy or professional.
Here are 5 clues your website might need a redesign.
1. Your website is not responsive.
First, if your website is not responsive, then it’s definitely time to look into getting a new one. What does responsive mean? Responsive means your site is mobile-friendly, or it adjusts whichever screen it’s viewed on: desktop computer, tablet or smartphone. Google has updated its search engine to prioritize responsive websites on its search results pages. This means if your website is not responsive, and someone searches a keyword related to your business, then your page is going to get pushed to the bottom of the pile. In other words, a responsive site is a necessity to keep up with changing technology and stay at the top of google.
In addition to Google changes, user behaviour has changed as well. Most people are now viewing websites on their phones or tablets. If they come to your site and it does not work properly for them on one of these devices they will go to a different site.
2. Your website design is outdated.
If your website was made back in 2010 (or even unintentionally resembles that era), then it’s probably time for a redesign. Your website reflects who you are and the values of your business. If it’s outdated, it in turn makes your company or you look outdated, uninformed and even unprofessional. An outdated website is a sure-fire way to get visitors to bounce away from your website. If you want your website visitors to actually stay, then your website should be current, inviting and have a great user experience.
3. Your website doesn’t match your branding.
Perhaps you recently (or maybe not that recently) updated your business brand, without updating your website to reflect it. If your website is different from your brand, it can create a confusing experience for consumers. While you don’t want to redesign your website all the time, it should reflect where you are in business. Your brand might have new colours, different images, a new message and voice or a new logo. But your website does not reflect any of these changes. Consistency in branding is key. Update your web design whenever necessary to match the current brand and voice you are trying to convey to customers.
4. Your website loads slowly.
If you can take a long walk around the building while your website is loading, then it’s time for a website redesign. Slow loading frustrates and annoys website visitors. This makes them more likely to close your site and try a competitor’s. A new redesign can help boost your load times and make your site more engaging for visitors.
5. Your website has a high bounce rate.
What’s a bounce rate, you ask? A bounce rate refers to website visitors who come to your site and leave quickly, rather than browsing and clicking through multiple pages. Get more info on website analytics. The goal is for your bounce rate to be as low as possible, so if yours is high, it may be time to consider a new website. An engaging, interactive, interesting website is more likely to draw visitors in and invite them to stay awhile, making it more likely for them to connect with you.
Whether your website is for business or personal, a clean, crisp and current design is the key to bringing in site visitors and growing your online presence.
If you can say yes to any of the above clues, it may be time for an upgrade.