Is a website revamp on your radar? If not, you might want to consider pushing it to the top of your to-do list.
Your website is the first thing that many of your customers will see, and it’s important to present them with the right impression.
Keeping a fresh website goes beyond current design trends. it’s not just about updating your information or changing a few images.
When done correctly, your website revamp might just be the boost you need to grow your business’s online presence.
Look for these eight telltale signs that it’s time for a digital makeover:
1. You Have Several Broken Links or Page Errors
A few broken links aren’t reason enough to redo your website, but it can prove you have room for improvement.
Broken page links (especially those that have been backlinked elsewhere) can diminish the user experience and send bad vibes to search engines.
Google and other search tools like to see websites that keep links fresh and updated. You should take care to address any non-working links and 404 errors so that these won’t negatively impact your search rankings.
2. Security Features Are Outdated
Some website security features may automatically update themselves, but not all of them do.
You may have updates that require you to manually initiate the process. Updates to plugins that you use may be released by their authors that can help you enhance your website’s security.
It’s important you remain vigilant about any updates to your website or third-party services. This will help you ensure you’re in compliance and are providing a secure experience.
3. It’s Visually Lacking
If it’s been more than three or four years since your last major website revamp, you’re likely lagging in current design trends.
No one wants to land on a website that looks like it was made in 1999. If your layout and design features are looking a bit dated, your content will, too.
Visual design is more important than you might think. Keeping up with what’s current is a clear sign your website’s content is also current. It also shows that you care about the way your website looks to customers.
In addition, a beautifully-crafted website can also help to influence purchasing decisions.
4. It’s Not Mobile Responsive
We’re long past the tipping point where mobile internet usage overtakes fixed connections. Thanks in part to the advent of voice search, more than 60% of all searches now take place on mobile devices.
It’s a given that your website should be conducive to mobile users. Some platforms like Squarespace and Wix automatically adjust based on how the user is viewing your website.
If you’re not sure what kind of experience you’re delivering on mobile, try it for yourself. If you have to zoom in or scroll constantly to find information, you’re likely in need of a website revamp.
5. You’ve Changed Your Marketing Strategy
Whatever your marketing strategy was when you last updated your website might not be the same as it is now. If you’ve changed your approach, your website should change, too.
Whether you’re pursuing an aggressive blogging strategy or are using opt-in lead magnets, you need the right website features to support your marketing efforts.
Plugins are a quick solution to piece together a solution, but they can only take you so far. They likely won’t yield you the long-term results you’re craving, especially if you are continually adding new plugins or changing other components.
Eventually, you will need to redo your website to create a seamless, integrated experience for you and your end users.
6. Your Website Isn’t Converting
Was your website great at turning prospects into paying customers, but now isn’t?
It’s not a totally uncommon thing for a website to stop ‘working’. Times change, design trends change, the things people respond to change. Your target audience may have shifted since you first created your website.
These things should be considered when deciding on a website revamp. If you find that you’re consistently marketing but aren’t nailing the same conversions, it could be that your website isn’t making the same connections with your audience.
The whole purpose of your website should be to generate leads and/or close sales. It’s a place to grow your brand, not the place where your brand comes to die.
A lackluster conversion rate is one of the biggest signs you need to redo your website. However, it’s important you research what specifically isn’t working on your existing site.
Simply redesigning your home page isn’t enough to start winning leads again. Knowing if your CTAs aren’t strong enough or if the buyer’s journey is unclear can help you avoid making the same mistakes again.
7. Your Customers Are Complaining
What you think is a winning website may be far different than what your customers think. And since the customer is always right, you would do well to listen.
If your customers are complaining about their user experience, take note. Things like not being able to find you online, mobile responsiveness, load times, and organization can all contribute to a poor UX.
If you’re not on the front lines of your customer service team, connect with the ones who are to discover potential website issues. Also, you can read online reviews about your company or send out customer satisfaction surveys to gauge their needs.
8. You Have a High Bounce Rate
Bounce rate is defined as the percentage of website visitors that leave your website without visiting a second webpage.
This is a crucial stat for website owners because it shows how many people are not interested in exploring your website beyond the page they landed on.
A high bounce rate could indicate that people are not finding what they came looking for. It could also mean they simply don’t like the information you present.
Your website analytics will show you your bounce rate. If you notice it’s higher than normal, you might need to rethink how you can deliver your information.
Get a Website Revamp the Easy Way
If you’re in need of a website revamp, you’ll be glad to know the burden doesn’t have to be yours alone.
Contact us today to let us put our expertise to work for you in crafting a standout website you’ll be proud to show off.