Have you ever wondered if a new website design is worth the investment?

This might sound surprising…but I don’t always recommend a full custom redesign to my clients.

Every potential client that comes to me is at a different place in their business. Some clients are looking for a quick fix and in that case I recommend a pre-made template.

But when clients come to me who have been in business for 2-5 years and are not getting the inquiries or sales from their website that they need, that’s when investing in a strategic and custom website design could really benefit their business and the bottom line.

But how do you know when you’ve reached that point?

Here’s how to tell if it’s time to update your website design.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

It’s not mobile-responsive

Mobile-responsive web design is an absolute must in today’s world. It’s a world wide web standard, and having a website that is not mobile-friendly is hurting your leads. You don’t want to alienate potential customers or clients with a website that doesn’t work properly across all browsers and devices. You want to take away every hurdle there is to capture their interest and business, so having fully functional website that is mobile responsive is imperative.

Small changes are difficult to make

This is one of the biggest complaints I’ve heard from clients when I ask them what they hate the MOST about their previous website design. I firmly believe that your website is YOURS. Sounds stupid simple right? That’s why after every website I design and develop, I always deliver custom video training tutorials that teach you how to make simple edits and updates to your website without having to know a ​single line of code​. Your business is growing and changing, and your website should be able to grow right alongside it.

Your competitors have new websites

When you’re courting customers, especially in a localized area, you have to stay *with* or ahead of the competition. If your competitors have well-designed websites that are eye-catching and easy to navigate, you will be at a disadvantage when they are weighing their options of who to go with.

Search Engine Optimization

Search engines prioritize websites that have fresh, relevant content. If your website hasn’t been updated since your last redesign years ago, then web crawlers won’t find your website helpful or relevant anymore and will push you farther down in search results.

Your website is 3-5 years old

Web standards, browsers, and devices change so often that even websites that are only 4 or 5 years old can become out of date quickly. Old, outdated code can compromise your page loading time, the functionality of your website, and mobile responsiveness.

It’s not delivering the results you need

The whole reason why you HAVE a website is that it serves your business in the capacity you need it. If your website looks outdated, is difficult to navigate, and is not visually appealing, then it’s not going to attract and convert customers in the way you need.

The Bottom Line Is: First Impressions Matter

For many customers, their first point of contact with your business is your website. When you’re competing for customers and clients, it’s important to present your business in the BEST way you can. Clean, polished, and professional design that presents your services, products, or capabilities in a clear way is the first step in capturing interest and attention.

Do you think your website has room for improvement? Contact me today about your project!