As an experienced freelance web designer, I’ve seen some brilliant websites in my time. As well as some pretty poor old websites, or a self-made new website created on Wix. There is no set expiry date
As an experienced freelance web designer, I’ve seen some brilliant websites in my time. As well as some pretty poor old websites, or a self-made new website created on Wix.
There is no set expiry date on any website. Some timeless designs can stay the same for years but I have a few pointers that will help you decide whether it is time to change.
Take a look at these 7 tell-tale signs to see if your website is ready for an update.
1) You Can’t View it Properly On Your Phone
Hugely important - whatever device a visitor uses to view your website - they should have the same experience. If they don’t and your page doesn’t resize properly for example, then it isn’t responsive.
Stats have recently shown more than 75% of all web traffic now comes from mobile, so it’s so important that your website can respond to any browser on any device.
2) You Can’t Remember When Your Hompage Was Last Updated
When they say home is where the heart is, that is the same when it comes to your website!
Your homepage is where visitors will get their first impression of your business. No matter how great the products or services you offer are, if site visitors exit right off your homepage, you might as well consider it lost business.
Having a user-friendly, easy flowing homepage with a clear structure will help you keep customers attention and keep them on your site for long.
3) Your Bounce Rate is Higher Than Normal
If you’re looking at Google Analytics and seeing you have a high bounce rate, then it could be a sign your website is not meeting the needs of your visitors.
As above, it is vital you keep your customers’ attention. As you may well know, people are quick to close the tab if it’s slow, the content is poor or just generally the layout is pretty crap.
4) Your Google Ranking is Poor
When you look at the phrases you want to rank for in Google, how do you perform? If you’re not ranking for any of your keywords, then your website needs work.
Take a closer look at your competitors that rank better, what are they doing to improve their rankings? Is yours optimised with fast-loading pages? Do you have a current blog?
5) Your Website Isn’t User Friendly
Visitors to your site will decide literally in seconds whether they’re going to commit their time to navigating your site. If there’s too much content, pixelated pictures, text where it shouldn’t be - is your potential new customer going to stay on your website? Simple answer, NO.
A great user experience is highly advisable when developing a website, to ensure everything is logical, functional and delivers what the visitor expects.
6) You’re Seeing A “not secure” Notification On Your Website Browser
Your customers and prospects take their security and privacy very seriously when browsing online, and you need to ensure that you are meeting their expectations.
Having “HTTPS” in your address instead of “HTTP” can help safeguard against cyberattacks and fraud while providing your visitors with a better user experience and greater peace of mind.
7) You’re Embarrassed of Your Website
One of the clearest signs that you’re ready for a new website though, is that you’ve stopped sharing your URL with clients.
When I am commissioned to build a website, I’m often amazed at how many are embarrassed to share the link to their old site! Don’t worry though, I love to look at your existing site and see all the ways it can be improved.
How awmedia.marketing Can Help You With a New Website
At AW Media Marketing, I don’t offer a ‘one size fits all’ type process.
All our clients are different and so it’s important that they are treated that way. However, I do ensure the web design process is always straightforward and as simple as possible.
I pride myself on approaching every project with the same attention to detail and a determination to exceed my clients’ expectations. You can find out more about me and my experience here.
Are you ready to take the plunge into getting a new website? Get a free, no-obligation project estimate.
