Websites are a digital extension of your brand, and up until a few years ago, just having one was more than enough. Now however, a website needs to be a well-crafted and creative representation of your business, that showcases your credibility. Since we specialise in responsive web design, here are some of the reasons we think you may need a new website.
You just don’t like it
We’re all guilty of looking at other websites and saying “I wish my website looked like that”. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve been handed a business card and told, “Don’t judge us by our website, we haven’t touched it in a while!”.
In the past, some business owners admitted to us they’re embarrassed to share links to their website as they’ve neglected their site. Redesigning your website will give you something to be proud of.
Your brand has evolved
Situations change, and your bedroom-based-business may be growing from a one man army to something bigger. Your website and brand need to represent that. A website can showcase changes and growth in your business, and really show off your story of just how scalable you are.
Your site must be mobile friendly
In 2016, mobile overtook desktop web-browsing, with more people browsing on a phone or tablet. A responsive website should be considered a focus and not an after-thought. TrustLook reported earlier this year that 66% of consumers planned to buy from a mobile device over the festive period. If your site doesn’t work on a mobile, you could be losing more than half your business.
Content is king
90% of the information that a brain processes is visual meaning that animation, video, and interactive media is naturally more engaging. With an average attention span around 8.25 seconds, your consumers need to understand your site instantly. A picture does speak a thousand words, and utilising video and imagery are key to a good website refresh.
You aren’t on the first page of Google
Getting found online is the key to digital marketing success. But how do you get found? Search Engine Optimization (SEO) shouldn’t be ignored, as a well optimised page will make you easier to be found organically. SEO is the fine-tuning of your website, and if some parts are broken or old, you might struggle. The phrase content is king still very valid, and speed (on mobiles too!)
You can’t update your website easily
Your website needs to be kept up-to-date at all times. Having a robust Content Management System (CMS) will let you to keep your website refreshed as easily as you may (or may not) post your next meal on Instagram. A good CMS allows for more control of on-site SEO while letting you keep control over your content without paying a developer.
Sort out your social media
Social media adds personality to your brand, and is a crucial tool in engaging directly with the rest of the world. Being active on social media allows for organic engagement even after a visitor has left your site. (Make sure you’re not using the old Twitter logo).
Taking too long to load
Website speed is key to achieving a good Google rank. Even with superb content, a slow website will hold you back. Sites that takes too long to load cause visitors to go to competitors for a more streamlined experience. Refreshing your website can optimize loading times and ensure visitors get to the information they need promptly.
What next?
Still not sure if you need a new website or not? Get in contact and we can have a chat about what we can do.
Check out some of our previous work here.