5 Signs it's Time to Redesign Your Website

When it comes to websites, most business owners do not realize the tremendous impact they have on their business. While a great website can boost company image, as well as help secure more jobs, the opposite can be even worse. Before I address the five signs that highlight the need for a website redesign, I want to point out that a redesign is not just a digital makeover, but a strategic investment that drives visibility, credibility, and ultimately, new business opportunities. As you go through these signs, consider your own business and ask yourself: "Does my website exhibit any of these?"

1. Your Website Has Not Been Updated In 3+ Years

Although this point may feel obvious, it is surprising how often I come across a website that is no longer functioning or has outdated information about the business. Just like you would not go to the grocery store and buy expired items off the shelf, potential customers will not be eager to book your services if your website feels old or broken.

There are a few different timelines you should follow when updating your site:

1. Content updates: every one to four weeks. This ensures that your content and pictures are up to date.

2. Business information/services: immediately. Any changes to your services, hours, or contact information should be updated the same day to avoid confusing customers.

3. Design refresh: about every three years. This does not mean you need to start from scratch, but your site should always be modern, fast, and mobile-friendly.

2. You Rely on Stock Images

Nothing is a bigger letdown than ordering a product based on a picture, only to find out the product or service looks nothing like it. No matter the industry– construction, food service, landscaping, etc.– stock images can damage trust and turn potential customers away. In today's market, people buy with their eyes, and value authenticity. Real pictures of your completed jobs can be a powerful selling tool. For example, a landscaping company might show a retaining wall with a fresh mulch bed on their site. When a customer sees real examples of your work, they immediately begin building trust. Do not let stock images hold your business back– especially when you take pride in your work.

3. Your Competitors' Websites Look Better Than Yours

Competition is a reality in every industry, but you do not want your website to be the reason that you fall behind. Outside of word-of-mouth, your digital presence is your strongest salesperson. If a potential customer searches for your service and your competitor's website is more modern, fast, and easier to navigate, chances are they will choose them– even if they found your site first. A strong website can be the difference between you and your competitor. Make sure you give the consumer every reason to choose you.

4. Your Website Does Not Show Up for "Your Service + Town" on Google

Visibility is crucial to the success of your business and if you are not showing up online, you are losing opportunities. As a business owner you have likely heard of SEO (search engine optimization). Simply put, SEO is the practice of improving your website's visibility and ranking on search engines. Strong SEO is especially important at the local level, helping your business appear when people in your community are searching for your services. By investing in SEO, you give your business a better chance to outshine competitors.

5. You Avoid Sending People To Your Website

Of all the points on this list this is the biggest red flag that your website needs a major redesign. As a business owner you should feel confident in every area of your business- including your digital presence. If you feel embarrassed by your website and avoid sending customers to it, you are limiting your business to potential success. In an age where online presence is everything, your website should be an asset, not a liability.

Now that we have gone through five signs that it may be time to redesign your website, take a look at your own. If any of these points resonated with you, odds are it's time for an upgrade. If you keep up with your website then you are probably in good shape, but these five signs may have highlighted areas where your website could improve. At the end of the day, it is better to fix small leaks, before the roof collapses. Addressing problems early prevents them from snowballing into bigger issues later.

Come back next week for my next blog: "What Every Contractor's Website Should Include." And if you are unsure whether your website meets these standards, we at Elevate Marrketing can help.