5 Reasons to Redesign Your Website
When’s the last time you took a hard, objective look at your website? It may feel like only yesterday, but in all likelihood, it’s been a year or two or five. The world of web design is a rapidly changing one and it’s critical that your business isn’t left behind. Now’s the time to evaluate your website — a fresh start to the new year.
Your Website isn’t Responsible or Accessible
Recent web use studies predict that over 60% of mobile phone users will access web content from their phones. And Google has reported that more searches occur on mobile than on desktop. That’s pretty staggering.
If you haven’t taken a look at your website on a mobile device lately, there’s no time like the present. Tear yourself away from your desk and pull out your phone. First, Google your business and take note how your company ranks (more on that later) in the results. Now visit your website. Are your menus clear? Is your content concise? If you find yourself zooming in, scrolling endlessly, skipping stale content, and blindly stabbing at tiny links, your website is not responsive and it’s time for a change.
Accessibility and mobile-responsive sites can go hand in hand. Certainly, it’s a concept to consider. Web accessibility is an inclusive process allowing all users, regardless of disability, to access information. Making accessibility a priority in your web design allows users who may be unable to control a mouse with precision, hear your great video content, or read your carefully crafted text to connect with your business in meaningful ways.
Your Website is not Bringing in Clients
While testing your website’s mobile compatibility, you took note of your search engine rankings, right? Did your business rank in the top three unpaid, organic searches? Does your content speak to and inform potential clients? Are visitors to your site converting to leads? If so, congratulations! If not, it’s time to consider making search engine optimization and incorporating inbound marketing strategies as a part of your web development planning.
Smart SEO boosts your rankings, attracts the right leads, provides helpful content, and fosters client loyalty. Is your website smart?
Your Competition Does it Better
Take a look at your competition. Do you have website envy? If so, take note of what they do well and resolve to do it better. Ask your employees and clients what they’d like to see your website accomplish. Your online presence is a core component of your business. Your work, values, products and services should all be represented in the best possible light.
Your Brand Needs Work
While you’re analyzing the effectiveness of your website, take the time to evaluate your brand. Your brand is your identity in the world. Great branding helps, bad branding really, really hurts. Is your brand up-to-date and does it speak to your buyers? Does your website accurately reflect your messaging and industry positions? If not, look for a web development agency who can help you make a fresh start.
Your Content is Dated
Literally. If your site is peppered with dates, and those dates aren’t 2016, your content is stale. If that’s the case, it may be because your website’s backend is impossible for your team to navigate. Ask your team what they think of maintaining the site. Encourage brutal honesty! Is uploading blog posts, revised content, product updates, and press releases a daunting chore? If so, consider a website design that keeps user interface, user experience and ongoing website maintenance front of mind.