If you’re a business owner or have a personal brand, chances are you’ve asked yourself the question, “Do I need a new website?” We’re sharing the 5 signs that we consider when helping an individual or entity discern whether it’s time to invest in a new website.
Your website is considered your business’ or brand’s real estate in the online world. It’s where you control the messaging and the user’s experience. Your real estate requires updating because the way users interact with a website is constantly changing and your messaging has likely evolved as well.
When I first started at Alter Endeavors, we were building personal brand sites for speakers and authors that were focused on driving speaking engagements or consulting opportunities. Fast forward and we’re now building e-learning platforms for clients such as Dr. Claire Nicogossian. Both personal brands and product-driven sites have evolved and require intuitive yet robust e-commerce capabilities.
No matter the purpose of the site, the question remains. How do I know if I need a new website?
The Age of Your Site:
I frequently jest with clients and use this as an example of the lifespan of their website. Have you purchased a new phone since your website was launched? If so, how many? If the answer is more than one, you 100% need a new website for your brand.
Is your Website Mobile Responsive?
I won tickets to a UT Football game because I made a bet with a client that a higher percentage of traffic would come to their site via mobile than desktop. They didn’t believe me. Well, guess what? Currently, 52% of all internet traffic is occurring on a mobile device – so I had some inside information. If you have to “pinch and pull” to view your website on your phone, you 100% need a new website for your brand.
Your site takes a long time to load.
Not only is page speed a part of Google’s Search Algorithm, but it’s also key to user experience. On average, you have 2.5 seconds before a user will make a decision about whether they will continue to use your site or bounce off. If your site takes more than a second or two to load, you’re eating into that time. There’s a lot that goes into site speed, including the connection of the user, but as a general rule – if you can tie your shoes before your site loads, you 100% need a new website.
You’re not getting any leads through your site.
I hear this all the time, “I have a website but it doesn’t do anything.” Usually, when people tell me this I go to their site and they’re right — it doesn’t do anything because there’s nothing to do on the site. How you structure your site has a big impact on conversions. Do you have relevant calls to action? Is the site structured in a way that has a positive user experience? If you don’t have a call to action immediately present on your site, you 100% need a new website.
The goals of your business have changed.
Twenty years ago I wanted to travel to the moon. Now I know I’m afraid of heights. But I took every available math and science class. I never envisioned I wanted to build websites. Similarly, your goals for your business are constantly evolving. Does your website currently reflect those goals? Is your website positioned in a manner that will help you achieve those goals? If the answer is anything less than an emphatic “yes,” you 100% need a website.
Will a new website be an instantly transformative “life raft” for your business? That depends. However, a conversion-focused platform is the first step towards building your digital ecosystem. If it’s time for an upgrade, drop us a line here and let’s get started!