It’s a new year and many people are making resolutions to be and look better. Many websites are beginning to show the age?
Maybe your website is ready to make some resolutions of its own, too.
Many look at website redesign as a hassle. If our current websites are up and running – even if they’re not perfect – we put off redesigning them because we think it’s not a priority.
The reality is it should always be a priority.
Having an out-of-date website can erode trust with existing customers and make it difficult to attract new ones.
If your site needs a facelift in 2019? Here are 10 sure-fire signs that it does.
#1: It’s Not Mobile Responsive
Mobile responsiveness is no longer an option in 2019 when its a necessity.
Google penalizes sites that don’t adjust to the size of the device they’re being viewed on. And the truth is, this is an easy fix. There’s no excuse not to do it – and it can actively hurt if it isn’t done.
#2: The Site Is Difficult to Update
The difficulty of updating is an easy excuse to use NOT to update, but in fact, it’s a clear sign that an update is needed – and right away. It’s the best way to be sure to stay on top of future Google updates and technological improvements.
Updating from whatever it is that is being used now to a WordPress site where it can easily change a theme and add plugins as needed will make life easier in the long run.
#3: It Looks Outdated
There are lots of little things that can make a website look out of date. For example, which version of the Twitter and Instagram logos are on the blog or homepage? If the Twitter logo has the old bird with the tuft of feathers on its head, a site may look like it’s from the dark ages.
Trends in web design are constantly changing. If a site looks like it was designed in the early 2000s (or even the early 2010s) then it’s time to embrace the present and update it.
#4: Conversion Rate is Too Low
There are lots of factors that can contribute to a low conversion rate, including social media presence and marketing strategy. However, there’s no question that a website – its design, loading time, usability, and other factors – plays a role.
It’s an especially good sign that a site needs updating if it’s tweaked the marketing campaigns and still got a low conversion rate. Something’s scaring potential customers away – and if it’s your website, there’s only one way to fix it.
#5: Autoplay is on Your Website
Autoplay is dated and annoying, but there’s a more important reason that it needs to be ditched in 2019 as part of a website redesign. It is very likely contributing to a slow page load time. Eagerness to have people watch a video or listen to audio at the time of a
Honestly, I think the irritation level of autoplay far outweighs any potential benefit. Things are much better off putting a video above the fold with a killer thumbnail and a compelling pull quote than
#6: The Branding Isn’t Current
Has the business been rebranded since the last time there was an update applied to the website? If so, that means a website is out of sync with your branding – and visitors aren’t getting a true picture of you and your company when they visit it.
Even if the branding changes are minor – such as an updated logo or tagline – it’s still worth redoing a website to match it.
#7: It Takes Forever to Load
It’s well known the statistic that says that human beings have a shorter attention span than a goldfish. It sounds absurd, but when it comes to how quickly a site loads, it’s true.
Not only that, but Google penalizes sites that take too long to load. Their Page Speed tool can be used to check a site’s loading time.
#8: The Web Design Isn’t Consistent
Perhaps the last web redesign was ten years ago and in the interim, or a different designer makes a few tweaks to the design or both. Maybe a bit of self-programming was even done. If that’s the case, there may be a Frankensite that looks like it was assembled by committee – not a good thing.
If fonts, colors, menus, and other design elements are a hodgepodge and not consistent throughout, a redesign can help present a cohesive design that will attract new customers instead of frightening them.
#9: The Google Rank is Too Low
Google prioritizes well-designed, quick-loading sites with great content. If it’s been a while since the last redesign, the chances are good that a site isn’t ranked as high as it could be on Google.
It’s an especially big red flag if a ranking has slipped despite increased social media visibility and a higher-than-usual marketing budget. Don’t ignore Google’s response to a site. It’s not going to get better if there is a hold or setback to update it.
#10: It Just Doesn’t Look Good
This last one might seem obvious and unnecessary, but including it because a whopping 48% of consumers say that a company’s website is the most important factor in determining credibility. In other words, an ugly or poorly designed site can scare potential leads away.
Design and Look are THAT important!
It’s time to give your website a new look…
If any of the ten things on this list sound familiar, don’t wait. 2019 is the perfect time to update your site and take advantage of increased conversions, an improvement in your Google rank and – most importantly – more profits!