Insights

Is Your Outdated Website Losing You Business?

At the rate technology progresses these days it’s hard for anybody to keep up… but since society demands it (and your business likely depends on it) it’s important to make it a priority. One of the best ways to do that is to never let your outdated website hold you back – keep your website fresh and new. Because let’s be honest, in today’s world, your website is the face of your company – so keep it clean (and a little makeup never hurt anyone).

Here are five warning signs that it may be time to redesign.

IT’S NOT MOBILE FRIENDLY

If this first warning sign applies to you, stop what you are doing and call your developer right now. It’s 2017 – everyone is using a smart phone (well, most of us). If your customers can’t look you up while on-the-go, you are missing out on potential business opportunities and leads. Furthermore, it should be more than just visible on your phone or tablet, your site should be easy to navigate on the go as well.

UNRESPONSIVENESS

If your site loads painfully slow or is just plain unresponsive – you’re losing customers faster than a restaurant with a poor inspection rating. Today’s population is used to getting what they want immediately. If you’re slow on the draw, they will move right to the next company on the list – your competitor. This warning sign means it’s definitely time for a major update.

TOO FLASHY

This warning sign can be taken both literally and figuratively. If your entire site was built using Flash it’s definitely time for a redesign. Flash sites take too long to load and are often overlooked by search engines.

Your content can be too flashy as well. Snapshot Interactive web designer, Katie Miller, says one of the major things that turns her off to a website is when there are lots of pieces that move on the page without you prompting them to.

“Actions on scroll are very hip right now, but if I go to a site and it’s just got rotating banners galore, stuff flying out at me, etc. it’s a major red flag.”

These days, less is more – and that goes for content too. Your information should be easy to find, read and navigate. If you are constantly getting calls from customers asking questions that could easily be found on your website, Miller suggests that you think about changing some things around. “Think strategic not excessive. Are you saying things twice? Are you too wordy?” Simplifying your message not only makes it easier for the user to find the information they are looking for, it also greatly improves search engine results.

THE NUMBERS ARE TELLING ON YOU

If you aren’t sure if your website is performing at its best, all you have to do is check your analytics. It’s time for a change if your bounce rates are high (over 50%, people are leaving your site and going elsewhere), your conversion rates are low (people are looking but they aren’t calling/buying), or traffic is low (people aren’t visiting your site because poor technology is keeping it blocked from search engines). Analytics can give you a look into your customer’s behaviors and tell you first hand what they think of you. Use that information to your advantage. If the numbers tell you that your site is underperforming, listen.

UPDATING CONTENT IS A GIANT UNDERTAKING

If you have to go through four different people to figure out how to change a picture, logo or text on your site, it’s time to hire a professional. Maintaining a functioning, competitive website takes time and knowledge. If it’s not your thing – let someone else do it (we’ve got you). Not only will it be a weight off your shoulders but you will be amazed at what a properly functioning website can do for your business. If cost is a concern – start small. Make a few simple changes to your content and design. Put a little extra money into your marketing budget for website updates and watch how it impacts your bottom line.

Feeling overwhelmed? No worries, Snapshot Interactive has web developers, designers and strategists on site to help you get your website up to par. We’ll do the work; you reap the benefits.

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