Time for a new website?
With the new year fast approaching this is a time we find that many businesses decide they want a new website or a redesign of their existing site. However the beginning of a new year isn’t a valid reason on its own for having a new website. We explain the reasons we think you need to consider when deciding if you are in need of a new website design.
Targets are not been achieved
What are the goals you set for your website to achieve? You do have goals don’t you? For example, an e-commerce sites main goal may be to increase online sales of widgets by 20%. A gym may wish to increase its membership or a university may need its students to read information on a certain web page and fill out an online form. When your website users do whatever it is you want them to do then this is what we call a conversion.
If your website isn’t converting its goals and not meeting its expected targets then maybe a redesign is in order. The first thing to check is your website metrics. This means checking the numbers in Google Analytics. If you have had a lot of visitors in the past but your numbers are in decline then there is most likely some disconnect between your website and your users. This could be a signal that your current web design has lost its impact and its ability to convert your goals.
If the amount of traffic to your website has invariably been low then more online marketing is almost certainly needed. This could be in the order of search engine optimisation (seo) to help boost visitor numbers or email marketing and social media campaigns to engage with your current customers.
Many companies don’t achieve their goals because they simply don’t invest the required time, effort and money into their website and online marketing – but this is where they lose out to their competitors that do.
Website looks old (or is old)
If your website looks tired and old then its time for a refresh. A complete new website may not be needed, however a new design is required to give your website a makeover. Your website’s aesthetic is crucial to how your company is perceived by others. If your website doesn’t look good then rest assured your perception as a company is not going to be good either. An old design is detrimental to your brand.
How do you know if your website design looks old? Check out your competitors websites. Does your website look old compared to theirs? Ask your customers, what do they think? If it is old and by old we mean more than 18 months then chances are its starting to look dated. Even if it was cutting edge at the time, website designs evolve, new techniques and technologies emerge, monitors continue to get larger and the use of smartphones and tablets are more prevalent - these factors can all impact on the way in which websites are designed today and for the future.
Take action
These are just two of many reasons why it’s time that your website is in need of a redesign – not just because its the start of a new year. Keeping your website modern and fresh will really help in retaining customers, acquiring new ones and converting your goals. Do something now about your old website design, get ahead of the competition and get your website working for you to achieve those targets.