4 reasons you need a new website now

One of the questions we get asked by small business owners is, “Why do I need a new website if I already have one?”

There are a number of reasons why a business with an existing website might need a new one. Do any of these describe your situation?

1. You have old, outdated information on your site

Maybe your website was built a couple of years ago. That’s not too long ago, really.

But maybe your hours and location have changed. Maybe you have some team members on the site who no longer work for you. Maybe your business has shifted focus and sells to a completely different clientele.

Some of these are minor changes, but that last one is pretty huge. If your website was built to attract someone who is no longer your desired customer, you need a new website.

2. Your site is not responsive on smaller screens

If your website isn’t optimized to look and function properly on smaller screens, e.g. smartphones and tablets, your website is basically useless.

That’s not hyperbole. Here’s a statistic I used in blog post about responsive web design one year ago:

“94% of smartphone owners look for local information on their phone. It’s great for national brands to have mobile-friendly sites, but the even greater value lies among local businesses.”

That was from a year ago. You think that number has gone down? Nope.

If your website isn’t responsive, you need a new website.

[caption id=”attachment_4974” align=”aligncenter” width=”640”] People search sites from everywhere these days. Responsive design is a non-negotiable.[/caption]

 3. User experience is not as good as it could be

Have you ever had anyone sit down and test your website? Someone who isn’t a good friend or relative, or who wants to spare your feelings, that is.

To make sure your customers are able to use your website with no problems and no frustration, you should have someone go through it thoroughly.

If they have any issues at all navigating the site, locating important information, or trying to conduct a transaction, you need a new website.

4. Your website looks like it was built in the 90s

You might not like it, but the way your website looks can play a part in attracting new customers. Crisp, clean sites with large images and lots of white space attract visitors.

If your site is “ugly” (and you may need to ask around to find out how others see it), you need a new website.

Often, your website is the first contact a potential customer has with you and your business. You want it to put its best foot forward, right?

The bottom line is, it isn’t enough just to have a website. Your website has to be working for you, and working hard.