When was the last time you logged in to your website or updated any of your business details? I’m guessing you’re too busy, overwhelmed with updates, or just not interested in the tech stuff that comes with website maintenance. You’re not alone – many small businesses and smaller teams feel the same way! I’m here to help guide you through the decision process. Is it time? If you’re questioning it, the answer is probably YES.
How do you know it’s time for a new website or redesign?
A few things to consider as you start the planning process:
Is your website responsive?
Does your website automatically change and adjust to the size of the device/screen? This is extremely important! If your website doesn’t shift dimensions on smaller screens, it can be impossible to click on helpful links, read important information, or navigate the website at all.
A responsive website means your business can be found on desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Nearly 60% of all global website traffic comes from mobile devices and you don’t want to miss out on reaching potential customers or clients!
Is the information on your website accurate?
If you have outdated information, an old location, sold out products, past employees, or new services, it’s time to get that content updated. It can be frustrating for people to guess what is or isn’t current.
Making sure your information is accurate and readable at every size helps people of all abilities learn about your services or products. This includes choosing fonts, sizes, and colors that are easy to see and read.
Don’t give people a reason to ditch your business altogether.
Does your website visually reflect your branding and business?
People will check your website for a lot of reasons–to buy, contact, subscribe, reserve, hire–and you want to look professional and legitimate. Using your logo, brand fonts, colors, messaging, and clear calls to action will show website visitors that 1) you are who you say you are and 2) you care enough about their experience to invest in a website that helps them accomplish their goals. This establishes trust and primes them to expect your quality services or products.
Is your content optimized with SEO basics?
Don’t miss opportunities to connect with people who want or need your services. You’ll want to make sure you’re using proper heading tags (H1, h2, h3, and so) throughout your pages, optimizing images to help your website load quickly, adding alt text so users have context for the image, plus including clear contact information and focusing on your location or service area.
When was the last time your website was updated?
If it’s been 3 or more years, it’s time for at least a refresh, if not a redesign. Software, usability, and functionality trends change quickly in the digital world. This does not mean you need to have a “trendy” website. This does means you want have a functional, effective website.
Seems like a big step, huh?
Investing in a professional website is a worthy investment but if you need to dip your toe in first…Opting for a website audit can give you a clear picture of what’s going on “under the hood” of your current website. An audit can identify how many pages and posts you have, outdated or unused plugins, any missing or broken links, address errors, opportunities to improve SEO, and accessibility and functionality improvements. As an experienced designer, I can thoughtfully suggest easy to improve the overall look, functionality, and experience for visiting your website.
If you’re ready for a new website or a refresh, I’m ready to help you walk through the process.
