6 Signs You're Ready for a New Website
Sometimes, a quick look at your analytics might have you questioning your website. Is it really working as best as it can? Should you invest in a new website? It can totally feel like an overwhelming decision to make.
Here’s the thing. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Your website is one of your biggest business assets. It should be your top performing ‘employee’, going above and beyond to attract and convert your dream customers.
Investing in a new website can truly transform your business. Because you’re getting strategic, it can bring in a steady stream of ideal clients who buy your products or services.
So, how do you know when you’re ready to take the leap and overhaul your website? If any of the following sound familiar, you’re probably overdue a revamp…
1. You don’t have one
If you don’t have one, you probably know what I’m going to say.
Yup, you need a website for your business.
Whether you DIY it, buy a template or hire a designer/developer. You need to have a space of your own online. It’s easier than ever to set up a website these days so there really is no excuse to put it off any longer.
I’m so passionate about a business making a home for itself on a beautiful website that I’ve written a whole blog about it. Take a read of Why You Need a Website for your Small Business here.
2. Your Services, Products or Offerings have Changed
One of my favourite things about being a small business owners is how flexible we can all be. Decide to add a new service? In a few hours you can have it live. That’s blooming amazing.
If your ‘niche’ or core offering has shifted significantly, your website will need to reflect this. If the enquiries coming in are for a product or service that is a little outdates, chances are your website needs a refresh. There’s no point in it promoting your PT services when all you really want to be doing is nutrition coaching. Chase those dreams! And let’s make sure you have a website to support them!
3. Your Target market has changed
Our target markets are constantly shifting like desert sands just like our offerings. Sometimes we might need to give our website an overhaul to match our new ideal audience. Sometimes the shift in minor and we can make some tweaks to the site to match. Other times, the change is more fundamental.
Take this example. Perhaps you are a cafe who has moved across the country. Your website was geared towards city-working regulars. Now you need to focus on attracting tourist in the new area.
How about this. You used to enjoy photographing weddings but the spark has gone. So, to claim back your weekends, you’re using your skills to focus on brand photography. Your ideal customer has gone from recently engaged couples to small business owners and your website needs to play catch up.
4. you’re Embarrassed to hand over your URL
Groan out loud when you see your website?
You might know the feeling:
You’ve spent a good half an hour speaking to a potential new client or customer. You’re getting on like a freaking house on fire and they’re basically a walking talking version of your ideal customer.
And then they ask the question. So, do you have a website?
Your mouth goes dry and your face flushes.
Well, you do. But you sure don’t want this dream client seeing it because it doesn’t represent you or your business. At all. You long for a day when you’re proud to show it off.
5. Lead or Sales aren’t coming in
If your business just isn’t paying the bills, site visitors just aren’t hanging around or that email list is sitting still at X subscribers, perhaps it’s time to take a look at your website to see how it can support your business goals. Optimising it’s look and design will help you reach new markets, appear more professional and, crucially, convert your audience into paying customers/clients.
Giving your website an overhaul could be your ticket from coasting to thriving.
6. Your Site is Over 5 Years Old
If you launched your website years ago and left it to its own thing, chances are you’re long overdue an overhaul. Unfortunately this website could be losing you business. According to some studies, 81% of internet users will think less of a business if their website isn’t updated.
With website design, looks definitely do matter. Of course, it should function smoothly but it also needs to reflect modern styles, include some of the latest bells and whistles and be optimised for the most recent SEO best practises.
Website design and SEO best practises are constantly shifting. It’s important your website is designed with these in mind to really win over your ideal customers and clients.
Today, your website really needs to be optimised for mobile devices as over 50% of website traffic comes from these devices. Why? Because not only will it help your visitors navigate your site with ease, Google will love your site and show it off in search results.
Need a Hand?
If you’re sitting behind your laptop thinking oh heck, my site really isn’t up to scratch, then here’s what we can do…
If you’re on a budget, you can get started with a DIY Squarespace website. Click here to read my guide on Getting Started with Squarespace 7.1.
If you’ve got money to invest, check out my custom design services to see how we can work together to create a custom website for your business.
