Is it Time for a New Website? 10 Signs You Need an Upgrade
- Colleen Eberle
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
Since the internet became accessible to the general public in 1993, websites have undergone significant changes. Your website serves as the online entry point to your business. It is usually the first impression potential customers get of your business, which is why it is crucial for it to be visually appealing and function properly to succeed as a business.
Websites require maintenance and updates just like stores do. Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye on your website and determine when it needs an upgrade. In this post, we will discuss ten signs that suggest your website may require an update.
Table of Contents
Here Are 10 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Website
1. Outdated Design
If your website looks like a blast from the past, it's time for a refresh. An outdated design can create a negative impression in visitors' minds that your business is not up-to-date or even untrustworthy. Poor site functionality can cause 42% of people to leave a website, and 38% may leave if the content or layout is unattractive.
Your website may be outdated if it's not mobile-friendly, has slow loading times, excessive pop-ups or ads, a cluttered layout, or lacks social media integration. To attract and retain visitors to your website, it's essential to have a modern and user-friendly design. If your website displays any of these signs, consider contacting us to begin your website refresh.
2. Slow Loading Times
In today's fast-paced world, users expect websites to load quickly. Studies have shown that even a one-second delay in page load time can lead to a significant drop in conversion rates. If your website is sluggish, you're likely losing valuable traffic and potential customers.
A site that loads in 1 second has a conversion rate 3x higher than a site that loads in 5 seconds. That is a huge difference. Let's explore some of the reasons your website may be loading slowly.
Reasons for a slow website loading times can include:
Large image or media files
High-resolution images and videos can significantly slow down a website's loading time, especially if they are not optimized for the web.
Server issues
Lack of caching
External embedded content
Poor website hosting
3. Poor User Experience (UX)
Poor User Experience (UX) is a common issue that can affect the performance of your website. It refers to the way users interact with your website and how easily they can navigate it. A website with poor UX design can be frustrating for visitors and can lead to a high bounce rate, meaning that users leave your website quickly without taking any action.
To create a user-friendly website interface, it's essential to focus on intuitive navigation and a clear layout. This can help keep people on your site and guide them towards conversion. If your current website lacks these features, it's time for an upgrade.
4. Not Mobile-Friendly
With the majority of internet traffic now coming from mobile devices, having a responsive website is non-negotiable. If your site doesn't adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes, you're alienating a significant portion of your audience. Investing in a mobile-responsive design is essential for maximizing reach and engagement.
Think about how often you use your phone to search the internet, I can bet that you are on it more than your computer. Why does that matter? Well, over 90% of internet users access the web via a mobile phone.
Do you primarily use a smartphone or computer for web searches?
Smartphone
Computer
Still not sold? You can actually be penalized by Google if your website is non-mobile friendly. Back in September 2020, Google made a full shift to mobile-first indexing. This means that the search engine predominantly uses the mobile version of a website for indexing and ranking a website.
5. High Bounce Rate
A high bounce rate indicates that visitors are landing on your website but quickly leaving without exploring further. This could be due to a variety of factors, including poor design, irrelevant content, or slow loading times. Analyzing your bounce rate can provide valuable insights into areas where your website may be falling short.
6. Low Search Engine Rankings
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing your website to rank higher in the search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords.
If your website is not showing up on the first page of search engine results for relevant keywords, you are missing out on valuable organic traffic. By implementing proper SEO techniques and optimizing your website's content, you can improve your search engine rankings and drive more qualified leads to your business.
By implementing effective SEO strategies, you can improve your website's visibility and attract more qualified traffic to your website, leading to increased engagement, conversions, and revenue for your business.
Did you know Eberle Studios specializes in SEO strategy? Chat with our team about upgrading your website through SEO today.
7. Security Vulnerabilities
With cyber threats on the rise, website security is more important than ever. If your current website lacks proper security measures, such as SSL encryption and regular software updates, you're putting both your business and your customers at risk. Investing in a secure, HTTPS-enabled website is crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining trust.
8. Lacking Video Content
As your business grows, so too should your website's functionality. If your current site lacks essential features or integration capabilities, it may be hindering your ability to provide value to your customers and stay competitive in the market.
According to HubSpot’s “The State of Video Marketing” article, we found some compelling stats. Some of the most powerful being:
97% of marketers say video has helped increase user understanding of their product or service.
81% of people have been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a brand’s video.
85% of people say they’d like to see more video from brands.
Eberle Studios has worked in implementing this into many client's websites. One of our first, and still a fan favorite, this promotional video collaboration was with SMC Concrete & Construction, featuring their services and their company.
Our video production services include:
Concept Development
Production Design
Script Writing and Storyboarding
Video Editing
Audio Production & Voice Overs
Casting
4K Cinema Quality
Drone Capability
Motion Graphics and Whiteboard Animation
Video Distribution
9. Outdated Content
Content is king in the digital world, and if your website features outdated or irrelevant content, it's time for an update. Fresh, engaging content not only keeps visitors coming back for more but also improves your search engine rankings and establishes your authority in your industry.
10. Lack of Analytics Tracking
Without proper analytics tracking in place, you're essentially flying blind when it comes to understanding how visitors are interacting with your website. Metrics such as traffic sources, user demographics, and conversion rates are essential for making informed decisions and optimizing your site for better performance. If your current website lacks robust analytics capabilities, it's time to consider an upgrade.
Conclusion
So how often should you redesign your website? According to Blue Compass, every two to three years is the recommended best practice for businesses to refresh their website.
To sum it up, your website is a critical asset that requires regular attention and investment to remain effective in today's digital landscape. If you're experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it may be time to consider a new website.
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