Lots of people ask me, "What do you think of my web site? Do you think it needs an update?" My answer is usually yes, it could certainly use some updates. But when it comes to web design, it's not all about looks. (Although that's a BIG part of it!) If you're a business owner that has some doubts about your own website, contact me today for a free website consultation or keep reading to learn about the biggest reasons you should consider a redesign.

1. Your website is not mobile friendly

If your site isn't mobile friendly you may have noticed a drop in your Google search ranking over the past few years. As early as 2015, Google announced they would use mobile friendliness as a factor in their site ranking so this has a direct impact on your SEO.

2. Your website features old photos or content that's out of date and/or no longer consistent with your branding

If you've redesigned your marketing materials or updated your logo, those changes should be reflected on your website as well. Your website is an extension of your business so any big changes to your branding need to be consistent across all platforms (print, in-store and online). In addition, if your site features old photos or content that's no longer relevant, it needs to be updated. If you're in the service industry and your photos show old before and after pictures or products that are no longer available it's important they are swapped for new ones.

3. Your site uses flash and/or has numerous pages that load as PDFs

In 2019 Google Chrome announced they would no longer support flash, so if your site is still using it, chances are people can't even view your site properly. If your site features flash or other dated plugins, chances are you can achieve the same look without them when you upgrade your website. PDF style pages are another major downer when it comes to your SEO. It's fine to offer a freebie or a place for clients to download paperwork and forms, but your website content should be native to your site - not part of a PDF that opens in a new window. This isn't just bad SEO, it will make users feel like your site is from the mid 2000's.

4. Your site looks dated in terms of design, fonts and photo styles

If your site is visibly dated and uses old fonts, photos and features, it's definitely time for an update. Not only will users judge your business by your outdated website, an old site can deter customers from making online purchases or contacting you - some of those old contact forms and checkouts seem sketchy! Your site may be totally safe but if it looks like it's from 2005 people will be wary of providing credit card info or clicking for more information.

5. Your site is slow to load

If your site is slow to load or has issues loading on one browser vs another you definitely need a redesign. There's no excuse for a slow loading site these days so if your website seems to be in slow motion, chances are your web design software is out of date. A slow site will deter people from clicking further to contact you, make purchases or learn more about your business so it's an important issue to address. Google also uses this as a ranking factor so if your site is dated and the slow loading is causing issues for users, your SEO will suffer too.

If you're read this post and found yourself nodding along and saying, "omg, that's my website!" there's no need to panic. You simply need an upgrade. Contact me today for a free consultation to talk about your website needs and goals. Our team would love to give your site a makeover with fresh photos and new content. Our sites are built with cutting edge design software for faster load times and zero down time! To learn more about our website design process, click here.