When To Refresh Your Website – A Quick Guide

Author:

Mark Burnell

Mark has over 25 years of design agency experience and is used to working with multiple brands and the most challenging of client briefs. Having studied Product Design at Bournemouth University, his claim to fame is that he created and developed Mazuma Mobile’s brand identity, supporting its growth from concept to a multimillion pound company.

Posted:

02/12/2024

Your business website plays a vital role in your success. However, knowing when to refresh your website is crucial. Even with outstanding products and glowing reviews, an outdated website can hold your business back. Many companies only realise their website is behind the times when it’s too late, leading to challenges in updating or even requiring a complete rebuild. To avoid this, it’s wise to audit your website every few years.

Some textWhat to Look Out For

Your Content Doesn’t Match Your Vision

As your business vision evolves, so should your website. If your site no longer highlights your key products or services in line with your current goals, it’s time for a refresh. Regular updates ensure your website reflects your latest mission and offerings. For minor changes, updating your existing site might suffice, but if significant revisions are needed, a rebuild could be the better option. Analysing data such as visitor numbers and bounce rates can also indicate when it’s time for a change.

Declining Conversion Rates

The primary purpose of your website is to drive conversions, whether that’s onboarding clients, increasing purchases, or securing leads. A drop in conversion rates is a red flag that something isn’t working. Addressing these issues promptly ensures your site remains a valuable tool for your business.

Lack of Mobile Optimisation

With more than half of website traffic coming from mobile devices, ignoring mobile optimisation can cost you leads and customers. A responsive design, which adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes, enhances user experience and improves SEO. By prioritising mobile optimisation, you ensure your site remains accessible and ready for the future.

Slow Loading Speed

Visitors have little patience for slow-loading websites. Even a short delay can drive potential customers away. Optimising your website’s backend, reducing plugins, and improving its architecture are effective ways to enhance loading speed. A professional developer can simplify these processes while ensuring all necessary functionalities remain intact.

Outdated Appearance

An outdated design can make your business appear unprofessional or irrelevant. Refreshing your website with a modern, appealing design helps to build trust and keep users engaged. Collaborating with a developer can ensure your redesign aligns with current trends and your brand identity, giving you a competitive edge.

Poor Navigation

Complicated layouts and dead-end pages frustrate users and increase bounce rates. A site audit can identify navigation issues, enabling you to streamline the structure and improve the user journey. Grouping related content and organising information logically not only enhances usability but also boosts SEO.

Difficulty Updating

If your website is difficult to update, it can quickly become outdated and costly to maintain. Ensuring your site is easy to edit allows you to make regular updates, keeping your content fresh and aligned with your business goals.

Ready to Review Your Website?

Don’t let an outdated website hold your business back. Understanding when to refresh your website is key to staying relevant, functional, and aligned with your goals. If your site needs a closer look, we’re here to help. Get in touch today, and let’s make sure your website is working as hard as you are!