Don’t Put It Off: How Delaying Your Website Upgrade is Hurting Your Business

It is generally better to have an out-of-date website than to have no website at all. A website can serve as a valuable online presence and marketing tool for your business, providing information about your products or services, location, and contact details.

A website also establishes credibility and professionalism, demonstrating that you are committed to maintaining an online presence.

That being said, an out-of-date website can have negative consequences, such as a poor user experience, low search engine rankings, and a lack of credibility.

It is important to regularly update and maintain your website to ensure that it remains relevant, functional, and effective. If you do not have the resources or expertise to maintain a website, it may be better to consider alternative options, such as a social media presence or a listing on online directories, rather than having an outdated or inactive website.

Dated Website

How can you tell if you need an update to your site?

Scroll to the bottom of your website. In the footer, find the © copyright symbol. What year is listed beside it? Maybe it’s not anything from the 1990s or 2000s, but anything developed more than 3-5 years ago is sure to raise these questions:

• “I guess the owner forgot about the website.”
• “Is it a legitimate company?”
• “Are they still in business? Do they still operate?”
• “They must not be established or haven’t been around very long.”
• “They must not be up to date on trends. I wouldn’t trust them for advice today regarding ______.”
• “They must not be successful if they can’t invest in a website.”
• “Are they licensed? Insured?”
• “They must not be generating income if they can’t update.”

User Issues

Here are some additional issues to consider with older websites:

• Outdated design: An outdated website can make your business appear unprofessional and untrustworthy, suggesting that you are not keeping up with current design trends or investing in your online presence. Your it no longer engages an over-stimulated audience.
• Poor user experience: An old website may not be optimized for modern devices and screen sizes, leading to a poor user experience and high bounce rates.
• Incompatibility with new technologies: New technologies and standards emerge, and an old website may become incompatible or unable to take advantage of these innovations, leading to a less functional or effective website.
• Security vulnerabilities: Older websites are more likely to have security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers or cybercriminals, putting your business and your users at risk.
• Slow load time: It takes several seconds to load completely, which means potential clients will click away for faster sites with quicker results.
• Lack of quality images: Grainy images, cell phone quality, or overused and cliché stock photography may lead clients to believe you are running your business cheaply and cutting corners.
• Information overload and clutter: Good design inspires and informs. Clients won’t know where to start if you have too much going on. Your website should tell a story that flows effortlessly from top to bottom.
• Weak or confusing user journey: If your potential client has to click all over your site to view information, you’ve already lost them. Information should be at their fingertips within 2-3 clicks.
• Poorly written content: While no one knows your business quite as you do, a DIY writing style may confuse your audience. You know what you’re talking about, but your clients might not depending upon a variety of demographics. Consider whom you are writing for. They may not be experts on the subject.
• Poor search engine performance: An old website may not be optimized for search engines, leading to poor search engine rankings and reduced visibility in search results. This can make it harder for potential customers to find your business online.
• Hidden details or no visible point of contact: If your contact information isn’t at the top or bottom of every page, you’ve already lost that client. They have clicked away. They’ve visited your website, verified you are a real business, and now they want to call you.

Don’t let another year pass!

As a busy business owner, it can be tempting to put off investing in a professional website design. However, the benefits of having a high-quality, up-to-date website far outweigh the initial cost and effort. A well-designed website can help you attract and retain customers, establish credibility and professionalism, and showcase your products or services in the best light. It can also be a valuable marketing tool, helping you reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your business.

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is more important than ever. Don’t let an outdated or poorly designed website hold you back. Invest in professional website design and maintenance services to ensure that your site is modern, functional, and effective. By committing to a professional website, you can give your business the online presence it deserves and set yourself up for long-term success.