The world of technology evolves at the speed of light. Here at Responsive Web Design Denver we know that what is trending today may be outdated tomorrow. Ensuring your website is up to date by technological and social standards requires time and attention, but it is always worth the effort.
Consider these 7 indicators that your website needs updating.
1. Your website is not mobile friendly.
A decade ago, the words “mobile friendly” meant nothing to web designers. Today, however, having a mobile friendly site is of critical importance to a would-be-successful business or online entity. Many people access the Internet exclusively from their phones or devices, and if a site is not mobile friendly, the customer will not return. With technology changing, googles algorithm is always changing as well. Googles latest update requires every website to be mobile friendly or responsive, or you will lose your page rank.
2. Your content is old.
If your latest blog post was written more than 6 months ago, or if your copyright information at the bottom of your site says 2010, take note. Information on the Internet ages in dog years. People notice dates and steer clear of sites that do not update often. Taking old content and re-packaging it goes a long way in making the site feel and look fresh, which in turn retains customers.
3. Your page size is distracting.
Years ago, websites were built to fit on smaller screens. Now with the advent of wide screens and high resolution monitors, the possibilities for engaging viewers with beautiful, full-screen designs are endless.
4. Your website is built on flash.
Flash is the enemy of speed. Not only does flash slow computers down, but it also makes it difficult for Google to make sense of your website content. Additionally, flash doesn’t work well on many mobile devices, such as iPhones or iPads. In this digital age, it is paramount that websites are mobile-friendly. Unfortunately, flash does not serve this purpose well.
5. Your load time is slow.
If your site fails to load immediately, you should consider getting a new website as soon as possible. Studies show that your bounce rate will increase dramatically if your site takes 2 or more seconds to load. Sound extreme? It is, but it is also the expectation of the customers you are trying to reach.
6. You have little to no social media presence.
What was looked at as a luxury is now the expectation. Businesses are learning the value of social media and are making themselves accessible to their customers by adding easy links and share buttons throughout their website. Word of mouth is nothing new, and social media makes it easier.
7. You rely on old navigation.
Older websites often use confusing navigation. Too many page choices make it nearly impossible for viewers to find what they need. Easy navigation is the goal of successful websites, allowing end users to find things with the least number of clicks possible.
Website re-construction can require a lot of time and work, but the benefits are endless if the site is done right. New coding, better platforms, and clearer messaging can be the difference between an outdated or successful site.
Is it time for you to get a new website? Tag Team Design can help!