Signs you need a website

7 Signs You Need a New Website for Your Business

The world of the internet and web design is constantly evolving. While the first and oldest web domain on the internet, symbolics.com, was founded in 1985, even they updated their look and feel to keep up with modern search and user trends.

Web design is not an unnecessary expense for small business owners. In fact, it is crucial to keep up with user habits and Google search algorithms, which change regularly. By neglecting to modernize your website, you may be missing out on valuable traffic and potential customers.

It can be difficult to know when it's time to upgrade or build your first website. To help with this decision, below are seven signs or reasons that indicate a small business may need a new website.

Read on to see if any of these apply to you!



1. You Still Don't Have a Website

Did you know that a significant number of small businesses in America still don't have a website? Shocking, right?

Unless you own an independent gas station located in a high-traffic area, not having a website is a major disadvantage. It means that you are missing out on a considerable number of potential leads and customers.

Fortunately, this is a problem that you can easily solve. With affordable website design options available, there has never been a better time to create a website for your business. Today, websites are reasonably priced to host, quick to design, and easy to maintain, especially if you work with a savvy provider.

So, if you're still without a website, it's time to act quickly and start enjoying the many benefits of an online presence for your small business.



2. Your Current Website is Ugly or Outdated

In today's digital age, your website is often the first point of contact between you and your potential customers. And just like in the physical world, first impressions matter online too. According to a study, almost 40% of visitors will leave a website if they find it unattractive or outdated.

In other words, if your website design is not up to par with the latest trends, you could be losing out on valuable leads and conversions. Whether you're an e-commerce business or a service provider, your website needs to attract and engage visitors, compelling them to take the desired action.

Investing in a website redesign is no longer a luxury but a necessity to stay competitive in today's market. By partnering with a skilled website design provider, you can create a modern, user-friendly website that not only looks great but also converts visitors into customers.



3. Your Website Is Not Mobile Friendly

Not only do you need to ensure that your website is mobile-friendly, but you also need to consider the user experience on mobile devices. Mobile users have different browsing habits and expectations compared to desktop users. For instance, they may be looking for specific information or quick access to your contact details. If your website is difficult to navigate or doesn't load quickly on a mobile device, you risk losing potential customers.

It's essential to prioritize mobile optimization when building or redesigning your website. By doing so, you'll provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for your visitors, no matter what device they use to access your site. Additionally, a mobile-optimized website can boost your search engine rankings, as search engines like Google prioritize mobile-friendly sites in their results.



4. You're Not Getting the Results You Expect From Your Site

You've done the hard work of making your website mobile-friendly, but you're still not seeing the conversions you expected. If this is the case, it's possible that your website design isn't optimized to guide customers through the sales funnel. Even if customers are able to find your website, they might not know what to do next or where to go. In other words, they're getting lost in the process.

To increase conversions, it's essential to focus on clear calls-to-action and ensure that your website is designed to facilitate the customer journey. A website redesign that emphasizes user experience and guides customers towards the next steps in your sales process can help you achieve your conversion goals.



5. Business Is Slow, and Sales Are Stagnating

Having a website that solely serves as a digital brochure is no longer sufficient in today's competitive digital landscape. Your website should be a tool to attract, engage, and convert potential customers. That's where inbound marketing comes in. By creating valuable content, such as blog posts, e-books, or webinars, you can establish yourself as an authority in your industry and attract qualified leads to your website. A redesign that incorporates an inbound marketing strategy will help you generate more traffic, leads, and ultimately, revenue.


6. You Have a High Bounce Rate

A high bounce rate is like a red flag, signaling that your website is not engaging visitors enough to make them stick around. When Google Analytics records a bounce, it means someone visited your website but didn't interact beyond the first page they saw. If your bounce rate is above 56-70%, it's time to start investigating why your visitors aren't finding your content relevant or engaging enough.

Don't worry; a high bounce rate isn't the end of the world. By improving your website design and content, you can create a more compelling user experience that encourages visitors to explore your site further. Start by making sure your website has clear navigation, engaging visuals, and a strong value proposition that speaks to your target audience's needs and interests.



7. Your Website Isn't Secure

Google prioritizes website security as a ranking factor, meaning that websites with SSL certificates and other security measures are more likely to appear higher in search engine results pages. Therefore, if your website is lacking in security measures, not only are you putting your customers at risk, but you're also hindering your website's visibility and online presence. It's essential to invest in website security to protect your business and maintain your online reputation.


We Build Small Business Websites That Work

If you're feeling uncertain about your current website, it's crucial to trust your instincts. If you have a nagging feeling that it's not up to par, it probably isn't. Don't wait until it's too late to invest in a new website that better serves your business needs.

If you're hearing complaints from your customers about the usability of your site or are worried that you're not getting found online, it's time for a change. Perhaps your website isn't user-friendly, or it's difficult to update and add new content.

At Oceanfront Digital Solutions, we specialize in affordable web solutions and small business websites that are effective, optimized, and secure. Contact us today to discuss your new website and take the first step toward improving your online presence.