Your website isn’t just a digital brochure—it’s your hardest-working salesperson. Or at least, it should be.
But if it’s outdated, clunky, or hasn’t been touched since the early days of the internet, it’s probably doing more harm than good. An outdated website can significantly hinder your business’s success. Studies show that 81% of users think less of a brand if its website is outdated.
Think about it. Would you trust a business that still uses a fax machine as its primary method of communication? (No offense to fax machines… but you get the point.)
Additionally, 57% of internet users say they won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed website on mobile.
A bad website makes a bad first impression. And in today’s digital-first world, first impressions happen fast. If your site isn’t keeping up, you could be unknowingly turning potential clients away.
So how do you know when it’s time for a website remodel? And what should you focus on to ensure it’s actually working for you, not against you? Let’s break it down.
Not sure if your website needs a refresh? Here are some telltale signs that it’s time for an overhaul.
If your website design hasn’t been updated in five or more years, chances are it’s falling behind modern aesthetics and usability standards. Web design trends evolve, and while you don’t need to chase every new fad, a website that looks outdated can make your business seem out of touch.
Elements like busy backgrounds, small text, drop shadows, and cluttered layouts are immediate red flags. If your website reminds visitors of something from the early 2000s, it’s time for a redesign.
With over 60 percent of all web traffic coming from mobile devices, a site that doesn’t function seamlessly on phones and tablets is a liability. If your website forces users to pinch, zoom, or scroll endlessly to find what they need, they’ll leave. Fast.
A modern website should use responsive design, meaning it adapts to any screen size without sacrificing usability or design quality.
Studies show that users will abandon a website if it takes longer than three seconds to load. If your site is bogged down with massive images, outdated code, or too many plugins, you’re losing potential clients before they even see what you have to offer.
Run your site through Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool. If your scores are low, it’s time to address the underlying issues.
Your website should be a dynamic, evolving tool for your business, not a static page you set and forget. If making simple updates requires calling a developer every time, you’re losing valuable time and flexibility.
A good content management system (CMS), like WordPress or ExpressionEngine, allows you to make changes easily, update your content, and keep your site fresh without unnecessary hassle.
(If your site is struggling with any of the issues above, here’s what a well-planned redesign can do for your business.
A well-structured, intuitive website helps visitors find what they need quickly. Modern navigation design, clear call-to-action buttons, and clean layouts ensure a seamless user experience. When visitors can move through your site effortlessly, they’re more likely to stick around—and convert.
Your website should reflect your brand’s personality and values. A professional, cohesive design with updated colors, fonts, and imagery builds trust with potential clients.
If your site doesn’t look polished or consistent with your messaging, it creates doubt. A strong brand presence reassures visitors that they’re in the right place and that your business is worth their time and money.
An old website with outdated code, broken links, and poor mobile usability will struggle to rank well on search engines. A modern, well-optimized website improves your chances of being found online.
Updating your site with fresh, high-quality content, optimized images, and improved site structure can give you a significant boost in search engine rankings, leading to more visibility and organic traffic.
A well-designed website isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about guiding visitors toward action. Whether you want them to book a consultation, sign up for a newsletter, or make a purchase, your site should be built with conversions in mind.
This means clear calls to action, strategically placed contact forms, and content that speaks directly to your ideal audience.
A website refresh isn’t just about making things look pretty—it’s about aligning your online presence with your business goals.
Before diving into a redesign, ask yourself:
A clear strategy ensures your redesign isn’t just surface-level but actually drives results.
Your website should communicate what you do, who you serve, and why it matters—fast. Visitors should be able to land on your homepage and immediately understand how you can help them.
Audit your existing content and make sure it’s clear, concise, and compelling. Eliminate jargon and make sure your messaging speaks directly to your audience’s needs.
A fast website improves both user experience and SEO. During your redesign, optimize images, reduce unnecessary plugins, and use a reliable hosting provider to ensure your site loads quickly.
Your website isn’t a one-and-done project. After launching your new site, monitor user behavior, track conversion rates, and be willing to make adjustments as needed.
A/B testing different headlines, button placements, and content formats can help you refine your site over time for better results.
If your website isn’t helping your business grow, it’s holding you back. A strategic redesign can make all the difference in how you attract and convert clients.
Need help figuring out where to start? Let’s talk. I help service-based businesses refine their brands and create websites that actually work for them.
Reach out, and let’s make your website a powerful tool for growth.
At a minimum, review your website every 2-3 years to ensure it aligns with current technology, design trends, and business goals. However, minor updates should be made regularly to keep content fresh.
Both matter. A beautiful site without strong messaging won’t convert. Likewise, great content on an outdated, clunky website won’t be effective. A successful site balances both.
The cost varies depending on the scope of the project, but a professional redesign typically ranges from a few thousand dollars to five figures for more complex sites.
Possibly! If your site structure is solid but just needs visual updates or content tweaks, a refresh may be enough. However, if it’s built on outdated technology, a full rebuild might be necessary.
