Hey there! Bored with your website and wondering if it’s time for a refresh? If that thought enters your mind, then it is a sign that you urgently need a new website now. At least that was what happened to me.
A new website can do wonders for your business, helping you stand out and connect with your audience in new ways. I sometimes get bored of seeing the same colors and fonts and every year, I do change my aesthetics. But sometimes there are other signs that will make you sit up and think of a new website. This happened to me this year.
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But how do you know when it’s time to take the plunge? Let’s explore the ten signs that say you urgently need a new website.
1. Website Looks Outdated
First impressions matter, and your website is often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand. If your site looks like it’s stuck in the early 2000s, it may just be time for an update. Trends in web design evolve every single year, and an outdated website can make your business seem out of touch. Think clean lines, modern fonts, and an overall fresh look. Your website should reflect the current trends while still staying true to your brand identity.
The websites in the past had their pages compact, but now the new trend is to blow them up so they cover the screen while giving your the eyes a core point to focus in the middle.
Check out my site from the laptop to see how the aesthetics worked.
2. It’s Not Mobile Friendly
Here’s a quick fact. According to research, more than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re likely to lose out on a significant amount of traffic and potential customers. Check how your site looks and functions on different devices. Is it easy to navigate on a smartphone? If not, it’s a big sign you need a new, responsive website that works seamlessly across all devices.
3. Slow Load Times
Nobody likes waiting for a website to load. In fact, if your site takes more than a few seconds to load, visitors are likely to bounce and never return. Speed is crucial. If your website feels sluggish, it might be time to invest in a new one built with speed in mind. Modern websites are designed to be fast, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for your users.
4. Difficult To Update Content
A website should be a dynamic tool for your business, not a static brochure. If you find it challenging to update content, add new pages, or make changes, it’s time for a change. Modern content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace make it easy for anyone to update their website without needing technical skills. You should have the freedom to keep your content fresh and relevant without jumping through hoops.
I have used WordPress and Wix, and there are limitations to their templates. Elementor gave me the added tool to design the website as I wanted. But it had a steep learning curve, especially if you are someone who has no idea about coding.
I went with Showit this time around for 2 reasons. I wanted my website to be pleasing to my eyes. And I wanted an easy way to design it without worrying about CSS and codes. Yes, I took the time to spend one month reading nearly every article in their help section. Twice.
5. Your Brand Has Evolved
Your website is a reflection of your brand. If your business has evolved but your website hasn’t, it’s a sign that it’s time for an update. Maybe you’ve expanded your services, updated your branding, or shifted your target audience. Your website should accurately represent where your business is now, not where it was five years ago. A new website can align your online presence with your current brand and business goals.
I had 2 sites where I was showcasing my digital products and services. I wanted everything I do to come together in one site. A site that soothed my eyes aesthetically. To be very honest, every three years, I get this desperate call from deep within me to modify my site so that it reflects who I am at that moment in time.
6. Poor User Experience
User experience (UX) is everything when it comes to keeping visitors on your site and converting them into customers. If visitors struggle to find information, navigate your site, or if the overall experience feels clunky, it’s time for a redesign. A new website should focus on intuitive navigation, clear calls to action, and an overall seamless user experience. Happy users are more likely to become loyal customers.
7. Not Meeting Business Goals
Your website should be a powerful tool in achieving your business goals, whether that’s generating leads, selling products, or providing information. If your current site isn’t helping you meet these goals, it’s time to reassess. Analyze your website’s performance and identify areas where it falls short. A new website, designed with your specific business objectives in mind, can be a game-changer.
8. Your Website Lacks Functionality
Does your website offer everything your customers need? If you find yourself constantly wishing for new features or tools to improve user experience, it might be time for a new site. Adding new functionalities, like a blog, e-commerce capabilities, or interactive elements, can significantly enhance your site’s value.
I wanted to add my shop in my website without going through WooCommerce, and I found a super-easy way to connect my Shopify to my website, while keeping to the clean lines of my website.
9. Your Website Isn’t Optimized For SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for driving organic traffic to your site. If your current website isn’t optimized for SEO, you’re missing out on potential visitors. A new website built with SEO best practices in mind can improve your search rankings and increase visibility.
In my old site, I had AIOSEO and in this, I have Yoast. So that helped my pages to come on to Google. I wasn’t on the first page but my website did pop up when a few keywords were typed in Search.
10. Security Reasons
In today’s digital landscape, security is paramount. If your website has been compromised or is at risk due to outdated software, it’s time to upgrade. A new website with the latest security features can protect your business and your customers’ data.
My old website crashed twice, and I nearly lost all my content. There was a way to get the website up and running with the backup, but I didn’t know how to get to the backup. The customer service gave me different articles to read, but I couldn’t seem to find the right button. I wanted someone to show me via screenshots where I was going wrong on my site. They helped, but it took a better part of two hours to get back my website. Two harrowing hours with my heart pounding in my throat.
NO, thank you. No more of such experiences.
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Why I Shifted to Showit
I am someone who is cautious and thinks two and three times before spending money on a website. This time around, I made a Pro and Con list every single day for a week. Also, I got 14 days of Trial from Showit to see if I could do all the changes myself. It was daunting, to say the least. But a challenge was what I needed then.
The thing that swayed my decision was I wanted my website to be aesthetic and reflect my wishes. Reflect ME.
Hence, when it was time to revamp my own website, I chose Showit.
Design Flexibility:
Showit offers unparalleled design flexibility. It allows for a truly custom look without the constraints of templates, making it perfect for creating a unique and visually appealing website.
User Friendly:
You don’t need to be a coding expert to create a beautiful site on Showit. Its drag-and-drop interface is intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.
Responsiveness:
Showit ensures that your site looks great on all devices, which is crucial in today’s mobile-first world.
WordPress Integration:
Showit seamlessly integrates with WordPress, combining the best of both worlds: stunning design and powerful blogging capabilities.
Customer Support:
Showit’s customer support is top-notch. They’re always ready to help with any issues, ensuring that you’re never left stranded.
Read the detailed reasons why I chose Showit as my website builder here
Use my code DCP to get one 1.5 months free on Showit
Download Your Free E-Book – Guide to Redesigning Your Website
Even after reading the eBook, are you struggling to find the time to set up your Showit website template? Do you have your content ready but lack the energy or expertise to fill in the blanks and customize your website?
My new service is here to help you! I provide efficient, hassle-free assistance in setting up and customizing your Showit website template with the data you provide. With my help, you can have a professional-looking website ready to launch without the stress and time investment.
Check out my services HERE
Cons Of Changing Your Website
While a new website can bring numerous benefits, it’s also important to consider the potential drawbacks. Here are some cons to keep in mind before making the decision to redesign or start a new website:
1. Cost
Redesigning or creating a new website can be expensive. Costs can include hiring a web designer or developer, purchasing a new domain, buying themes or plugins, and ongoing maintenance. It’s important to budget for these expenses to avoid any financial surprises.
I thought carefully and spoke to the terrific customer support of Showit, explaining my finances, and they were kind enough to give me another free month. Use my code DCP to get 1.5months free.
2. Time-Consuming
Building a new website is a time-intensive process. From planning and designing to development and testing, it can take weeks or even months to launch a new site. This can be particularly challenging if you’re managing other aspects of your business simultaneously.
I took that free 1.5 months to learn most things about Showit. Completed watching their online instructions twice before I even got down to making my website.
3. Learning Curve
If you’re switching to a new platform or content management system (CMS), there will likely be a learning curve. You and your team may need to spend time learning how to use the new tools and features, which can temporarily slow down your productivity.
It took me 1.5 months and Showit also had free templates I could experiment on to see what I liked. So that made me customize my website, transforming it to how I liked.
4. Temporary Traffic Loss
It’s common to experience a temporary dip in traffic when launching a new website. Search engines need time to re-index your new site, and it can take a while for your SEO efforts to catch up. Proper planning and SEO strategies can help mitigate this, but it’s something to be aware of.
This was a big factor for me. I didn’t bring my blog posts to this platform because I wanted to start something new. Try to write on new topics. Topics that interested me, that made me want to read.
5. Data Migration Challenges
Transferring content, user data, and other important information from your old website to the new one can be complex and time-consuming. There’s also a risk of data loss or errors during the migration process, which can impact your site’s functionality and user experience.
I made this website completely as a fresh start, forgoing all the migration of my previous blog posts. It was a calculated, intentional decision, though i wouldn’t advise you do so, since you would end up losing your previous written creation.
6. Potential Technical Issues
New websites can sometimes come with unexpected technical issues or bugs. It’s important to thoroughly test your site before launching to identify and fix any problems. Even with careful testing, you may still encounter issues that need to be addressed post-launch.
Luckily, for me, Showit magicians on the backstage basically do everything me. So, security and other factors were done by them. I just had to buy my domain and subscription and then design my website.
7. Risk Of Alienating Existing Users
Your current website’s design and functionality might be familiar to your existing users. A drastic change can sometimes alienate loyal visitors who are used to the old setup. It’s crucial to communicate the benefits of the new site and provide support to help users adapt to the changes.
Yes, that is my greatest fear and strength. Fear, because I don’t want to lose my friends, but also strength, because I wanted to spread my wings further and go on to topics that interest me now.
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Taking The Plunge
Deciding to invest in a new website can feel daunting, but it’s also incredibly exciting. It’s an opportunity to breathe new life into your online presence and create something that truly represents your brand. So, if any of these signs resonate with you, it might be time to take the plunge and start planning your new website.
A new website can be a game-changer for your business, helping you connect with your audience and achieve your goals. If you’re seeing the signs that it’s time for an update, don’t hesitate to take the next step. With careful planning and the right approach, your new website will be a powerful tool for your business success.
Ready to make the change? Let’s get started on crafting a website that you and your customers will love!
Download your free resources now and begin your journey to a better website!
Ready to take your website from “meh” to “marvelous”? Let’s make some magic together! Check out my Showit customization services and let’s turn your template into a true reflection of your amazing brand. Your dream website is just a click away!
Remember, your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your business. Make it count with a customized Showit template that’s as unique and fabulous as you are!
If you want to do it on your own, Use my code DCP to get one 1.5 months free on Showit
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