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Is Your Website Holding Your Business Back? 10 Signs It's Time for a Website Redesign.

Writer's picture: Janinne BrunyeeJaninne Brunyee

Remember the excitement of launching your first business website? That fresh design, those carefully chosen colors, and the promise of reaching new customers online. But websites, like any business tool, need regular updates to stay effective. In today's digital world, your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. If it's not making the right impact, you might be missing out on valuable opportunities.



People looking at a website that needs to be redesigned.

Why Your Website Matters More Than Ever


According to recent research by Stanford Web Credibility Research, 75% of users judge a company's credibility based on their website design. Meanwhile, a 2023 HubSpot study revealed that 93% of customers start their buying journey with an online search. Your website isn't just a digital business card – it's your most powerful marketing tool.


Let's explore the ten telltale signs that your website might need a refresh, along with practical steps to bring it up to date.


Your Website Takes Forever to Load


Remember the last time you waited more than three seconds for a website to load? Neither do most people, because they've already moved on. Google's research shows that 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take longer than three seconds to load. Even worse, slow loading speeds can hurt your search engine rankings.


What to do about it: Start by testing your website's speed using Google's PageSpeed Insights tool. Common fixes include optimizing images, enabling browser caching, and minimizing code. Sometimes, switching to a better hosting provider can make a world of difference.


Your Site Looks Different on Mobile Devices


Mobile website design

Mobile-First Is No Longer Optional


With over 60% of web traffic now coming from mobile devices (according to Statista's 2024 report), having a mobile-friendly website isn't just nice to have – it's essential. If your website shrinks to tiny text on phones or requires horizontal scrolling, you're likely losing potential customers.


What to do about it: Invest in responsive design that automatically adjusts to different screen sizes. Test your website on various devices and browsers. Consider rebuilding your site using a mobile-first approach, where the mobile experience is prioritized during design.


Your Content Feels Outdated


The "About Us" page still shows 2020 team photos. Your latest blog post is from two years ago. Your services page doesn't reflect what you currently offer. Outdated content sends a clear message to visitors: this business might not be active or successful.


What to do about it: Schedule regular content audits. Update your core pages at least quarterly. Start a content calendar for fresh blog posts. Share customer success stories and case studies. Remember, fresh content isn't just for visitors – search engines love it too.


Your Design Looks Like It's From Another Era


Design Trends That Date Your Site


Remember when every website had spinning logos and flash animations? While those are extreme examples, subtle design elements can make your site feel dated. Flat design, minimalism, and intentional white space are current design trends that help visitors focus on what matters – your message.


What to do about it: Look at your competitors' websites and industry leaders for inspiration. Consider updating your color scheme, typography, and imagery. But remember, trends come and go – focus on clean, functional design that serves your visitors' needs.


Your Website Isn't Bringing In Leads


The Ultimate Purpose of Your Business Website


If your website isn't generating leads or sales, something's wrong. According to a Forrester study, 95% of visitors don't convert on their first visit. But if you're not converting any visitors into customers, your website isn't doing its job.


What to do about it: Review your calls-to-action. Are they clear? Compelling? Make sure contact forms are easy to find and fill out. Consider adding live chat. Most importantly, track your conversion rates and test different approaches.


Your Security Certificate Is Outdated


The Critical Importance of Website Security


An expired SSL certificate doesn't just show a scary warning to visitors – it can destroy trust and harm your search rankings. Google now uses HTTPS as a ranking signal, and browsers prominently display security warnings on non-secure sites.


What to do about it: Keep your SSL certificate current. Regular security updates and monitoring are essential. Consider a security service that includes malware scanning and removal.


Your Website Analytics Show Declining Traffic


Understanding Your Website's Performance


If your traffic is steadily declining, it might be because your website no longer meets current SEO requirements. Search engines regularly update their algorithms, and older websites often struggle to keep up.


What to do about it: Conduct an SEO audit. Update your meta descriptions and title tags. Ensure your content answers common customer questions. Consider working with an SEO professional to identify and fix technical issues.


Your Competitors' Websites Look Much Better


A Website Redesign for Staying Competitive in Your Industry


While you shouldn't copy your competitors, if their websites offer a significantly better user experience, you're at a disadvantage. A recent study by Salesforce showed that 67% of customers say their standard for good experiences is higher than ever.


What to do about it: Analyze what works well on competitor sites. Look for gaps in their offerings that you could fill. Focus on what makes your business unique and ensure your website communicates these differentiators effectively.


Your Website Lacks Integration With Current Tools


Modern Business Requires Modern Tools


If your website can't integrate with your CRM, email marketing platform, or other essential business tools, you're missing opportunities for automation and better customer service.


What to do about it: List the tools your business uses and ensure your website platform can integrate with them. Consider moving to a more flexible content management system if needed.


Your Brand Has Evolved But Your Website Hasn't


Keeping Your Online Presence Aligned With Your Brand


As businesses grow and evolve, their branding often changes too. If your website doesn't reflect your current brand identity, it can create confusion and erode trust.


What to do about it: Ensure your website aligns with your current brand guidelines. This includes colors, logos, tone of voice, and messaging. Consider a complete refresh if the gap is too wide.


Taking the Next Step


Updating your website might feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to happen all at once. Start with the most critical issues first – usually those affecting security, speed, and mobile responsiveness. Then work your way through other improvements systematically.


Remember, your website is an investment in your business's future. According to a 2023 Digital Marketing Institute report, businesses that regularly update their websites see an average of 25% higher customer engagement rates.


Your website should work as hard as you do to grow your business. If you're seeing any of these signs, it's time to consider a refresh. Your future customers will thank you for it.


Ready to give your business the website it deserves?


At Sugarbird Marketing, we've found that starting fresh on the Wix platform offers exciting possibilities for modern, high-performing websites. Wix's powerful features and flexible design tools allow us to create exactly what your business needs - whether that's a stunning portfolio, a robust e-commerce site, or an engaging nonprofit platform. While we can work with your existing site, starting from scratch often leads to better results as it allows us to take full advantage of Wix's latest features and design capabilities. Plus, we'll make sure you're comfortable managing your new site after launch. Let's talk about transforming your online presence into something that truly works for your business - schedule a conversation with us today.




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