{"id":1388,"date":"2014-07-17T15:49:41","date_gmt":"2014-07-17T19:49:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justaddcontent.com\/?p=1388"},"modified":"2021-01-24T00:04:51","modified_gmt":"2021-01-24T05:04:51","slug":"when-to-redesign-small-business-website","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/profitpress.local\/when-to-redesign-small-business-website\/","title":{"rendered":"When is it Time to Revamp a Small Business Website? Here are 9 Ways to Know [List]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The most important thing about this question is knowing when to ask it.  Most small businesses are masters of their craft, not website experts.  That’s why 95% of small businesses have outdated websites.<\/strong>  That’s also a big opportunity for WordPress professionals to help out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small businesses either don’t think about their website much or don’t realize that it’s outdated.  Whether you’re a small business owner or a WordPress expert helping a business owner, here are some questions to ask to know whether it’s time for a website redesign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Does it work on mobile devices?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over 1\/3 of website traffic is from mobile devices<\/strong>, so your website should work and be easy to use on mobile devices like smartphones and tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your business website doesn’t work on mobile devices your prospective customers will find one that does.  Are you sending potential customers away?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re still using a dedicated (adaptive) mobile website, you should consider upgrading to responsive design.<\/strong>  Not only is a separate dedicated mobile website more expensive to keep up, but it can hurt SEO<\/strong> if it isn’t setup right and authority is split between multiple websites.  Responsive design is a new technology that makes your website work flawlessly on all devices<\/strong> by automatically adjusting to each device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Is the website secure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

30,000 websites are hacked every day.<\/strong>  Is your website secure?  If your website software is outdated, you’re at risk.  In fact, out of date website software is the #1 reason websites get hacked.  <\/strong>Your business is your livelihood, so make sure you get a security guarantee of some sort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although there’s no practical way to make a website hacker proof, a security guarantee will make sure that if your website is ever hacked or infected you’re not left with the bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentially, a security guarantee is an insurance policy<\/strong> that says your website company will have your back if anything happens.  Make sure you’re protected<\/strong> by one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your website host doing to make sure the security of your website?  If you don’t know, it might make sense to have a security audit done because your business is worth it.<\/strong>  You may want to move your website to a more secure host before revamping it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Does the website look outdated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a subjective question, but most people spend enough time online to know if a website feels outdated or not.  This is important because your website is the face of your business online. If it’s outdated, it reflects poorly on your business.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, studies have shown that customers have more trust<\/strong> and are willing to spend more<\/strong> with businesses with better designed websites.  This makes sense because visiting a poorly designed website online is like visiting a dirty, rundown store in the real world.  Your website represents your business online just like a store or office represents your business in the real world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it’s been a few years since your website has been updated, it’s probably ready for a refresh.  Newer technologies like responsive design and HTML5 change the way websites are built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Is the website easy to update yourself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should be able to update your website yourself.  You should be able to update things like your About and Contact pages, business information, contact and quote request forms, and more.  You need to be able to do these things without wasting money hiring somebody<\/strong> to do it for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most modern website builders like WordPress, GoCentral, Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, etc. have tools that make updating your website easy.  If you choose to build your website a different way, just make sure you have a content management system (CMS) to make it easier to update and maintain yourself on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Does the website let customers communicate with you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your website should have a flexible form builder<\/strong> that lets you create anything from simple contact forms to advanced quote request forms and surveys.  You should have the power to do these things when your business needs them without paying extra.  You should be able to create forms for any purpose, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n