We often get asked: How often should I update my website? Of course, the answer to this question varies, but there are several key things you should look at to help you determine if your current site is ready for a makeover. This blog will discuss what these key identifiers are and how to recognize them.
Generally, you will want to redesign your site every few years. However, the time span varies depending on your company, your products and services, and your budget. Most people cannot afford to update their site each year due to cost, yet, many businesses may be negatively affected if they wait longer than three.
Signs That Your Site Needs Updated
1) Mobile users have no way of accessing your site
Can people easily access your website using their tablets or mobile devices? We’re not talking about typing your URL into their smartphone browser, then pinching and zooming so they can read the text and press the links. We mean a mobile website, mobile application, or best of all, a responsive design. If mobile users have no simple way of accessing your site and viewing it optimally, then it is most definitely time to redesign your site or develop a mobile entity.
2) Your images or videos use Adobe Flash
Adobe Flash Player used to be very common for websites; however, with so many browser updates and new devices, Adobe Flash has become an absolute no-no. This is because Flash-based images do not display properly, or at all, on many devices and browsers. So that great video you have front-and-center on your homepage? A majority of your site visitors can’t even see it! If you still use flash-based multi-media, update your site ASAP to get the most out of your imagery.
3) You do not have the ability to make updates yourself
Is updating your website such a hassle that you don’t even bother anymore? Well the good news for you is that most websites today are built with content management systems (CMS), allowing staff members to update content, images and even add pages, all on their own. If you do not have the ability to log in and manage your site content, it is time for an update.
4) It looks outdated
If your website looks old, cluttered or difficult to navigate, you should consider a redesign. Prospects often glean their first impression of your company by looking at your website, and if it looks ten years old, they may assume that your business is outdated as well.
5) Your site isn't turning up in search results
Sometimes this can be resolved by conducting an analysis of your current situation and make alterations to your HTML, content, etc. However, if you discover that there are thousands of errors within your site and you’re lacking within the SEO department, your site is ready for an update.
Overall, these are some of the most common things that stand out on an outdated website. If your site currently faces any of these issues, contact your web developer and get started on re-designing your site. Additionally, Informatics has an award-winning team of web developers and designers ready to take on your project today, so contact us for more information.
