You started a website a long time ago, but years have passed and it looks like something out of a Geocities nightmare. What do you do?
In all seriousness, most of you probably haven’t let your site sit for that long without a website update. That said, it’s easy to get caught up in your daily life and forget to make those much-needed changes as they arise.
In the following article, we’ll be examining the top signs your site needs to be updated. Let’s begin!
1. You Are Making URL Excuses
In a previous blog, we discussed the top signs you should fire your web designer. There were five in full, but we missed one.
If your designer isn’t mining the link architecture of your website, then he’s missing a vital part of site updates. URLs should be short, descriptive, to-the-point, and relevant to the content it points to.
- Good URL example:https://expectbest.co.uk/make-the-best-site-possible-how-to-share-your-expectations-and-needs-with-your-web-designer/
- Poor URL example: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4227538/?ref_=ttep_ep1
In the first example, you know exactly what the page will be. The second? No idea.
2. You Have Not Updated in a Year
A website redo is likely in order if you’ve allowed a lot of time to pass without doing one. The longer your site sits dormant, the greater the likelihood of security and functional vulnerabilities. So make sure you’re regularly installing software upgrades as they become available.
3. It Lacks Mobile Friendliness
If it isn’t mobile-friendly, then a website makeover is a must! Mobile has supplanted desktop and laptop use as the primary means that users access a computer. Sites that display poorly in that environment will perform poorly in traffic and popularity.
4. Updating Is Too Complicated
Work on a website should not be too complicated to figure out. If that’s the case, you’re likely operating beyond your needs or with an outdated site-builder.
Ensure that updates are prominently displayed and easy-to-download and install on your backend. Then, make sure it gets done. And pay attention to the summary of updates and changes that are being made to guard against the loss of wanted features.
5. Your Site Is Annoying to Users
Site annoyance can happen for a variety of reasons. Maybe there are too many pop-ups. Perhaps you’re using an outdated media player that affects load times and content consumption.
Think about what annoys you about a website. Then, make sure your site isn’t committing any of those sins.
6. It Takes Too Long to Load
Internet users are quite impatient today. They want to pull up the site, access the info, and move on with their lives. If your site is taking twice as long to do those things, you’ll lose these users to the competition.
But what’s a “good” load time? Google has a helpful tool that allows you to analyze that very question.
7. You Have Lost Sight of Your Message
A successful website ultimately relies on content and messaging. If you’re all over the place, then you won’t be able to build an audience.
Moods, tastes, and opinions can change with time. So can industries and technologies. Whatever your site’s about, make sure the information and content is relevant and timely.
Keep Your Website a Priority
A website is a valuable resource for building a following, growing your business, or getting information out to the public. Don’t treat it as second-hand. And if you’d like to see Expect Best in action, check out our services here.