Here at Smash we deal with this question all the time. Many of our clients come to us trying to figure out if their website just needs a few updates or a complete makeover.
The beauty of technology is that it’s always evolving, but this also means your website needs a bit of TLC every once in a while. It might seem overwhelming to keep up with all the latest plugins and updates, but the good news is that you don’t have to. The Smash team is always keeping an eye out for new technologies, and we alert our friends whenever something worth looking into comes out.
However, it is sometimes the case that a website needs more than a few updates. It might be your case that your website does not meet modern standards that improve your SEO or site performance. It could also be the case that your site simply does not provide your audience with a good user experience that makes them want to come back.
To help you navigate this dilemma, we put together a list of features that are absolutely needed to keep your website up to date. If your site doesn’t meet these requirements, then it might be a good time to start looking into creating a new website to keep your rankings on Google and to also create an updated experience for your readers.
No SSL certification
Most internet browsers require an SSL certificate in order to take in any personal information from customers. It shows that your site is secure and encrypted. If you plan on selling from your site, it is best to have this in place beforehand.
No new content
If you have difficulty posting content to your site it is probably time to update to a site where you can easily add and remove content. Your site should be updated regularly, not only to give your visitors fresh content, but new content also performs better for SEO purposes.
Slow load speed
Your website might look amazing…but does it take forever to load? That’s a major problem! Most likely, it is an image sizing issue, but sometimes it can be caused by animations on your site.
No newsletter integration
Having a mailing list allows you to keep in touch with your audience on your own terms. Whether you are promoting a product or just want to let your audience know you have a new post, a mailing list is a cost effective way to reach your target audience. Click here to learn more about growing your mailing list.
Not Mobile friendly
This might seem like a no brainer, but a ton of people are viewing your site on mobile. Make sure your site can be easily navigated on a phone and a tablet.
Unclear call to actions
Your site should allow your visitors to shop your recommended items or buy your products. If there is not a clear goal to your website, then people will not use it the way you want. Make sure your “ask” is clear and your CTAs are easily identified.
Poor Design
If your design does not flow or is messy, then it might be time to consider upgrading or changing the design. We always recommend looking at businesses and bloggers with successful sites for inspiration. Take notes of your experience and which features you enjoyed the most. In this way, you’ll be able to craft your own user experience based on what you like as a consumer.
We hope this information was helpful! If you are still not sure if it’s time to update your website, feel free to schedule a free consultation with one of our strategists
