Newsletter
November 2023 Newsletter
5 Ways Your Outdated Website is Hurting Your Small Business
In today's digital age, having a well-designed and updated website is crucial for the success of any small business. However, many small business owners lack the skills and time to maintain their website, which can deter potential clients.
Did you know? Tech experts recommend a website redesign or revamp every three years to stay up to date with tech trends and to accurately reflect your current brand. To help understand the impact your digital presence has on your small business, below we will explore five ways that an outdated website could be hurting your small business.
First Impressions Count
A whopping 48% of people believe a website’s design is the number one factor in determining the credibility of a business. It’s safe to say that the appearance of your website plays a crucial role in forming visitors' first impressions. An outdated design can make your business seem unprofessional and out of touch. Potential customers may question your credibility and trustworthiness, leading to a decrease in conversion rates.
An outdated website may also have issues with navigation and usability. If visitors find it difficult to navigate through your website, they may leave without exploring the products or services you offer. This can result in lost opportunities and missed sales.
User Experience
Website performance is another crucial factor that can impact your business negatively. An outdated website may have slow loading speeds, which can frustrate users and cause them to leave your website. Slow loading speeds can also negatively impact your website's search engine ranking, as search engines prioritise websites that provide a fast and smooth user experience.
Outdated technology can also pose a security risk. As new security threats emerge, outdated software may be more vulnerable to attacks. This can result in data breaches, which can damage your reputation and the trust of your customers.
Search Engine Optimisation
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is essential for driving organic traffic to your website. However, outdated SEO techniques can hinder your website's visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). As search engines update their algorithms, outdated websites may not comply with the latest SEO best practices.
Furthermore, outdated websites may not have a mobile-friendly design, which is important for ranking well in mobile search results
Mobile Compatibility
With the rise in mobile-use, mobile compatibility has become increasingly important. An outdated website may not be optimised for mobile use, leading to a poor user experience. This can result in high bounce rates, as visitors struggle to find the information they need or navigate the website on their mobile device.
Lead Generation
An updated website provides numerous opportunities for lead generation. For example, you can add lead capture forms, optimise landing pages, and integrate lead nurturing campaigns. Additionally, updating your website allows you to stay up to date with the latest marketing trends and technologies, allowing you to leverage these advancements in your lead generation efforts.
In summary, an outdated website can affect your small business in multiple ways. By updating your website regularly and redesigning your current site to meet modern standards, you can improve customer engagement, increase website traffic, and ultimately drive more sales through your website.