7 Signs You Need a New Website for Your Business
The first and oldest web domain on the internet is symbolics.com, was established in 1985. And even they updated their look and feel to keep up with modern search and user trends.
Web design can sometimes seem like an unnecessary expense for small business owners - but in reality, it's a smart investment. User habits and Google search algorithms are constantly evolving, and if your website isn't regularly updated and optimized, you could be missing out on valuable web traffic and potential customers.
But how do you know when it's time to upgrade—or build your first site? Below, we've outlined 7 signs or reasons a small business may need a new website to stay competitive and attract more customers.
Keep reading to find out if any of these apply to you!
1. You Still Don't Have a Website
Surprisingly, a large number of small businesses in the US still don't have a website.
While this might work for a local gas station with steady foot traffic, it's a major missed opportunity for most other small businesses. Without a website, you're losing out on valuable leads and online visibility.
The good news? This is a problem that you can resolve quickly. Affordable web design is more accessible than ever. Modern websites are cost-effective to host, quick to design, and easy to manage - especially when you work with a savvy provider.
2. Your Current Website is Unattractive or Outdated
There's a saying: Never judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to your online presence, first impressions matter - a lot.
Your website's primary purpose is to attract and engage visitors, encouraging them to interact with your website based on your business goals. Whether it's purchasing a product (for an e-commerce store), requesting a quote (for service-based businesses like roofers and plumbers), or booking an appointment (for healthcare providers), design plays a critical role. In fact, one study found that close to 40% of visitors will abandon a website if they think it's unattractive or outdated.
So, if your website looks like it's from 2015 instead of 2025, it's time to invest in a professional website redesign—ASAP! Before potential customers click away.
3. Your Website Is Not Mobile Friendly
Chances are, you're glued to your smartphone - and you're not alone. The average user spends over 3 hours a day browsing social media, websites, emails, podcasts, and more on their phone.
It's safe to assume your customers are doing the same thing. That's why your business website must perform flawlessly not only on desktops but also on smartphones and tablets.
With nearly 60% of all web traffic now coming from mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly, responsive website isn't optional - it's essential.
The good news? Most modern website builders support responsive design, making it easier than ever to ensure your site looks and functions great on any screen size.
4. You're Not Getting the Results You Expect From Your Site
You've nailed that critical first impression. Your website looks great and performs well on mobile devices. Yet, you're still not generating the leads you expected.
Low conversion rates often stem from poor user experience or a website design that doesn't effectively guide your visitors through your sales funnel. They might find you, but once they're on your site, they're getting lost in where to go or what to do next.
A strategic website redesign focused on user flow and strong, clear calls-to-action can significantly improve engagement and help you hit your conversion goals.
5. Business Is Slow, and Sales Are Stagnating
You've had a legitimate business for a long time, and once, your website served you well. Potential customers could easily find you online and reach out through your contact form or by phone to inquire about your services.
But now, the inquiries have slowed - or stopped altogether. So, what's changed?
It's likely that your outdated website isn't optimized for inbound marketing. To attract and convert today's customers, your site needs strategically placed content that educates visitors, addresses their pain points, and builds trust in your expertise. Providing valuable, relevant information is key to driving traffic and turning visitors into leads.
6. You Have a High Bounce Rate
Google Analytics defines bounce rate as the percentage of users who visit a single page on your website and then leave without interacting further. In other words, it tracks visitors who land on your site - often from search results - and exit quickly without clicking to another page or engaging with your content.
A high bounce rate, typically between 56% to 70% (or higher), may indicate that your website isn't offering enough relevant, engaging content to encourage visitors to stay and explore.
To reduce bounce rate and boost engagement, consider upgrading your website to include clear navigation and valuable content at every stage of the user journey - giving visitors a reason to keep clicking and interacting with your brand.
7. Your Website Isn't Secure
If your website lacks proper security measures, it can hurt your visibility in Google search rankings - making it difficult for potential customers to find you. Even worse, if visitors perceive your site as unsafe, they're unlikely to trust you.
At a minimum, every modern website needs an SSL certificate to enable HTTPS encryption. This not only signals trust to users but is also a critical ranking factor for search engines. If your business handles sensitive customer information, it may be time to upgrade to more advanced website security solutions to better protect your data - and your reputation.
We Build Small Business Websites That Work
If you're questioning whether it's time for a new website, trust your instincts - most likely, you needed that upgrade yesterday. If even one of the points above resonates with you, it's a strong signal that your current website isn't meeting your business goals.
Perhaps your customers complain they can't find what they're looking for. Maybe you're worried clients aren't finding you online at all! Or maybe it's a struggle just to update content or navigate your own site.
Don't let a poor website hold your business back. Contact our agency today to explore your options. We specialize in affordable, secure, and SEO-optimized websites designed specifically for small businesses looking to grow their online presence.
Web design can sometimes seem like an unnecessary expense for small business owners - but in reality, it's a smart investment. User habits and Google search algorithms are constantly evolving, and if your website isn't regularly updated and optimized, you could be missing out on valuable web traffic and potential customers.
But how do you know when it's time to upgrade—or build your first site? Below, we've outlined 7 signs or reasons a small business may need a new website to stay competitive and attract more customers.
Keep reading to find out if any of these apply to you!
1. You Still Don't Have a Website
Surprisingly, a large number of small businesses in the US still don't have a website.
While this might work for a local gas station with steady foot traffic, it's a major missed opportunity for most other small businesses. Without a website, you're losing out on valuable leads and online visibility.
The good news? This is a problem that you can resolve quickly. Affordable web design is more accessible than ever. Modern websites are cost-effective to host, quick to design, and easy to manage - especially when you work with a savvy provider.
2. Your Current Website is Unattractive or Outdated
There's a saying: Never judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to your online presence, first impressions matter - a lot.
Your website's primary purpose is to attract and engage visitors, encouraging them to interact with your website based on your business goals. Whether it's purchasing a product (for an e-commerce store), requesting a quote (for service-based businesses like roofers and plumbers), or booking an appointment (for healthcare providers), design plays a critical role. In fact, one study found that close to 40% of visitors will abandon a website if they think it's unattractive or outdated.
So, if your website looks like it's from 2015 instead of 2025, it's time to invest in a professional website redesign—ASAP! Before potential customers click away.
3. Your Website Is Not Mobile Friendly
Chances are, you're glued to your smartphone - and you're not alone. The average user spends over 3 hours a day browsing social media, websites, emails, podcasts, and more on their phone.
It's safe to assume your customers are doing the same thing. That's why your business website must perform flawlessly not only on desktops but also on smartphones and tablets.
With nearly 60% of all web traffic now coming from mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly, responsive website isn't optional - it's essential.
The good news? Most modern website builders support responsive design, making it easier than ever to ensure your site looks and functions great on any screen size.
4. You're Not Getting the Results You Expect From Your Site
You've nailed that critical first impression. Your website looks great and performs well on mobile devices. Yet, you're still not generating the leads you expected.
Low conversion rates often stem from poor user experience or a website design that doesn't effectively guide your visitors through your sales funnel. They might find you, but once they're on your site, they're getting lost in where to go or what to do next.
A strategic website redesign focused on user flow and strong, clear calls-to-action can significantly improve engagement and help you hit your conversion goals.
5. Business Is Slow, and Sales Are Stagnating
You've had a legitimate business for a long time, and once, your website served you well. Potential customers could easily find you online and reach out through your contact form or by phone to inquire about your services.
But now, the inquiries have slowed - or stopped altogether. So, what's changed?
It's likely that your outdated website isn't optimized for inbound marketing. To attract and convert today's customers, your site needs strategically placed content that educates visitors, addresses their pain points, and builds trust in your expertise. Providing valuable, relevant information is key to driving traffic and turning visitors into leads.
6. You Have a High Bounce Rate
Google Analytics defines bounce rate as the percentage of users who visit a single page on your website and then leave without interacting further. In other words, it tracks visitors who land on your site - often from search results - and exit quickly without clicking to another page or engaging with your content.
A high bounce rate, typically between 56% to 70% (or higher), may indicate that your website isn't offering enough relevant, engaging content to encourage visitors to stay and explore.
To reduce bounce rate and boost engagement, consider upgrading your website to include clear navigation and valuable content at every stage of the user journey - giving visitors a reason to keep clicking and interacting with your brand.
7. Your Website Isn't Secure
If your website lacks proper security measures, it can hurt your visibility in Google search rankings - making it difficult for potential customers to find you. Even worse, if visitors perceive your site as unsafe, they're unlikely to trust you.
At a minimum, every modern website needs an SSL certificate to enable HTTPS encryption. This not only signals trust to users but is also a critical ranking factor for search engines. If your business handles sensitive customer information, it may be time to upgrade to more advanced website security solutions to better protect your data - and your reputation.
We Build Small Business Websites That Work
If you're questioning whether it's time for a new website, trust your instincts - most likely, you needed that upgrade yesterday. If even one of the points above resonates with you, it's a strong signal that your current website isn't meeting your business goals.
Perhaps your customers complain they can't find what they're looking for. Maybe you're worried clients aren't finding you online at all! Or maybe it's a struggle just to update content or navigate your own site.
Don't let a poor website hold your business back. Contact our agency today to explore your options. We specialize in affordable, secure, and SEO-optimized websites designed specifically for small businesses looking to grow their online presence.