Introduction: Why You Might Need a New Website Now

So, you’re contemplating, “Do I need a new website?” If you’re on the fence, let me share a little story. One of my clients, an excavation contractor, was competing for a project—a new garage construction. The competition had bid so low that my client thought they must be losing money or barely breaking even on it. However, when the wealthy homeowner compared the websites of both companies, he chose my client. The professionalism of my client’s site made all the difference.

How Do I Know If I Need a New Website?

1. Your Site Looks Like It Was Designed in the Stone Age

When your website is stuck in the past, you’re telling your visitors that your business might be too. A dated design isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it’s a credibility killer. According to a Stanford study, 75% of users make judgments about a company’s credibility based on their website’s design.

2. Your Website Isn’t Your Friend on Mobile

We live in a mobile-first world. Ignoring this fact can cost you dearly. A Statista report reveals that 54.8% of web traffic now originates from mobile devices.

3. Sluggish Load Times Are Hurting You

It’s simple. Slow websites drive people away. And yes, Google notices this too. Google’s Speed Update underlines the importance of website speed in search rankings, which means how high your website appears when people search for relevant terms.

4. No SSL Certificate? Big Mistake

Many potential customers look for the secure ‘https’ in your web address before making a purchase or signing up for your service. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and it ensures that any data transferred between the user and the server remains private. A GlobalSign survey found that 84% of users would abandon a purchase if data was sent over an unsecured connection (http instead of https).

5. User Experience Is More Than a Buzzword

A website that’s difficult to navigate or understand can hurt your bottom line. UI, or User Interface, plays a crucial role in this. It refers to the layout and design through which users interact with your website. Forrester’s research indicates that a well-designed UI could potentially increase your website’s conversion rate by up to 400%.

6. Using Antiquated SEO Practices

If your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tactics are outdated, you’re hurting your own visibility on search engines. SEO is all about improving your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results. A Backlinko study states that the top 10% of pages receive 91% of organic search traffic.

Your Website as a Prime Billboard: The Importance of Aesthetics and SEO

Imagine your website as a billboard on the busiest highway imaginable. Now think of SEO as what ensures that your billboard isn’t obstructed by a tree or lost among hundreds of other billboards. The position of your billboard on this highway is vital. According to a BrightEdge study, 53.3% of all website traffic comes from organic search. Additionally, the same study reveals that the top positions in search results receive the majority of clicks, with the top result getting as much as 33% of the traffic.

How to Make a Website That Attracts the Right Customers

My excavation client may not have been the cheapest option, but he attracted the kind of customer you want to have. What made him appealing to a well-off client was his professional-looking website. Such clients look past the price and gauge the value they’re getting for their money.

Your Tactical Guide for a Website Overhaul

1. User Experience Should Be a Priority

It’s not just about what your site offers, but how it offers it.

2. The SEO Factor You Can’t Ignore

SEO isn’t something you can set and forget. It’s a continual process. A study from Moz highlights that websites on the first page of search results capture 71% of search traffic clicks.

3. Why Quality Backlinks Matter

Good backlinks are like good references on a job application. They come from reputable sites and help establish your website’s credibility. According to SEMrush, websites with a blog have 434% more indexed pages

The Bottom Line: Quality Over Quantity

A top-notch, well-optimized website isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s a business necessity. If you’re in need of a website upgrade, consider hiring professional services. You can check out Net Compass’s web development services or visit our homepage for more information.