Did you know that the average life of a website is only two years? This means that you need to constantly review your website and ensure that it is the best representation of your business.
For example: if your website is older than two years, it may cost you new and existing business. Below are 10 Reasons why your website is hurting you.
- Mobile responsiveness – If you do not have a mobile-responsive website, you will lose clients. Due to the high number of searches via mobile devices, Google is penalising businesses (via search results) that do not have mobile-responsive websites. With more than 50% of searches done via a mobile device, it is a huge factor. Your clients may use mobile to search, and your business may not appear in the results. You will be losing customers to your competitors.
- Visually relevant – Your website must have up-to-date photos relevant to your business today. It must appeal to your new and existing client base and be visually relevant. Out-of-date images can make people think that your business is also out of date.
- Code – If your website has been around for a while, your website may be using old code that is no longer relevant and open to hackers. Technology is constantly improving, and your old website could cost your business.
- Call to action – What calls to action are you using on your website? Do people travel through your site and find a reason to contact you or to purchase from you? How has your business changed since you first created your website?
- Content – Is your content relevant to your business today? When did you last update or review your content? Remember that Google loves new content, so updating your information regularly can give Google a reason to rescan your site. Plus, if you use tools like adding new blogs or articles, you give Google another reason to scan your website.
- Up-to-date software – Once your website is outdated, you risk things breaking. Some platforms like WordPress and the plugins used by WordPress update monthly. If you never update your website, you risk potentially large issues. Note: The updates are best done by your website professional.
- Latest SEO – Search engine optimisation grows and changes; it is not just a set-and-forget thing. Your SEO professional should make your site changes at least every month.
- Website speed – If your site is on a poor hosting platform or using outdated technology, it may run very slowly. A slow website may cause your visitors to go elsewhere.
- Easy to update – Make sure that your website is easy to update. I highly recommend WordPress for this reason. You want to be able to make simple changes to your site without having to pay someone to do it for you. You may also choose Squarespace, Wix or Shopify, as these are all relatively easy to update yourself.
- No access for hackers – If your website is up to date and has the latest versions of its software, you are less likely to be hacked. Don’t just think you are safe because you are a small business with few customers. Hackers try to destroy platforms and if you are part of a platform and your software is not current, you are open to hackers. The last thing you want is for your site hacked with malware and then need to have a costly repair or replacement done.
I hope your website is not experiencing all ten; this is your reminder to not just set and forget your website. It will be hurting you and your business.
Remember that your website is your storefront. You wouldn’t have an old and messy storefront and expect your business to grow and entice people to do business with you. So don’t forget about your website either.
Tip: Make sure your website is integrated with social media, and you have made it easy for people to contact your business.
If you need help modernising your website, contact Kelly @ My Sassy Business
