Since social networks jumped to the forefront in marketing and advertising, it’s easy to think business websites have taken a backseat. Here are 10 Signs Your Website is Out of Date.
In fact, the opposite is true; the website is vital for successful and lasting online business. Therefore, leaving it unattended informs customers about its usefulness.
10 Signs Your Website is Out of Date
- Archaic Design
- Flash Web Layout
- Dated Copyright
- Inaccuracy
- Broken Pages
- Too Much Text
- No Call to Action Guidance
- Not Mobile-Friendly
- Not Social Media Friendly
- No Translation Software
If one of the 10 signs your website is out of date applies to you, it’s time for a major revamp.
1. Archaic Design
Like face-to-face conversation, first impressions are crucial. It becomes an uphill battle to regain customers once they lay eyes on your website. With too many colours, a one size fits all page layout, thumbnail photos, and left orientation writing structure, everyone knows the website is from yesteryear, not this year. Today’s sites have sharp, beautiful photos with centred structure, concentrated colours (aka company colours), and a flexible layout, and a professional result.
2. Flash Web Layout
You remember the days of Flash web content. There wasn’t a site without it. Unfortunately, Flash was too slow to load up. No one waited for a beautiful flash website to load up; other times flash didn’t load at all. As a result, the trend faded. Today’s sites focus on visual imagery with fast load times.
3. Dated Copyright
The least stressful sign to determine the website age is the copyright. Anyone can scroll down to the footer and view the copyright date. If it doesn’t match the current year, it’s out of date. Update the copyright.
4. Inaccuracy
Incorrect information on the website is the worst of the bunch, and customers turn away as a result. Adding too much or too little information is just as bad. Fix false information immediately to maintain trustworthiness. Likewise, spelling and grammar mistakes scream inaccuracy too, and readers love pointing out spelling and grammar mistakes. Proofread and correct English composition mistakes on the site before they do.
5. Broken Pages
Too many 404 or dead-end pages frustrate users. This forces users to find the answers on another website. In the meantime, you’re losing customers and increasing bounce rate. Broken pages include 404 pages, non-working features, missing pages, blank pages, and recently moved pages without a redirect link. Free and paid software are available for this problem, so fix broken links and pages immediately.
6. Too Much Text
Text on every page is boring, and no one visits your website to read 24/7. Users expect instruction through audio, photo, video, and infographic too. Provide a variety of mediums for consumers to view.
7. No Call to Action Guidance
While your website encourages consumers to try a free consultation, download free software, or purchase a product/service, leading customers to the page is impossible. Dragging consumers everywhere but there leave them in limbo. Have working and correct links to guide users to the right path.
Further reading: What are Call to Actions and how do they generate leads?
8. Not Mobile-Friendly
Use a cell phone or tablet and enter your web address. Does it match the website in quality? Mobile users shouldn’t scroll up and down endlessly to find information. Therefore, make it easier for them by creating a mobile-friendly website. Companies can choose from an app, a mobile web version, or responsive web design. With so many users relying on mobile devices more than computers, companies must adjust to the growing demand.
Further reading: Do you have a Mobile Friendly Website Design?
9. Not Social Media Friendly
Social media networks are an important part of online marketing so not adding those sites to your website is a big mistake. First, social networks complete the online presence pyramid. You can control your image instead of others automatically doing it for you and without your consent. Second, social networks provide more information than a website. Third, it creates validation by separating the true site from the pretenders. Add sharing buttons with the social media accounts so users can refer you to them.
10. No Translation Software
Make bilinguals and non-native speaking readers loyal by reading your website in their language. Allow Google to translate the page in many languages. Alternately, try another translation service, use a plug-in or translate it manually.
In conclusion
The static website days are over. Continued ignorance and non-maintenance will result in search engine ranking loss, angry customers, and hackers. Today’s website shows engagement through updated information, updated multimedia, updated security protection, and integrated social media feeds.
More Reading
How to Build Multiple Email Lists for Your Business from your Website
How to Build the Perfect E-Commerce Checkout Experience
Reinvent Your Website Lead Generation Strategy with Engaging Content
5 Reasons to Customise Your Social Media Strategy for Every Channel
7 Unbeatable Business Digital Marketing Trends
10 Must-Have E-Commerce Product Page Elements
10 Best Practices for a Successful WordPress Website Design Project
Top 8 Advanced WordPress Features and Plugins to Beat Your Competition
