Everyone has different opinions when it comes to determining the timing for a website revamp. Some say every few years, while others believe every decade is acceptable. Because the Internet changes at lightning speed, it’s important to keep up with new trends and technologies. As a full marketing agency that has developed dozens of sites for clients every year, we have picked up on key distinctions between what’s considered acceptable and what’s outdated. Sometimes the signs are very apparent, while others can only be seen by the trained eye. Have you been questioning your website’s visual appeal and organization? Read on to find out if your website needs an update.

The Copyright Year is Not Current

If the copyright year in your website’s footer says anything less than our current 2014 year, chances are you haven’t updated your website for at least 10 months. When the copyright begins to fall behind the times, you’re communicating to viewers that your website hasn’t been changed much. Searchers who find your company may conclude that the information isn’t fresh and decide to leave without a second glance. An outdated copyright is a good sign that you should consider looking over your pages and determine if a website redesign is an option.

Your Website is More than Five Years Old

There is a “magic number” for how old a website should be before a redesign, but it’s usually around the same time that you’re checking how it stands. A renovated website uses the newest programming techniques and design trends. It’s only a matter of time before better programs or approaches come along that will make your website stand out from the rest. One of the best ways to stay informed of changes is by looking at your competitors. If you see something on their websites that you know would be great on yours, it’s time to revise!

Your Website is Not Responsive

A responsive website means having a site that is coded to acclimate to all screen sizes, no matter what device the website is being displayed on. We no longer live in a world where accessing the Internet is done only through a desktop computer. When it comes to mobile device usage in the United States, 56 percent of adult Americans use their smartphones to access the Internet and 29 percent use their tablets. These percentages will only increase. Desktop and laptop computers aren’t going away any time soon, but it’s absolutely necessary to make your website responsive for new devices. Check to see if you have a responsive website by accessing it from a different device, and see what it looks like. If your pages are disorganized, unreadable and loading slow, it’s time to go responsive.

Content Does Not Match Services

Think about everything your company offers to customers. Does your website include all the services you provide? If you have expanded, added a new department, or no longer offer a service, your website should reflect that. Think about all of the opportunities you’re missing if viewers are uninformed of your services! There is nothing more awkward than having to explain to a potential customer that you no longer offer a service, even though it’s still on your website. Maintain your customer loyalty and dependability by updating your content regularly.

No Social Media Presence

Our world revolves around social media and the art of online conversation. The fact is that social signals play a significant role in SEO. Search engines are now measuring social activity and engagement when determining search results and ranking factors. If you want people talking about your company and services, you need to be active on social media platforms. When it comes to online marketing, 93 percent of businesses are using some form of social media. It has become the number one way to get in front of customers and speak to your target audience. Social media is a great opportunity to generate leads, promote marketing initiatives and drive traffic to your website. Some businesses are successful using a single platform, while others thrive on several. Regardless of your decision, consider improving your online presence by joining the rest of the world on social media.

Broken Links

Nothing is more frustrating than clicking a broken link. If someone is viewing your website and runs into error pages, it can be a real turnoff. Many business owners believe that loyal customers will overlook poorly maintained websites – not true! Fixing internal page links is the first step. Reviewing external links is the second. Unfortunately, you cannot control when an external website you’re linking to has broken pages, but you can unlink them if they no longer work. Correcting broken links is a simple process, and in the long run, it’s an easy fix that your customers will greatly appreciate.  

If your website is showing any of these warning signs, it may be time to make some changes. Whether you need a small cleanup or an entire site makeover, Sage Island’s savvy team of programmers, designers and social media marketers understands what it takes to build a fully functional, optimal website. Contact us if you’re ready to wow your customers with a dynamic website, and build your online, social media presence.

Mike Duncan co-founded Sage Island in 1997, and since then has evolved the agency’s scope to include marketing strategy, creative design, technical development and a wide range of digital marketing services. With an integrated approach that leverages the power and measurability of the internet, the savvy Sage Island team develops strategies, builds brands, writes killer copy and delivers to clients all over the world. And they have an awesome time doing it. Sage’s collaborative working environment keeps creativity and innovation at the heart of the concept. With a 17-year history in Wilmington and beyond, Sage Island shows no signs of slowing down. To learn how Sage Island can grow your business, check us out at www.sageisland.com. To stay updated on the latest in digital marketing, follow Sage Island on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SageIsland, and on Twitter at twitter.com/SageIsland.