It’s the time of year when businesses will be formally, or informally, reformulating their business plans for the year ahead. Planning business growth requires several strategies to be successful and your website can certainly be one of the biggest contributors. So, it’s also a time to reflect on your current website, which we will discuss below.

Are you getting the most from your website?

If you paid for a new website but haven’t done anything with it since, the answer to this question is likely to be no. Websites only provide quality returns when they are continually improved and adapted. They’re a bit like houses; they need updating to work at their best.

It’s important to continuously consider whether you’re getting the most from your website. After all, a website is an investment and you should expect to see returns from it on an ongoing basis. Knowing the exact return you’re getting from your website isn’t always easy to work out but our team can help you crunch some numbers and put everything in a straightforward, easy to understand context.

When was the last time you reviewed your website?

We get it – you have a business to run and reviewing your website probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list. But it’s important to make a real effort and schedule time every few months – at least every six months – to review your website. In this review, you should complete your own audit of your website pages by picking out parts that need updating or changing. You should also look at the website’s background data, such as how long people spend on certain pages and how many people are taking action once they land (conversion rates).

Get in touch for a comprehensive website audit and a greater understanding of your website conversions.

Is your website content up to date?

It’s quite easy for website content to become outdated, even among smaller businesses. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as:

• A recent rebrand
• New staff
• Offboarded staff
• New services
• Updated facts and figures
• New business milestones and achievements

Pay special attention to ‘about’ pages, team profile pages and even your blogs. You may have written a blog or guide on a certain subject and the content has now become outdated due to legislation changes or new industry practices.

How often should you invest in a new website?

The requirement for a new website varies based on evolving trends, technology advancements and, most importantly, your business needs. Generally, a website should undergo a refresh every 2-5 years to align with new design trends, stay technologically updated and maintain relevance in crowded industries.

However, certain factors like changes in branding, shifts in business focus or technological advancements might prompt the need for a new website sooner. Regular audits on user experience, security and content relevance are essential to maintain the site’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the business and its audience, ensuring your business has a fresh and engaging online presence.

Recap: As a new year begins, businesses recalibrate their plans and, among the strategies for growth, the website should be considered a significant contributor. Reflecting on its impact is crucial. A website is an ongoing investment demanding continuous attention for optimal returns. Regular reviews, every few months or at least every six, will help you keep the internet cobwebs off your site. The ideal website overhaul, typically every 2-5 years, ensures it is up to date with tech advancements and evolving user needs, for a perpetually engaging online presence. WEBPRO can assist if you need support or simply cannot find the hours in the day.

WEBPRO Knows

It’s estimated that more than 75% of consumers will evaluate a business’s credibility based on its website design which shows just how important it is to remain relevant, competitive and trustworthy in the eyes of your potential clients.