Is it Time for a New Website?

The fact that you are pondering this question tells me that you are carefully considering your business needs or problems, and wondering how a website fits into the solution. A website is merely a tool, and a tool is only effective if applied correctly to the problem being solved.

What are the business “problems” you are trying to solve? This is where I like to start the conversation. Here are some examples of common business problems:

• You want to grow your business (#1 business problem :))
• You get lots of web hits or calls, but not the ones that convert to sales (not attracting your ideal customer or client)
• You provide an online service, but people can’t find you
• People find you, but leave because your website is slow or difficult to navigate (poor user experience)
• People don’t understand the service or product you offer, or don’t realize they need your service or product (and need education)
• You are losing too much business to your competitors
• You want to rank higher in Google search results
• Your website does not truly represent you, your business, or your brand
• You want to change customer perception of your business
• People keep telling you need a website, but you’re not sure if it’s worth the cost (1. not everyone needs a proper website; 2. depending on your business or business needs, creating a web presence can be budget-friendly—keep reading to learn how)
• You want to grow your email list or mailing list
• You want the ability to engage your customers or clients through your website

Your business is unique, so your solution should also be unique–no one-size-fits-all here. If any of the above resonated with you, it’s time to think seriously about the best digital solution to tackle your business needs. Perhaps you’ll discover that a new or updated website is not your immediate need, but rather a more holistic solution.

Step 1: Identify your top goals or objectives

What is your biggest headache? What keeps you up at night? What distracts you from your core business? Can technology help here?

• It can be a micro-objective, such as, you want to reduce the number of phone calls from customers or clients who are confused about the product or service you have listed on your website.
• Perhaps your website needs to be mobile-optimized because your customer or client is on the go when they Google your business, product, or service offerings.
• Perhaps you are looking for opportunities to streamline and automate your processes to save time.

Step 2: Take inventory of the pieces you have in place

It’s worth taking time to list out the tools you already have. Maybe you don’t need a new or updated website. Perhaps all you need is to tweak your other tools.

Here are some examples of what to consider:

• Do you use a contact form, an email marketing service or platform, CRM software, appointment booking software, e-commerce platform, etc. Do they communicate with one another?
• Do you have social media accounts?
• Do you pay for digital marketing or advertising?
• Do you track web traffic/ analytics?
• Have you claimed your business on Google My Business (only applies to businesses with physical locations where you conduct business)?

Take a step back and try to view everything with fresh eyes. Are these tools working to support or further your goals and objectives? Still think your website is holding you back?

Step 3: Decide if you need help

This depends on a number of factors. How tech savvy are you? How much time and interest do you have in solving this for yourself? Are you fuzzy on what needs to be changed or modified? Speaking with a professional can help you understand your business problems and prioritize what changes should be made.

If a new or updated website is what you’re after, here are some DIY tips (if you want to try it yourself) and design inspiration. Don’t need a website right now or don’t have a budget for a website? Here’s how to rank on Google without a website. Not sure where to focus your energies or want help? I would love the opportunity to partner with you!