While we are grateful for the internet and all of the doors it opens for us, we can’t expect everything to be magically done for us. For example, you created your own website a few years ago, and that’s truly exciting. However, when was the last time you updated it?
If you can’t remember, then that alone is a sign that you need to update your website. Or, perhaps you’ve just started your first website and need to know a few basics. We’ve all been there! So, let’s start with something basic: the Top 3 Reasons to Have an Up-to-Date Website.
- Engaging User Interface = Engaged Customers
A term that every website owner is aware of, (or should be aware of), is “bounce rate”. If you’re unfamiliar with this term, visualize your site as a physical store and several people walk by. Some of them glance at it and then decide to walk in to look around. Others, simply peek at it and decide rather quickly to keep walking past it. Those who decide to go on to another store are what make up the bounce rate of your website. Just like a real store, your website is missing out on viewership, engagement, and potential customers.
While the content of your website is key, there are other factors that are equally as important. Take a look at your website from a stranger’s perspective. What do you notice first? Does it load fast enough? Is it easy to find what you’re looking for? Is the font easy to read? Are the graphics good quality?
- Up to Date Information Creates Relationships
There’s nothing worse than following a link to a website, just to be met with a site that loads at a snail’s pace, is old, or hasn’t been touched in months. By taking a look at your website from this perspective, you’ll know what you wish to change. These web design development factors are all part of the bigger picture and are what make your website unique.
There are several ways you can show you care, just by the options you provide on your website. For example, in some way or form, visitors should be able to express their thoughts and ask questions. This can be done in many ways.
One way to do this easily is to enable comments on each post and have a page devoted to ways visitors can contact you. Whether they want to ask you a question or simply give feedback on something- being able to do so can make the difference between whether or not they visit your site more than once. If they are able to contact you, it’s also very important to make sure you’re receiving their comments and/or messages. If they take the time to message you and a comment or question they have goes without a reply, it makes it seem like you don’t truly care.
If for some reason, your contact information is outdated, these relationships cannot form and everyone misses out on a great opportunity. Check your information, and be sure to update it regularly. However, try not changing your most basic information, such as your e-mail address, all the time either.
Unfortunately, most of us have gone through the experience of being hacked at least once. Sometimes, this means needing to change our passwords. Others, it may mean starting from scratch (which includes using a new e-mail address).
In these circumstances, changing your information is necessary and not your fault. Don’t stress over things out of your control! Simply do your best to make sure your information is secure, and try to be as consistent as possible.
- Being Mobile-Friendly is Beneficial
Odds are, if your website hasn’t been updated properly, it isn’t mobile-friendly. Do you know how many visitors you’re missing out on?! In fact, according to Review 42, 70% of web traffic comes from mobile phones and 80% of the top-ranked websites are mobile-friendly.
This isn’t completely surprising, seeing as the majority of people don’t go anywhere without their cell phones in their hands. Therefore, having a website that can be seen in a mobile-ready format is simply logical. If you’ve ever been browsing the web from your smartphone, you probably already know how easy it is to pick out which websites are outdated and which ones aren’t.
These are only 3 of several reasons why it’s important to have an up-to-date website. To learn more about how an updated website can serve you and your needs, contact Twenty West.