Fresh new marketing initiatives and new targets for sales have likely been discussed, but what about making ‘digital’ a real focus for your business in 2018?

Here are 3 reasons we think you should invest in a new website in 2018, and why it’s the first step towards really getting serious about making digital part of your marketing efforts for the new year. Lets dive in…

Your website offers a poor experience to users on the move

Mobile internet browsing is huge. In 2008 a marketing analyst Mary Meeker predicted that in 2014 mobile access to the internet would overtake desktop usage. She was right, with the tipping point actually occurring in late 2013. In July 2015 another report was conducted, concluding that time spent browsing the internet on mobile devices clocks in at 4.3 hours per day (on average) compared with 2.8 hours on desktop devices¹.

Of course we’re now in 2018, so it’s absolutely critical that your website’s mobile experience is top notch.

The stats above just show that we’re consuming websites on the move as well as when the feeling takes us, by impulsively searching for services we require or products we might need, such as during an ad break whilst sitting on the sofa watching TV.

Why is this a reason to invest in a new website?

As a business you can’t ignore the change in the way people are consuming websites. You need to ensure that your website looks fantastic and offers a flawless user experience (UX) on mobile devices (as well as desktop ones too). Otherwise you’re going to loose potential business – no question about it.

If your website was redesigned more than a year ago it’s also worth noting that Google has started to roll out it’s “Mobile First Index”. Because most people are now browsing the web from their phones, Google is starting to determine where your site ranks based on how your website renders on mobile, rather than on desktop. Here’s some more information on this if you want to read more.

Even if your current website is responsive and adjusts when viewed on a range of different devices, if it was created even back in early 2017, chances are there are improvements that can be made now we know more about how users interact with responsive websites.

We see 2018 as the perfect time to redesign your website to put mobile users first.

The content on your website isn’t communicating the right message anymore

Content – often left as the last piece of the puzzle in a web design project – is actually one of the most important elements of your website. Why?

Because words go a long way in converting your website visitors into customers and clients. Pair up awesome design with great content and you’re on to a winning combination.

So, what’s the problem with content on many business websites?

It’s not regularly fine tuned and updated, so it makes your website appear extremely stagnant, and can even make your business project a totally different message to the one you intended.

It’s written like a series of statements and facts. E.g. “We were founded in 2009 and offer web design services to small businesses”. Rather than in a way that addresses the problems your clients are facing and how you can solve them to make your client’s life easier.

Why is this a reason to invest in a new website?

Content is definitely still king online, more so in 2018 than at any other time, so having a website that makes it super-easy for you to effortlessly add new content is essential if you want your website to be a success this year.

A website redesign is also the perfect time to re-evaluate your message and re-work your content to make sure it’s resonating with your target audience(s). Our top tip would be to also ensure that if you do redesign your website this year, make sure you pick an easy to use CMS (Content Management System) and put a lot of work in to fine tuning your content and making sure it’s of high value to your prospects.

Your visitors can’t easily find what they need or complete an action on your website

The ideal client you want to appeal to may have changed over time in your business, so there’s a good chance your website is outdated in this respect too.

Can visitors find valuable information on your website? Information that’s valuable enough and compelling enough for them to make contact?

You might also have a few different types of user visiting your website, each type looking for something different. Does your current website cater for all of their individual needs?