Signs it’s time to hire a Professional Web Designer

A website provides a crucial role in not only attracting new customers but impressing them – which is your best shot at converting visitors into leads. If you do not have a website or rely on social media platforms – this is a great article for you! Even if you have a website already, read on – make sure you aren’t in desperate need of an update or redesign!

1.      You don’t have the time and/or skills required to do it yourself

Having a website in today’s digital age, is crucial for the success of any business, large or small. You need a website as much as you need a logo, business name or business card. It is the virtual storefront for your business! In some cases, owners just don’t have the time to create a website because they are understandably out there running their business! In other cases, you may not have the necessary skills required to create a website, let alone the time it takes to learn those skills. Either way – that’s a great reason to outsource this project to someone who knows what they’re doing and can deliver a website that ticks all the boxes, putting your best visual foot forward on the internet!

2.      Over-reliance on social media

It is a very common mistake among small businesses, to think that social media platforms “pretty much do what a website does.” This topic is always a source of anxiety for me! First of all, the social media platform has all the control, not YOU. Secondly, social media platforms should support your website – they are a snapshot, while your website is the full picture! And finally, your website provides credibility and makes you look more professional. Anyone can create a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter account – businesses who invest in a website are showing customers why they can be trusted and that they are legitimate.

3.      Your business is growing, or growth has stalled.

Maybe you started out small and wanted to keep any overhead as low as humanly possible – even when it came to a website. But now your business is growing! This is the time to invest in a professional website to ensure your business continues on that path of growth. It will help you be taken seriously as well as reach a broader audience, enabling you to convert more leads to sales! If you’ve been in business for a while but your growth has stalled, a website is just what you need to put yourself back on the map! It will allow you to be seen by more customers on a much larger scale! You could even add e-commerce to your site, making your products and services available to anyone! Small businesses are abundantly grateful to their local customer base and their loyalty, however, relying solely on your local communities may be enough to keep your business alive but will not necessarily help your business to grow!

4.      Envious of Competitors Websites?

If you visit your competitor's websites and they have more visually appealing designs, an easier layout, eye-catching content or photography and you wish your site stood out more – that is a good sign, you not only need to refresh your site but that hiring a professional would be well worth the money!

5.      The site you have is OUTDATED.

This encompasses many things: does your current site have information or services that has been changed or are no longer available? Is your current site difficult to navigate for the user? Does it lack visual appeal, clear resolution? Is the site you currently have so out of date that it lacks mobile responsiveness? These are all huge turn offs to potential customers. A professional web designer always considers the user’s overall experience and makes sure to provide easy navigation and multiple CTA’s on your site. Now that users are searching for businesses on their mobile devices or tablets more than desktop computers, it is critical to make sure that your site is responsive across all three devices. A good web designer makes sure whatever device is used, your site looks amazing and is easy to navigate!

6.      Inconsistent Branding.

Maybe your branding has changed, evolved or been perfected over time...maybe you freshened up your logo or rebranded but did not make sure this was also updated on your site? If so, it gives an unprofessional vibe to visitors. Confuse potential customers about who you are or if they are visiting the right place – and you’re liable to have a higher bounce rate. I should mention, brand consistency is extremely important across all your platforms – whether it be your website, social media or advertising and marketing materials. A potential customer should know it’s you the minute they land on your site, pop over to check out your social media or as soon as they see your advertisement. Show off the same logo, the same typography, the same slogan, colors and vibe every time!

If any one of these six points is something you can relate to – please reach out to see how I can help.

I’d love to work with you and get your business noticed!