The hidden costs of outdated websites – The importance of website redesigns

Are you the owner of a small business and find yourself wondering if a website redesign is worth the investment? Here’s some food for thought: An outdated, slow, or unprofessional website can cost you far more in lost potential revenue than what you’ll spend on professional web design services.

The statistics paint a telling picture. According to a 2021 study by Blue Corona, 48% of people cited a website’s design as the No. 1 factor in deciding the credibility of a business. Your website is the face of your business. If it looks out-of-date or works poorly, potential customers may make negative assumptions about your business as a whole.

The digital world moves fast, and three years can mean significant shifts in technology, consumer behavior, and design trends. Google, for example, is constantly updating its algorithm, emphasizing mobile-first design, fast load times, and user-friendly design as essential elements for ranking high in search results. If your website fails to adapt, your business will likely lose visibility online, leading to a reduction in traffic and, subsequently, sales.

Let’s focus on loading speed, an often-overlooked aspect of web design. A one-second delay in page load time might result in a 7% reduction in conversions, as per data shared by Aberdeen Group. In the increasingly impatient online world, a slow website is a deterrent for many potential customers. Furthermore, Google’s mobile-first index announced in 2020 penalizes slow-loading websites, pushing them further down the search results.

Unprofessional or DIY websites can also spell disaster for small businesses. A Stanford study found that 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on visual design alone. An unprofessional-looking website can therefore deter potential customers and damage your reputation.

The difference between professional and DIY websites is glaringly evident in their performance. Research from GoDaddy suggests that professional websites generate nearly twice as much revenue per visitor compared to their DIY counterparts. This means that every penny saved on DIY website design equates to potential thousands lost in future clientele.

At IBIS Studio, we understand that small businesses need to budget wisely. But, considering the importance of an efficient, attractive, and current website, skimping on web design is a false economy. Investing in a professional web redesign every three years aligns your business with the latest design trends, meets user expectations, and complies with new technological updates.

Think of your website as a living, breathing aspect of your company that needs regular updates to stay healthy and efficient. Redesigning your website every three years might seem like a recurring cost, but in reality, it’s a strategic investment. An investment that ensures your business doesn’t just survive in the competitive digital landscape, but thrives.

A dated, slow, or DIY website can scare away potential customers, damage your reputation, and negatively impact your business. By investing in professional web design services you can make sure your online presence remains modern, fast, and effective—translating into increased traffic, customer trust, and, most importantly, more revenue. It’s time to think about your website as an investment, not an expense, because the true cost of an outdated website is lost business opportunities.

Contact us today to learn more how can IBIS help you represent your business the way you and your customers and the future of your company deserve.