Is your website still sporting the equivalent of parachute pants and neon hoop earrings? If so, it’s probably time for a website makeover. Take our test to find out for sure.

1. You Created Your Site Using a Free Template

Free templates are fine if you’re just starting your business. A free template is better than having no website at all. But as your company grows, it’s worth spending the money on a site designed and customized exactly to your needs.

2. You Haven’t Added Any New Content Since You Launched Your Site

Your website content should be dynamic. We’re long past the point of websites as online company brochures. Not only does new hanging content help your site rank better in search engines, it also adds legitimacy to your business.

3. Your Content Is Outdated

In a similar vein, your website should reflect changes in your business. If you’ve changed your service offerings, products or how you do business, then you need to update your site.

4. Your Mission Statement Is Front and Centre

Ninety-nine percent of your customers don’t care about your mission statement. They want to know what you can do for them.

5. Your Website Isn’t Mobile Friendly

More than ever, it’s important for your site work across multiple platforms. More and more people are accessing websites via mobile devices, such as phones or tablets. Check your website analytics to see what percentage of your traffic comes from mobile devices, then expect this percentage to grow.

6. You Need Technical Support to Update Your Site

In the age of WordPress, you shouldn’t need an advanced degree in computer engineering to update or add new content to your site.

7. Your Site Isn’t Optimized for Search

Some customers will know your company name and search for it. Others will only find you by searching for product- and service-related terms (i.e. “dental clinics Toronto” versus “Jane Smith Dental Clinic”). If your site isn’t optimized for the right terms, prospects won’t find you.

8. Your Site Doesn’t Have Social Media Links

If your company is active on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, it’s important to include these links on your site. Otherwise, you’re missing a great opportunity to make new connections.

9. You Have Animated Graphics or “This Page Under Construction” Headings

Oh boy. Waving flags, winking smiley faces, scrolling text and “under construction” headings all date your site as pre-millennium.

10. Your Website Uses Frames

See point nine, above.

11. You Have Light Text on a Dark Background

These days, light text on dark background is generally reserved for artists, particularly musicians. Unless this is your industry (and maybe not even then), stick to dark text on a light background. It’s easier to read and looks more professional.

To see examples of poor web graphic design, check out The World’s Worst Website.

12. You Hesitate to Direct Prospects or Clients to Your Website

This is the most telling indicator. If you’re not proud to send people to your site, then it’s time for a change.

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time for a revamp! Webcopyplus has helped hundreds of companies across many industries makeover their websites with optimized and persuasive content. We can work with your graphic designer or, if you don’t have one yet, recommend one to you. To learn more, buzz us at (604) 295-0100 or email info@webcopyplus.com.