5 Reasons Why Your Marketing Budget Should Include a Website Redesign
5 Reasons Why Your Marketing Budget Should Include a Website Redesign
Keeping your business website updated is ALWAYS worth it...
Your company's 2014 marketing budget should definitely include a website redesign if your website isn't generating leads (and revenue). I don't need to know much about you or your company to say this with confidence. Print ads, billboards, and mailings are all well and good. But in the internet-centric marketing age, you cannot escape the necessity of having a high quality, up to date, well-designed website. The money you spend on continually ensuring you have the best possible website comes back to you in increased reputation and sales.
- Your website is your company's face
Many companies don't think twice about spending a large chunk of their marketing budget on high-priced PR or print ads, but when it comes to their websites, they think it makes sense to scrimp and save. Your company's website informs potential clients – about you, about your products or services, and about what sets you apart. Sometimes it's your company's first impression. Sometimes it's not. But it's always a major one. Think about one of the main goals of PR, print ads, and other forms of modern marketing: to get potential clients to visit your website. You have a very short window to impress a website visitor – having a dynamic, up to date, and well-designed website keeps web traffic interested and on your site longer
- Using SEO and other modern marketing strategies improves visibility
Instead of a brochure-style website which reads simply like a menu of your company's offerings, there should be a much broader purpose of your website: to prove your value. You do this by creating valuable content. This allows you to develop a rapport with repeat visitors who come to your site for help and information. Establishing a following is a smart way to prove your worth and credibility, which leads to future sales. Consider incorporating a blog into your website, where you host writings on topics relevant to your business and industry. Make sure you are using SEO best practices to vastly increase your company's exposure for a disproportionately small expense.
- Your website should reflect fresh and relevant information
Your business is dynamic and growing – why shouldn't the website which represents you? Your website is a main avenue for even existing customers to interact with and contact your company. All of your information must be 100% accurate and up to date. Very often, this requires the redesigning of your website. A website design which worked in the past may no longer be the most optimal design today.
- Your website isn't mobile-friendly
Considering how much web surfing takes place on mobile devices, this one is a no-brainer. According to Forbes, “87% of connected devices sales by 2017 will be tablets and smartphones.” To the average web surfer, a website that isn't mobile-friendly means inconvenience and annoyance. This is a surefire way to lose web traffic, and thus, customers. If your website doesn't boast mobile-friendly usability and design you should address this right away.
- Your competition is doing it
Your competitors are using blog articles, educational resources, and infographics on their websites. If they're not yet, they will be. Not only should you be keeping up and advancing past your competition's websites, you should be monitoring them to ensure yours isn't too similar or redundant. Due to the nature of your business, you and your competitors may market yourselves in a very similar manner. In order to set yourself apart, you want to stand out and be different. And keep in mind that your competition may be taking a different approach: closely copying language or marketing methods from your site. Your site should stay unique and dynamic so that you don't unwittingly have a clone out there, diluting what makes you special.
Redesign Your Website To Save Money In The Long Run
In a matter of seconds, a visitor to your website decides whether to leave or stay to investigate further. Having an up to date, well-designed website encourages visitors to stay and learn from you and about your business. Thus, if you want to avoid the loss of potential sales, it is absolutely crucial for your marketing budget to include website redesign.
Need Help With Your Website Redesign?
efelle is a full-service web design and online marketing company that offers a complete range of SEO and social media services to help your company reach its full potential. Call us at 206.384.4909 or use our online contact form to book a free consultation today.