When clients come to me for help with their websites, I don’t always recommend an overhaul, sometimes they just need minor adjustments, some SEO or a little finesse.
Sometimes it's not broken, it might just need some TLC.
But there comes a time when small tweaks to your website are no longer enough to create the impact that you want (and need) in your business, but you’re not sure whether you’re ready for an entire overhaul.
A major refresh is when we go back to basics to reimagine the structure, story, style and SEO around you entire site.
Does your website need an overhaul?
Here are some of the tell tail signs to look for that might suggest you need more than just a tweak...
When your website no longer feels like it’s an accurate reflection of your brand
One thing I know for absolute certain is that your brand and message is going to evolve and you're going to form a clearer view of your ideal audience over time.
Change is a natural part of business and your website was never supposed to be static. It should evolve to support the stage you’re at (and this is precisely why I recommend using a platform builder that you can actually use.
But it can feel hard to let go of what was and move forwards - we get attached to what we know and the thought of creating something afresh can feel overwhelming.
Let's feel grateful for what our website has done for us, but not be tied to it just because we'veinvested time and money in it over the years (or we made it ourselves)
When your competitors are shifting it up a gear
I’m not one to promote doing things just because other people are, but the fact is that if your competitors or the leaders in your industry are reimagining their websites, then it’s going to set the standard for the niche.
You don't want to be trailing behind the pack. Notice what's happening in your industry so that you can be proactive and lead on on the front foot.
When you website has grown organically and it’s started to sprawl
When you first launch your website it will (hopefully) be clean, concise and well structured.
But then over time….you add a page or two here…bulk out the text and copy there…change the fonts and colours a little for a certain offer….and sooner or later you have something very far from your original website.
We often grab time here and there for website updates, but working on pages in silos can mean we lose sight of the bigger picture. But the bigger picture is how visitors will experience and form their impression of our brand.
Page structure, messaging and flow is one of the things that Google itself recommends that we pay attention to if we want our website to get found and rank well in search queries.
When you’re ready to lean into the next phase of your business
For some people, your brand and business will simply outgrow your existing shell.
You might not be able to put your finger exactly on why, but you just feel like you need new beginnings to fuel the fire in your belly for what you want to do next.
When your website is impacting how you feel about promoting your business
There’s a confidence that comes from going to the hairdressers or from stepping out wearing something new that makes you feel totally fabulous.
Or for some, the inner glow and pride that comes from knowing your home is decluttered and compartmentalised with everything just as it should be.
What does your website have to do with Marie Kondo or a new frock I hear you ask?
If inside you don’t feel great about your website because of any of the above points, then it’s going to affect the energy with which you show up in your business.
If your website doesn't give you an inner glow and feeling of expansion, then it's going to limit the way you market yourself and promote your services.
It's going to impact which opportunities you aspire for and whether you're taken credibly by others when you seek out collaborations..
Maybe it's time to get that glow back.
When you want to take back control
If you want to feel empowered to be in control of your website (and you should) , then there is no reason not to be.
Happily we no longer have to be tied to a designer in the long term and website retainer fees can become a relic from the past. Power to the people!
Now we have so many options of platform builders that, rather than being clunky and technically overwhelming, are actually a pleasure to use and maintain.
If you’re considering moving over to Wix or Squarespace, then I’d recommend getting some initial help from a designer to set it up right from the start because you don't know what you don't know (even if you think you might) and you don't want to be wasting hours figuring it out.
Or, if you’re a DIY website warrior (as I started out) - get some guidance or training.
If Wix is your platform of choice - as it is mine - then I am here for you on both counts.
When you don't just don't love it anymore...
If you're making updates but nothing you do makes you love it because there's just too much that needs to change...
Are you ready to create bigger, wider ripples in your health, wellness or creative business?
It can feel frustrating to have a fire in your belly for your mission, but to feel unsure of how to turn what’s in your head into a connecting online presence.
But you don't have to have all the answers or to figure it all out yourself.
If it’s time to reimagine your website and brand into a joyful expression of your unique nature, then I am here for you.
Feel free to come on over and find out more about my Wix website design services
Lucy
About Lucy:
I'm a brand designer, photographer and Wix website designer based in the UK. I help female business owners and career changers build their brand and online presence through photography and web, brand & human design, so that they can turn their passions into the business they dream of.
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