Can your website compete with the best?

A dedicated website is an essential component of any online marketing strategy. That’s why, as a modern business owner, you probably already have one. But is your current site appealing and functional enough to attract customers? Nowadays, the online arena is just as competitive as the high street, if not more so. That’s why it’s vitally important to ensure that your site doesn’t get left behind as the internet evolves and changes. If you’ve had the same website for a few years, it might be time to check if it’s still up to scratch. Here at Excalibur Digital, we’re experts in website design and development, so we understand exactly what attributes a modern website needs to succeed. We’ve created a checklist to help you decide if your site needs to be updated or even replaced.

1. Media integration

The days when a website could consist of nothing but text and static 2D images yet still be competitive are long gone. Customers expect modern websites to feature more sophisticated media, such as videos displaying your products and services or interactive features. If your site doesn’t include more advanced media (or lacks the ability to host it), it’s a clear indicator that it’s out of date and needs to be overhauled or replaced.

2. Purchasing facilities

Every modern site needs an online store. Whether you’re offering physical products or less tangible services, you need to be able to sell them through your website. Viewers are much more likely to become paying customers if they can purchase products or services directly through your site. Making customers call up or visit a separate online marketplace when they want to place an order just creates an unnecessary barrier between them and your products or services. If your site doesn’t have its own digital store, it’s time to replace it or upgrade it.

3. Ease of navigation

Have you ever thought about how easy it is for customers to find their way around your website? Most contemporary websites feature an easy-to-locate top-bar with links to the site’s main pages that makes it easy for customers to find whatever they need. If your site’s navigation system is more complex than that, it may be necessary to revise your site structure. You wouldn’t make it difficult for your customers to find what they want in a physical store, so you can’t afford to make your website hard to navigate.

4. Speed

Simply put, modern websites should load in a matter of seconds, not minutes. If your site is slow, it might be because the site itself is outdated, or because it isn’t being hosted on a sufficiently fast service. In either case, it’s time to think about moving and upgrading your site.

If your site lacks media, an online store, speed or simple navigation tools, it might need replacing, but that’s not a daunting prospect. Here at Excalibur Digital, we offer expert website design and development, as well as website hosting. In short, if you need a new site, we can provide it and give it a home. Check out our service pages today for more information.