The internet moves at an incredible rate. Who would have thought 5 years ago, we would be surfing the internet over our mobile phones?

I had a clue, but the latest technologies are moving forward at an alarming rate.

So you had your site built a while back, it didn't cost you an arm and a leg, and well, let's be honest, you really weren't sure it would make an impact on your business anyway, so it did fine.

But what damage is it doing now?

Nobody looks in the yellow pages anymore, I know I don't, and my girlfriend pretty much only ever uses them to stand on so that she can reach the top shelf of the pantry.

Everyone searches online these days, it's as simple as that.

Here are a couple of questions to ponder.

What exactly do your customers REALLY think of your website?
After surfing around a bit, what do you REALLY think of your own website?

Of late, it has become very important to not only provide your customers with a web presence, but to also ensure that it kick's the competition, otherwise you are risking them going to somebody else.

So here are a few things to identify whether or not you need a rebuild.....

1) Branding
Is the logo on your site, the latest and greatest? Does it ooze professionalism, or does it look like it was designed in the 80's?
Probably a good time for a redesign then!

2) Contact Details
Does your site provide adequate contact details? Address, phone number, perhaps a form for people to fill out quickly if they have a question? A map so that they can navigate their trip to your office?
You don't want to give people the excuse that they couldn't find you. This is probably the most important section of a website.

3) Overall presentation
Ok so the site you had built 8 years ago, was awesome, it rocked! But where does it stand in today's advanced design world?
Have a look around at some of the sites that have been created in the last year or so. If your site looks old in comparison, it's probably time to take a look at it.
Another problem I often see, is page elements that simply do not belong. Modern developers specialise in making EVERYTHING in your site work together.
An image that doesn't belong or empty pages can drag your entire site to an unprofessional level.

4) Getting the point across
We all want visitors to know what our site is about straight away. They don't have time to figure out what you do, you have to tell them.
If your site doesn't tell them what you do, or it confuses them, it's time for a revamp.

5) Can you update it yourself?
In today's tech world, no longer are developers simply creating static pages, (well, not the good ones anyway) there are many content management systems out there.
If you still rely on a web developer to change the text or images of your site, it really is time to get your site out of the past.

6) Can you find your site on google?
This is a very common problem. I have seen many people not even be able to rank for their own business name! Having an older site, you likely have earned some trust with major search engines, a good developer can take this weight and apply it to your new branding, leaving your streets ahead of your competition.

7) How long ago was your site built?
If the answer is 'More than 5 years ago', then that is a tell tale sign that you need to upgrade. Technology standards have changed in that time, and you can suffer several negative consequences of 'not getting with the system'.
Hiring someone to update to new standards will alleviate that, and it may very well exceed all expectations with very minimal changes.

8) Pure promotion
If you have an old site, it is worth upgrading simply for the promotion. Letting people know that you have a new website for them to check out, is a very good marketing tool.
Press releases can be made and even promotional events can be created around it.

9) Have your competitors updated?
If they have, then it definately is time to compete. People look around, it's human nature to look at other companies that provide the same service. If your image is not portrayed as well as theirs you're losing business.
And that is not good.

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