– from a web developer who’s seen the good, the bad, and the “why is this still online?”
Over the years, I’ve helped businesses of all sizes update, rebuild, and rescue their websites. And while every project is different, there’s one pattern I see over and over again: most business owners wait far too long before redesigning their site.
They usually call me after something breaks… or after a competitor launches a shiny new website that starts pulling their customers away.
So if you’re wondering whether it’s time to update your website, here are the five biggest signs I see in real-life client projects, and why they matter.
1. Your Website Looks Like It Was Built in Another Decade
I can always tell when a site is overdue for a redesign, usually within the first three seconds of opening it.
If your website still has:
- tiny text
- outdated fonts
- cluttered layouts
- inconsistent colors
- or a “boxed” look on large screens
…it immediately communicates one thing to visitors: “This business might not be keeping up.”
And I don’t say that to be harsh. I’ve seen businesses with fantastic services lose customers simply because their website looks outdated. A modern design instantly boosts credibility because people associate visuals with professionalism.
Think of your website as your digital storefront, would you let the paint peel off the front of your physical store?
2. It’s Not Mobile-Friendly (And Yes, This Still Happens a Lot)
Even today, I still rebuild websites that look perfect on desktop but completely fall apart on phones.
Sometimes the text is microscopic. Other times buttons are too small to tap.
And occasionally, the whole layout zooms out so far that it looks like a postage stamp.
Here’s the reality: for many industries, 60-80% of visitors come from mobile devices.
If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s costing you leads.
One client told me they thought their site was working fine… until they tested it on their phone for the first time in years. They hired me the next day.
3. Your Website Loads Slower Than Your Morning Coffee Order
I’ve worked with clients who didn’t realize their website took 8-10 seconds to load, and that’s an eternity online.
Slow websites can hurt your business because:
- people leave before the page loads
- Google ranks slow sites lower
- customers assume your business is outdated or unprofessional
When I optimize or rebuild a site, speed is one of the first things I tackle. A fast, lean, optimized site doesn’t just “feel” better, it converts better and ranks better.
You can dive deeper into why website speed matters for your business over on my detailed guide.
4. You’ve Outgrown Your Current Website
This is one of the most common reasons people call me.
Your business evolves, your website should too.
Maybe you’ve:
- added new services
- changed your branding
- expanded to new locations
- shifted your target audience
- or finally leveled past that DIY template you threw together years ago
When a business changes and the website doesn’t, customers can feel the disconnect. I’ve seen businesses struggle with outdated messaging simply because updating their old website was too difficult or too time-consuming.
A redesign gives your business a fresh foundation that matches who you are today, not who you were when you first launched.
5. You’re Embarrassed to Send People to It
This is the moment most people finally reach out to me.
I’ve had clients admit:
“I avoid sharing my website because it doesn’t represent my business anymore.”
If you find yourself hesitating before sending someone your link…
or giving out your Instagram instead…
or saying, “My website needs updating, but you can see my info here”…
– that’s a clear sign your website is hurting more than helping.
A website should be something you’re proud to show off,
a tool that brings in business, not something you feel the need to apologize for.
Ready for a Website That Works for You, Not Against You?
If you read through this list and found yourself nodding at even one of these signs… you’re not alone. Most of the websites I rebuild fall into at least two or three of these categories.
A redesign isn’t just about making things “look nicer.”
It’s about:
- increasing trust
- improving conversions
- making life easier for your customers
- and aligning your online presence with your actual business
And the best part?
A well-designed website works for you 24/7, even when you’re off the clock.
If you’d like, I can help you:
👉 review your current website
👉 identify real issues holding it back
👉 create a customized redesign plan
Just let me know, happy to take a look.
