1. You’re not current with scheduled updates.
While content updates are critical to keep your website fresh and increase your visibility in online searches, many people fail to realize the importance of simple software updates. If you’re using an open source content management system, these websites require regular updates for security purposes. The longer you run an outdated version of your CMS, the better your likelihood is of being hacked. If it’s been a couple years since your site was last updated, chances are, you may be better off starting with a fresh install of the latest version of the CMS.
2. Your navigation requires an explanation.
In a recent review of a variety of nonprofit websites, I was surprised to find how many organizations have websites that are difficult to navigate. Your content is critical to the effectiveness of your site, so if visitors have a difficult time finding what they’re looking for, you’re going to lose them. You might consider revamping the structure of your navigation in a new design.
3. Your site was built by someone who is no longer associated with the organization.
I recently spoke with a woman managing a small nonprofit who explained that while they desperately needed assistance with their website, they had a “delicate” relationship with the person who created it. Sadly, this situation is more common than you’d think. A very well-intentioned individual builds a website to help a nonprofit organization get started, but there is little assistance beyond the initial creation of the site. In order to have a successful online presence, you need to be sure you have the tools in hand to maintain your site or an ongoing relationship with a content manager who can assist with updates.
4. Your site is not responsive.
We talk about this a lot in the ServanTek blog, but it bears repeating: a responsive site is critical. If your running a site that is not mobile-friendly, you’re not only frustrating users, but you’re also hampering your visibility in search results. With countless responsive templates available for open source content management systems today (some for free!), there’s no reason not to upgrade.
5. Your branding has changed.
If you’ve introduced new branding but your site is still hanging on to that old look, it’s time to create a consistent identity across the board. Your branding is typically the first thing people notice when they find you on the web. If your site does not match other channels of communication you’ve used to engage your audience, your visitors will be confused at best, and distrustful at worst.
Are you contemplating a redesign? Stay tuned for “6 Steps to a Successful Redesign.”