Warning Signs

Here you will find 10 Warning Signs that let you know your business needs a new website. Many businesses don't realize an outdated, poorly designed website can do more damage to a business than no website at all. Many companies know they are falling way behind their competition but choose to ignore the warning signs.

If some of these warning signs sound familiar then it is a good time to take a look at your online presence. It doesn't matter if your business is selling products, services or a combination of both. The warning signs below are just a few of the indicators you may need a new website.

10 Warning Signs that you need a new website

1. The phones aren't ringing like they used to
A website tells a potential customer a lot about your business and what they can expect from your business. If a potential customer visits an outdated website their first impression is of a business that is behind the times and doesn't take care of details. Instead of calling, potential customers simply click to the next competitor website and your phone doesn't ring.

2. Face to Face deals die
A prime example of this warning sign is when you meet a potential customer at an industry event, trade show or some other function. The conversation goes great and the potential customer is excited. You exchange business cards with the understanding they are ready to buy. But you know your website sucks and as you drive home you hope he doesn't pull up your website.

However, potential customers always check out and visit the web address on your business card. Even though things went great with the face to face meeting, all of a sudden, they don't call and have no interest in taking your calls. The main reason this happens is because a poor website projects a bad image that kills deals.

3. I've lived here for years and have never heard of your business
When you hear comments like this it is a clear warning sign that your business lacks presence on the search engines. When people shop for products and services they search online and shortlist the websites that are the most appealing. If your website is buried in the back pages of the search results then your company won't make their shortlist. The phone book is dead and print advertising is dying.If potential customers can't find you easily online, then they will never be your customers.

4. Phones sales calls go sour
Often when a new potential customer calls, one of the first questions they ask is what is your website address or URL. Knowing your site is substandard to your competition you reluctantly give them the web address. The conversation is positive as your hear them type in your web address. There is a few seconds delay, as they pull up your site. All of a sudden any enthusiasm the customer had evaporates like a balloon deflating. You can feel it as the caller shortens the call and your website has killed another sale. Websites are a sales tool that can get you over the goal line or leave you in the bleachers.

5. Thin Credibility
If your products or services depend on advanced technologies a poor website damages your credibility. A sure sign there is a credibility issue is when potential clients start asking for references and their questions become very specific on minute details. Whatever you are telling them they will compare it to your website. The question they really want to ask is: If your product or service is so advanced why is your website so obsolete? A website should enhance, maintain and pre-sell your credibility.

6. I thought I was saving money
Many companies make the mistake of getting a cheap website without any SEO, or optimized design, because they think they are saving money. Even though their main competitors have polished and detailed websites they expect to compete with a cheap website. Once their new pretty website is launched, it doesn't take long for the company to realize their website isn't making them any money. The vast majority of cheap websites never make a dime, while SEO optimized websites pay big long term dividends in sales and increased revenues.

7. Excuses, Excuses and more Excuses
Companies with lousy websites constantly make up excuses to justify why their website is substandard. Excuses for the website become a part of the sales process. Sales people are constantly asking management for a competitive website only to be put off by excuses, as they see hot sales prospects go stone cold. Instead of wasting time making up excuses, get on the same or higher level as your competition with a new optimized website.

8. Lack of Industry Website Features = No Sale
A prime example of this warning sign is the wholesale food companies that sell to restaurants. Years ago orders were taken by phone and fax. Now, ordering online is a standard feature in their industry to increase efficiencies and convenience for their customers. Today, the ability to order online in this industry is considered a standard must have feature. For many customers in the restaurant business not being able to order online is a deal killer. The warning here is if your website doesn't give your customers the features they want then don't expect your customers to stick around.

9. Competitors are expanding while you are contracting
Odds are your competitors that are expanding rapidly have slick websites and a big presence online. Their websites are the ones that have numerous Page 1s in the search engines. In many industries the companies with professional optimized websites hog all the quality organic traffic. Ignore this warning and it won't be long until all you get is fewer scraps, while your competitors get the gravy.

10. I can't afford a new website
The reason most companies think they can't afford a professionally optimized website is because of declining revenues. However, the main reason revenues are declining is because their website is not giving them any ROI, or Return on Investment. It is a viscous circle, when the reality is if the situation continues, they won't have the cash flow to afford anything. An optimized website is an investment in a company's reputation, profitability and economic future.

If some of the 10 recurring warning signs above ring a bell then you should consider LeadHQ. We build optimized organic websites that deliver a high ROI. LeadHQ websites have a proven track record of making money. Make an investment in your economic future today with a LeadHQ optimized organic website.